Intro to Atoms Vocabulary Flashcard

Front

What is the atomic number of an atom and what does it represent?

Back

The atomic number of an atom is the number of protons in its nucleus, which determines the element's identity.

Front

What is the charge of an electron?

Back

An electron has a negative charge.

Front

What is the smallest unit of matter?

Back

An atom is the smallest unit of matter.

Front

How is atomic mass defined?

Back

Atomic mass or mass number is defined as the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.

Front

What is a neutron and what is its charge?

Back

A neutron is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom that has no charge (neutral).

Front

What are protons and where are they located in an atom?

Back

Protons are positively charged subatomic particles located in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What is the relationship between protons and the atomic number?

Back

The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus.

Front

What is the role of electrons in an atom?

Back

Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom and are involved in chemical bonding.

Front

What is the difference between atomic mass and atomic weight?

Back

Atomic mass is the mass of a specific isotope of an element, while atomic weight is the average mass of all isotopes of an element, weighted by their natural abundance.

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

An isotope is a variant of an element that has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.