CHEM 201: Atomic and Ionic Bonding, Nomenclature, and Composition of Compounds

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to atomic and ionic bonding, nomenclature, and the composition of compounds as discussed in CHEM 201.

Atom

The basic unit of a chemical element, composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Nucleus

The central part of an atom where protons and neutrons are located.

Photon

A particle of light that has properties of both waves and particles.

Atomic Number

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

Ionization Energy

The amount of energy required to remove an electron from an atom in its gaseous state.

Cation

A positively charged ion formed by the loss of one or more electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion formed by the gain of one or more electrons.

Binary Ionic Compound

A compound composed of two different elements, typically a metal and a nonmetal.

Ternary Ionic Compound

A compound made up of three different elements, including at least one element bonded to oxygen.

Valence Electrons

The outermost electrons of an atom, which are involved in chemical reactions.

Periodic Table

An arrangement of elements in order of increasing atomic number that shows periodic trends in properties.

Acid

A compound that donates a proton (H+) in solution and has a pH less than 7.

Binary Acid

An acid composed of hydrogen and one other nonmetal element.

Oxyacid

An acid that contains oxygen, hydrogen, and another element.

Salt

An ionic compound formed from the neutralization reaction between an acid and a base.

Electron Configuration

The distribution of electrons in an atom's or ion's orbitals.

Isoelectronic

Two or more ions or atoms having the same number of electrons.

Quantum Number

A number that specifies the properties of atomic orbitals and the electrons in those orbitals.

Formula Unit

The simplest ratio of ions in an ionic compound, representing its lowest ratio.