Atomic Structure and Isotopes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to atomic structure, isotopes, and fundamental principles in chemistry that are essential for understanding the nature of atoms.

Anion

A negatively charged ion that has more electrons than protons.

Cation

A positively charged ion that has more protons than electrons.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom; defines the element.

Mass Number

The total number of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus.

Neutral Atom

An atom that has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no overall charge.

Electron Configuration

The distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals.

Ionization Energy

The amount of energy required to remove an electron from a gaseous atom.

Electronegativity

A measure of the ability of an atom in a chemical compound to attract electrons.

Electron Cloud

The region around the nucleus of an atom where electrons are likely to be found.

Proton

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

Neutron

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

Electron

A negatively charged subatomic particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom.

Charge of Proton

1+ (positive charge) in atomic notation.

Charge of Electron

1- (negative charge) in atomic notation.

Charge of Neutron

0 (no charge) in atomic notation.

Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in chemical bonding.

Atomic Mass Unit (amu)

A unit of mass used to express atomic and molecular weights.

Weighted Average

The average of a set of numbers, each multiplied by its respective weight.

Quantum Mechanics

A fundamental theory in physics that describes nature at the smallest scales, including atoms and subatomic particles.

Bohr Model

An early model of the atom that portrayed electrons traveling in fixed orbits around the nucleus.

Wave-particle duality

The concept that every particle or quantum entity may be described as either a particle or a wave.

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

The principle stating that the position and momentum of a particle cannot both be precisely determined at the same time.

Nuclear Charge

The total charge of the nucleus, determined by the number of protons it contains.

Electrons in Orbitals

Electrons are found in regions of space called orbitals, which are defined by quantum mechanics.

Spectroscopy

The study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation.