Atomic Structure NS - updated with paper flashcard

Front

What is the atomic number of an element?

Back

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

Front

What is the mass number of an atom?

Back

The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

How do you determine the number of neutrons in an atom?

Back

To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number.

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Front

What role do neutrons play in the nucleus of an atom?

Back

Neutrons help to stabilize the nucleus by offsetting the repulsive forces between positively charged protons.

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; it is neutral.

Front

What is the charge of an electron?

Back

An electron has a negative charge.

Front

How many electrons does a neutral atom have?

Back

A neutral atom has the same number of electrons as protons.

Front

What element has 12 protons?

Back

Magnesium has 12 protons.