Introduction to Atoms and Their Structure

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to atomic structure, chemical bonding, and elements.

Valence Shell

The outermost electron shell of an atom.

Valence Electrons

Electrons located in the valence shell that determine the atom's chemical stability.

Octet Rule

The principle that atoms are most stable when they have eight electrons in their valence shell.

Lewis Diagram

A representation of the electron distribution focusing on valence electrons.

Bohr Diagram

A diagram that illustrates the electron distribution around an atom's nucleus in energy levels.

Ionic Bonding

A type of bonding where electrons are transferred from one atom to another, forming cations and anions.

Covalent Bonding

A type of bonding where atoms share electrons to achieve stability.

Atomic Mass Number

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

Isotope

Variants of elements with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Proton

A positively charged particle located in an atom's nucleus.

Electron

A negatively charged particle that orbits around the nucleus.

Neutron

A neutral particle located in the nucleus of an atom.

Ion

An atom that has gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net charge.

Chemical Element

A substance that consists of only one type of atom, characterized by its number of protons.

Compound

A substance formed when two or more different elements bond together.

Noble Gases

Elements with full valence shells, making them chemically stable and less reactive.