Honors: Atoms, Isotopes, and Average Atomic Mass

Front

What is an atom?

Back

An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element. It consists of a nucleus made of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.

Front

What are isotopes?

Back

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different atomic masses.

Front

How do you calculate the number of neutrons in an isotope?

Back

To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number (A). Formula: Neutrons = A - Atomic Number.

Front

What is the atomic number?

Back

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

Front

What is the mass number?

Back

The mass number (A) is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.

Front

What happens when an atom loses an electron?

Back

When an atom loses an electron, it becomes a positive ion (cation) because it has more protons than electrons.

Front

What are the isotopes of hydrogen?

Back

The isotopes of hydrogen are Hydrogen-1 (protium), Hydrogen-2 (deuterium), and Hydrogen-3 (tritium).

Front

What is a positive ion?

Back

A positive ion, or cation, is an atom that has lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge.

Front

What is a negative ion?

Back

A negative ion, or anion, is an atom that has gained one or more electrons, resulting in a net negative charge.

Front

What is the significance of the 'A' position in an atomic symbol?

Back

The 'A' position in an atomic symbol represents the mass number of the atom.