Understanding the Atom

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 charge does a proton have?

Back

A proton has a positive charge.

Front

What charge does an electron have?

Back

An electron has a negative charge.

Front

What charge does a neutron have?

Back

A neutron has no charge (it is neutral).

Front

Where are protons and neutrons located in an atom?

Back

Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus of the atom.

Front

What is the nucleus of an atom?

Back

The nucleus is the central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.

Front

What is the role of electrons in an atom?

Back

Electrons orbit the nucleus and are involved in chemical bonding.

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

Isotopes are variants of a chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.