Subatomic Particles Lecture Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms and concepts related to subatomic particles, their properties, and atomic mass units based on the lecture notes.

Subatomic Particles

The particles that make up all atoms, including protons, neutrons, and electrons, as discovered by Thomson, Rutherford, and Chadwick.

Proton

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

Neutron

A subatomic particle with a 0 charge, located in the nucleus, and a mass of 1 amu (slightly more massive than a proton, but the difference is negligible).

Electron

A subatomic particle with a -1 charge, located in the electron cloud, and an essentially negligible mass of 0.00055 amu (0.0001 amu).

amu (atomic mass unit)

The unit of measurement chosen for the mass of subatomic particles because their mass in grams is very small, allowing scientists to think of masses in simple whole numbers.

Nucleus

The central part of an atom where protons and neutrons are located.

Electron Cloud

The region surrounding the nucleus where electrons are located.

Negligible Mass (electron)

The concept that the mass of an electron is so small that it does not significantly alter the total mass of an atom unless there are at least 100 electrons present.