Atoms

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 containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.

Front

What are protons?

Back

Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons determines the atomic number and the identity of the element.

Front

What are neutrons?

Back

Neutrons are neutral subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They contribute to the mass of the atom but do not affect its charge.

Front

What are electrons?

Back

Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. They are involved in chemical bonding and reactions.

Front

What is the mass number of an atom?

Back

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

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

Isotopes are variants of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers.

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.

Front

What is 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 relationship between isotopes and atomic mass?

Back

Isotopes of an element have different atomic masses due to varying numbers of neutrons.

Front

What is the significance of the atomic mass unit (amu)?

Back

The atomic mass unit (amu) is a standard unit of mass that quantifies mass on an atomic or molecular scale, where 1 amu is defined as one twelfth of the mass of a carbon-12 atom.