chemistry atomic structure

\frac{12}{6} C - what does the top number indicate?

atomic mass

\frac{12}{6} C - what does the bottom number indicate?

atomic number

\frac{12}{6} C - what does the letter indicate?

atomic symbol

boron-10 -what does the first part indicate?

element name

boron-10 -what does the second part indicate?

atomic mass

define matter

anything that has mass and volume

define mass

the amount of matter within an object

define volume

the amount of space occupied by a substance

define element

a pure substance made up of one type of atom, which cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means

define compound

two or more elements that have chemically bonded to create a substance

define mixture

two or more substances that are physically combined, but not chemically bonded

what is the charge of an alpha particle?

+2

what hold the nucleus of an atom together?

the strong nuclear force between protons and neutrons

what keeps electrons from drifting away from the nucleus?

the electrons are attracted to the positive nucleus (OPPOSITE CHARGES ATTRACT)

chain reaction

a continuous series of fission reactions

define radioisotope

an atom with an unstable nucleus that emits radiation as it decays into a stable form

hydrogen-3 decays into hydrogen-2 or hydrogen-1

• what is this an example of?

radioactive decay

how do radioisotopes become stable?

emits neutrons

define nuclear fission

the splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei

how do atomic bombs work?

nuclear fission triggers a chain reaction

nuclear fusion

the combination of lighter nuclei to produce a heavier nucleus

what does nuclear fusion release?

energy!

what is the energy producing nuclear reaction that takes place between hydrogens atoms in the sun an example of?

nuclear fusion