Atoms, Ions, and Isotopes

Front

What is an atom?

Back

An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Front

What are protons?

Back

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons determines the atomic number of an element.

Front

What are neutrons?

Back

Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They contribute to the atomic mass but do not affect the charge of the atom.

Front

What are electrons?

Back

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

Front

What is an ion?

Back

An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge.

Front

What is the difference between cations and anions?

Back

Cations are positively charged ions (lost electrons), while anions are negatively charged ions (gained electrons).

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, resulting in different atomic masses.

Front

How is the atomic number defined?

Back

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

Front

What is atomic mass?

Back

Atomic mass is the weighted average mass of an element's isotopes, measured in atomic mass units (amu).

Front

What is the significance of the mass number?

Back

The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus, indicating the atom's isotopic identity.