Atoms

Front

What is an atom?

Back

An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

Front

What are the three main subatomic particles of an atom?

Back

Protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Front

What is the charge of a proton?

Back

Positive (+1) charge.

Front

What is the charge of a neutron?

Back

Neutral (0) charge.

Front

What is the charge of an electron?

Back

Negative (-1) charge.

Front

What determines the identity of an element?

Back

The number of protons in its nucleus.

Front

What is atomic mass?

Back

The weighted average mass of an atom's isotopes, measured in atomic mass units (amu).

Front

What is the atomic number?

Back

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

Front

What is a valence electron?

Back

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in chemical bonding.

Front

What is the overall charge of a neutral atom?

Back

0, because it has an equal number of protons and electrons.