Atoms, Ions, and Isotopes

Front

What is the atomic structure of an atom?

Back

An atom consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in orbitals.

Front

What is the charge of a proton?

Back

A proton has a positive charge.

Front

What is the charge of a neutron?

Back

A neutron has no charge (neutral).

Front

What is the charge of an electron?

Back

An electron has a negative charge.

Front

How do you calculate the mass number of an atom?

Back

The mass number is calculated by adding the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Front

What are isotopes?

Back

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

Front

What is a negative ion?

Back

A negative ion, or anion, is formed when an atom gains one or more electrons, resulting in more electrons than protons.

Front

What is a positive ion?

Back

A positive ion, or cation, is formed when an atom loses one or more electrons, resulting in more protons than electrons.

Front

How many protons does a beryllium atom have?

Back

A beryllium atom has 4 protons.

Front

What is the relationship between the number of protons and the identity of an element?

Back

The number of protons in an atom's nucleus determines the element's identity.