Elements and the Periodic Table

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to elements and the periodic table in the context of cell biology and chemistry.

Element

The basic unit of all matter, made up of identical atoms that cannot be broken down by chemical means.

Molecule

smallest unit of a substance that is stable and complete

Compound

2 or more elements joined together (chemically joined)

Atom

The fundamental building block of matter; the smallest unit of an element.

Metals

Elements that are typically shiny, malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity.

Non-metals

Elements that are typically brittle and poor conductors of heat and electricity, most are gases or solids at room temperature.

Chemical Formula

A representation of a compound that shows the elements present and the ratio of atoms in the compound.

Mixture

A combination of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded and can be separated by physical means.

Proton

Found in the nucleus with a relative mass of 1 and a charge of 1+

Neutron

Found in the nucleus with a relative mass of 1 and no charge

Electron

Found orbiting around the nucleus with no mass and a charge of 1-

element

anything on the Periodic table