glossary words chem

atoms

The basic units of matter, composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons, which combine to form molecules.

indivisible

is a term that describes the historical notion of atoms as the smallest, unbreakable units of matter.

orbit

The path that electrons follow around the nucleus of an atom, influenced by electromagnetic forces.

atomic number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity and its position in the periodic table.

mass number

is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus, reflecting the atom's mass.

energy levels

The distinct regions where electrons reside around the nucleus of an atom, each associated with a specific energy.

electron configuration

The distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals, defining the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus.

ion

A charged particle formed when an atom gains or loses electrons.

octet

A chemical rule that states that atoms tend to bond in such a way that they have eight electrons in their valence shell, achieving a stable electronic configuration.

cation

A positively charged ion formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.

isotope

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers.

radiationisotope

An isotope that emits radiation due to instability in its nucleus, resulting in the release of particles or electromagnetic waves.