Atomic Structure and Chemical Reactions

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on key terms and definitions from the lecture about atomic structure and chemical reactions.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Mass Number

The total number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus.

Element

A pure substance made up of only one kind of atom.

Compound

A substance made from two or more different elements that have been chemically joined.

Molecule

Two or more atoms chemically bonded or joined together, regardless of whether they are the same or different.

Mixture

A substance made of two or more different chemical substances that are not bonded together.

Metals

Elements located on the left-hand side of the periodic table; mainly hard, shiny, malleable, heat and electrical conductors (e.g., copper).

Non-Metals

Elements located on the right-hand side of the periodic table, with the exception of hydrogen.

Acid

A substance that produces hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water.

Base

A substance that accepts hydrogen ions (H+) or that releases hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved.

Indicator

A substance that undergoes a distinct observable change to indicate if a substance is an acid, base, or neutral (e.g., litmus paper).

Neutralisation

A chemical reaction between an acid and a base which produces a more neutral solution (salt and water).