Subatomic Particles Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to subatomic particles, including their characteristics, location, and relationships.

What are the three main subatomic particles?

Protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Where are protons and neutrons located in an atom?

In the nucleus.

What charge do protons have?

+1 charge.

What particle determines an element’s identity?

Protons determine the element’s identity.

Which subatomic particle differs in isotopes?

Neutrons differ in isotopes.

Which subatomic particle differs in ions?

Electrons differ in ions.

How much heavier is a proton compared to an electron?

A proton is about 1836 times heavier than an electron.

What is the approximate mass of a neutron relative to a proton?

Neutron and proton masses are approximately equal (1 amu).

If an atom has 11 protons, 12 neutrons, and 11 electrons, what element is it?

It is sodium (Na).

How does the number of protons relate to the atomic number?

The atomic number equals the number of protons.

Why do electrons not contribute significantly to atomic mass?

Electrons have negligible mass compared to protons and neutrons.

Which subatomic particle is most responsible for chemical bonding?

Electrons determine bonding and reactivity.

What is the overall charge of an atom with 19 protons, 20 neutrons, and 18 electrons?

+1 overall charge.

What distinguishes atomic mass unit (amu) from atomic number?

Atomic mass unit (amu) measures mass; atomic number counts protons.

How are subatomic particles arranged in the Bohr model of the atom?

Electrons orbit the nucleus in circular energy levels.

What term replaces 'orbit' in the modern model of the atom?

Orbitals replace orbits.

What do we call atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons?

They are called isotopes.

What instrument allowed scientists to measure the charge-to-mass ratio of an electron?

The cathode ray tube (used by J.J. Thomson).

How does a proton’s charge compare to an electron’s charge?

They have equal magnitude but opposite signs (+1 and -1).

How many protons, neutrons, and electrons are in a neutral atom of chlorine-37?

17 protons, 20 neutrons, and 17 electrons.