Atomic Structure Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts related to atomic structure, including subatomic particles, electron shells, valence electrons, isotopes, and ions.

Atoms

Building blocks for everything; elements are made from only one type of atom.

What are Protons?

Positively charged subatomic particles located in the nucleus with a relative weight of 1.

What are Neutrons?

Neutral (no charge) subatomic particles located in the nucleus with a relative weight of 1.

What are Electrons?

Negatively charged subatomic particles located in shells (or energy levels) around the nucleus with a negligible weight.

What is the electron capacity of the first three electron shells?

Two electrons can occupy the first shell, eight electrons can occupy the second shell, and eight electrons can also occupy the third shell.

What are Valence Electrons?

Located in the outermost shell and primarily responsible for the formation of bonds or the reactivity of the element.

What is the Atomic Number?

Equals the number of Protons and Electrons in an atom of an element.

What is Atomic Mass?

The sum of Protons and Neutrons in an atom.

What are Isotopes?

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

What are Ions?

Elements with a charge because they gained or lost an electron.

What are Cations?

Positive ions formed when an atom loses an electron.

What are Anions?

Negative ions formed when an atom gains an electron.