Structure of Atoms Flashcards

Flashcards about the structure of atoms, covering subatomic particles, atomic number, and mass number.

What are protons?

Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom.

What are neutrons?

Neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom.

What are electrons?

Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom in electron shells.

What is the nucleus?

The dense core of an atom containing protons and neutrons.

What is the electron cloud?

The space surrounding the nucleus where electrons are located; often described as an electron cloud.

What is electrostatic attraction?

The force of attraction between positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons, responsible for the atom's stability.

What is the atomic number (Z)?

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which identifies the element.

What is the mass number (A)?

The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.

What is nuclear symbol notation?

A way to represent an atom using the element symbol, atomic number (Z), and mass number (A).

What is average atomic mass?

The average mass of an element, considering the relative abundance of its isotopes.

What is the maximum number of electrons each of the first three electron shells can hold?

Shell 1: 2 electrons, Shell 2: 8 electrons, Shell 3: 8 electrons (for the first 20 elements)

What charge does a proton have?

Positive (+ve) charge

What charge does a neutron have?

Neutral charge

What charge does an electron have?

Negative (-ve) charge