Atomic Structure: Electrons, Energy Levels, and Carbon Isotopes

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from notes on carbon isotopes and electron energy levels.

Isotope

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

Nucleus

The positively charged center of an atom that contains protons and neutrons.

Electron

Negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus.

Electron shell (energy level)

A region around the nucleus where electrons reside; energy increases with distance from the nucleus; inner shells are more tightly bound.

Ionization energy

Energy required to remove an electron from an atom; generally higher for electrons closer to the nucleus.

Electrostatic attraction

Force between the positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons.

Radioactive tracer

Use of a radioactive isotope (such as 14C) to track chemical reactions or processes in experiments.