Preparation for Unit 6 Flashcard 1

Front

What is a Nonmetal?

Back

A nonmetal is an element that typically lacks the characteristics of metals. Nonmetals are usually poor conductors of heat and electricity, and they can gain electrons during chemical reactions.

Front

What is a Metal?

Back

A metal is an element that is a good conductor of heat and electricity, typically malleable and ductile, and tends to lose electrons during chemical reactions.

Front

What is an Ion?

Back

An ion is an atom or molecule that has lost or gained one or more electrons, resulting in a net charge. Ions can be positively charged (cations) or negatively charged (anions).

Front

What is an Ionic Compound?

Back

An ionic compound is a chemical compound composed of ions held together by electrostatic forces termed ionic bonding. The sum of the oxidation numbers in an ionic compound must equal zero.

Front

What is a Covalent Compound?

Back

A covalent compound is a chemical compound formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms. These compounds typically consist of nonmetals.

Front

What is a Polyatomic Ion?

Back

A polyatomic ion is a charged species (ion) composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded together, which can act as a single unit in chemical reactions.

Front

What is a Cation?

Back

A cation is a positively charged ion that is formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.

Front

What is an Anion?

Back

An anion is a negatively charged ion that is formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.

Front

What is Oxidation Number?

Back

The oxidation number is a value assigned to an element in a compound that represents the number of electrons lost or gained by that element.

Front

What is the difference between Ionic and Covalent Bonds?

Back

Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of ions, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms.