Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts in chemistry related to atoms, molecules, and ions, essential for understanding chemical principles.

Atom

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

Ion

A charged particle that forms when an atom or molecule loses or gains electrons.

Molecule

Two or more atoms bonded together, often nonmetals, forming a distinct chemical unit.

Cation

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

Anion

A negatively charged ion, formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.

Atomic Number (Z)

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

Mass Number (A)

The total number of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus.

Isotope

Atoms of the same element with the same atomic number but different mass numbers.

Periodic Table

A tabular arrangement of chemical elements organized by increasing atomic number.

Ionic Bond

The electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions that forms ionic compounds.

Polyatomic Ion

A charged ion composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded.

Oxoacid

An acid that contains hydrogen, oxygen, and another element, often related to oxoanions.

Molecular Formula

A chemical formula that shows the number and type of atoms in a molecule.

Structural Formula

A formula that shows the arrangement of atoms and the bonds between them in a molecule.

Electrolyte

A substance that dissociates into ions in solution and can conduct electricity.

Acid

A substance that ionizes in water to produce hydrogen ions (H+).

Base

A substance that can accept hydrogen ions (H+) or donate hydroxide ions (OH-) in a solution.