Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

These flashcards cover the fundamental vocabulary terms related to atomic structure and the periodic table, which are critical for understanding chemistry.

Atom

The basic unit of a chemical element, made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Nucleus

The center of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.

Electron Shells

Regions around the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found.

Atomic Number

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

Mass Number

The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.

Element

A substance made up of atoms that all have the same number of protons.

Isotope

Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Compound

A substance made from two or more elements that are chemically bonded together.

Ionic Bonding

The electrostatic attraction between positively and negatively charged ions.

Covalent Bonding

A type of chemical bond where atoms share electrons to achieve a full outer shell.

Periodic Table

A tabular arrangement of elements organized by increasing atomic number and displaying periodic trends.

Relative Atomic Mass

The weighted average mass of the atoms of an element compared to 1/12th of the mass of carbon-12.

Transition Metals

Elements found in the center of the periodic table that have unique properties including multiple oxidation states.

Alkali Metals

Group 1 elements that are highly reactive and have one electron in their outer shell.

Halogens

Group 7 elements that are non-metals with seven electrons in their outer shell.

Noble Gases

Group 0 elements that are inert and have full outer electron shells.

Chemical Equation

A representation of a chemical reaction that shows the reactants and products.

Chemical Bond

The lasting attraction between atoms that enables the formation of chemical compounds.

Proton

A positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Neutron

A neutral particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Electron

A negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom.