Atoms and Isotopes

Front

What is an atom?

Back

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

Front

What are subatomic particles?

Back

Subatomic particles are the smaller particles that make up an atom, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.

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 a mass number?

Back

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

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Front

What does the symbol 'Z' represent in isotope notation?

Back

In isotope notation, 'Z' represents the atomic number.

Front

What is a neutron?

Back

A neutron is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom that has no charge.

Front

What is a proton?

Back

A proton is a positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What is an electron?

Back

An electron is a negatively charged subatomic particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom.

Front

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

Back

To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number from the mass number.