The Nature of Molecules and the Properties of Water

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and definitions related to the nature of molecules and properties of water as found in the lecture notes.

Atom

The basic unit of matter composed of subatomic particles.

Proton

A positively charged subatomic particle located in the nucleus of an atom.

Neutron

A neutral subatomic particle located in the nucleus of an atom.

Electron

A negatively charged subatomic particle found in orbitals surrounding the nucleus.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity.

Element

A substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by ordinary chemical means.

Mass

The amount of substance; differs from weight, which is the force exerted by gravity on that substance.

Ion

A charged particle formed when an atom gains or loses electrons.

Cation

more protons than electrons = net positive charge

Anion

A negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains electrons.

Isotope

Variants of a single element that have different numbers of neutrons.

Radioactive Isotope

An unstable isotope that emits radiation as its nucleus breaks down.

Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom that determine its chemical behavior.

Octet Rule

The principle that atoms tend to establish completely full outer energy levels.

Molecule

A group of atoms held together in a stable association.

Compound

A molecule that contains more than one type of element.

Ionic Bond

A chemical bond formed by the electrical attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond formed when atoms share two or more valence electrons.