Chemistry Unit Review: Atomic Structure, Quantum Model, and Light

Vocabulary-style study flashcards covering key topics from the test review notes, including classification of matter, subatomic particles, atomic structure, electromagnetic spectrum, emission spectra, and the quantum model.

Element

The simplest pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by ordinary chemical means.

Compound

A pure substance composed of two or more different elements chemically combined in fixed proportions.

Mixture

A physical combination of two or more substances in which each substance retains its distinct chemical identity.

Proton

A positively charged subatomic particle located in the nucleus of an atom, having relatively the same mass as a neutron.

Neutron

A subatomic particle with no charge (neutral) located in the nucleus of an atom, having relatively the same mass as a proton.

Electron

A negatively charged subatomic particle located outside the nucleus that is significantly lighter than protons and neutrons.

Atomic Number

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

Mass Number

The total number of protons and neutrons contained within the nucleus of an atom.

Isotope

Atoms of the same element that contain equal numbers of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Ion

An atom or group of bonded atoms that carries a net positive or negative electric charge due to gaining or losing electrons.

Germanium Isotope Data

A reference table showing the relative atomic mass in $\text{amu}$ and natural percent abundance for Germanium isotopes: $^{70}\text{Ge}$ ($69.924\text{ amu}$, $20.52\%$), $^{72}\text{Ge}$ ($71.922\text{ amu}$, $27.45\%$), $^{73}\text{Ge}$ ($72.923\text{ amu}$, $7.76\%$), $^{74}\text{Ge}$ ($73.921\text{ amu}$, $36.52\%$), and $^{76}\text{Ge}$ ($75.921\text{ amu}$, $7.75\%$).

Frequency

The number of complete wave cycles or oscillations that pass a specified point per unit of time.

Wavelength

The physical distance between two consecutive corresponding points on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.

Nanometer ($\text{nm}$)

A unit of length equal to $10^{-9}\text{ m}$, commonly used to express light wavelengths.

Photon

A discrete particle or packet of light energy possessing energy proportional to its radiation frequency.

Electrostatic Potential Energy

The potential energy possessed by a system of electric charges based on their positions relative to one another.

Ground State

The lowest possible energy state of an atom where its electrons occupy the most stable, lowest available orbitals.

Dual Nature of Matter

The concept in quantum mechanics that subatomic particles exhibit properties of both individual particles and continuous waves.

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

A fundamental principle of quantum mechanics stating that it is impossible to simultaneously measure both the exact position and exact momentum of a subatomic particle such as an electron.

Atomic Orbital

A three-dimensional mathematical region around the nucleus of an atom where an electron is most likely to be located.

Orbital Shell

The main energy level of an orbital in an atom, which indicates its relative size and energy.

Orbital Subshell

A division of an energy shell designated by letters ($s$, $p$, $d$, $f$) that defines the characteristic shape of the orbital.