Atoms & Elements

Front

What is an atom?

Back

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

Front

What are elements?

Back

Elements are pure substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Each element is made up of atoms with the same number of protons.

Front

What determines the characteristics of an element?

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The characteristics of an element are determined by its atomic structure, including the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Front

What is the atomic number?

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

Front

What are isotopes?

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

Front

What is the mass number?

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

Front

What is the charge of a neutron?

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A neutron has a neutral charge.

Front

What is the charge of an electron?

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An electron has a negative charge.

Front

What is the charge of a proton?

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A proton has a positive charge.

Front

How are elements arranged in the periodic table?

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Elements in the periodic table are arranged by increasing atomic number and grouped by similar chemical properties.