Physical Science

Chapter 4

symbol

One or two letters that represent the name of an element

periodic table

an arrangement of elements by increasing atomic number

Isotope

one of a group of atoms of an element with the same number of protons and electrons but different numbers of neutrons

Deuterium

An isotope of hydrogen that has one proton and two neutrons

Tritium

An isotope of hydrogen that has one proton and two neutrons

atomic mass

The average mass of all the isotopes of a particular element

family

A group of elements with similar properties, arranged together in a column of the periodic table

Metal

one of a group of elements that is usually solid at room temperature, often shiny, and carries heat and electricity well

Alloy

A mixture of two or more metals

Nonmetal

one of a group of elements with properties unlike those of metals

Noble gas

one of a group of elements made up of gases that do not combine with other materials under ordinary conditions

Inert

Inactive; lacking the power to move