Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Properties - Mass Spectroscopy

Vocabulary flashcards defining fundamental atomic structure concepts, subatomic particles, isotope terminology, and mass spectrometry components from AP Chemistry Unit 1.

Proton

A subatomic particle located in the nucleus with a charge of $+1$ and a relative mass of $1$.

Electron

A subatomic particle that travels around the nucleus in the electron cloud with a charge of $-1$ and a relative mass of $0$.

Neutron

A neutral subatomic particle located in the nucleus with no charge and a relative mass of $1$.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, represented as a subscript written before the element symbol.

Mass Number

The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom, represented as a superscript written before the element symbol.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element that have different masses due to having different numbers of neutrons while retaining the same number of protons.

Atomic Weight

The average mass of an element calculated using all naturally occurring isotopes weighted by their relative abundances.

Mass Spectrometer

An instrument used to measure the precise masses and relative amounts of atomic and molecular ions.

Steps of Mass Spectrometry

The four-step process executed by a mass spectrometer consisting of Ionization, Acceleration, Deflection/Separation, and Detection.

Mass Spectrum

A graph for a pure element showing relative abundance on the y-axis and atomic mass on the x-axis, providing details about its naturally occurring isotopes.