Atoms, Ions, and Isotopes

Front

What is an atom?

Back

An atom is the smallest unit of an element, consisting of a nucleus made of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.

Front

What are protons and neutrons collectively known as?

Back

Protons and neutrons are collectively known as nucleons.

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

What defines the atomic number of an element?

Back

The atomic number of an element is defined by the number of protons in its 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 an ion?

Back

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

Front

What is a cation?

Back

A cation is a positively charged ion that has lost one or more electrons.

Front

What is an anion?

Back

An anion is a negatively charged ion that has gained one or more electrons.