Vocab Concept 1 - Atomic Structure Vocabulary

Fundamental Units of Matter

  • Atom: The smallest particle of an element which retains the properties of that element. It forms the foundational building block of all matter and chemical identities.

Subatomic Particles of the Nucleus

  • Proton: A subatomic particle located in the nucleus of an atom that has a positive charge.

  • Neutron: A subatomic particle located in the nucleus of an atom that has a neutral charge.

  • Quarks: Fundamental particles that make up protons and neutrons.

Subatomic Particles and Configuration in the Electron Cloud

  • Electron: A subatomic particle located in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus that has a negative charge.

  • Valence electrons: The electrons (e−e^{-}) located specifically in the outermost energy level of the electron cloud.