Atomic Structure

Front

What is atomic mass?

Back

The weighted average mass of an atom's isotopes, measured in atomic mass units (amu).

Front

Define isotopes.

Back

Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different atomic masses.

Front

What is the formula to calculate the atomic mass of an element with multiple isotopes?

Back

Atomic mass = (fraction of isotope 1)(mass of isotope 1) + (fraction of isotope 2)(mass of isotope 2) + ...

Front

What is the atomic number of an element?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

Number of neutrons = mass number - atomic number.

Front

What is nuclear charge?

Back

The total charge of the nucleus, which is equal to the number of protons in the atom.

Front

What is the significance of the atomic number in the periodic table?

Back

It determines the position of an element in the periodic table and its chemical properties.

Front

What is the mass number of an atom?

Back

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

Front

Explain the concept of average atomic mass.

Back

The average mass of an element's isotopes, weighted by their natural abundance.

Front

What is the relationship between protons, neutrons, and electrons in a neutral atom?

Back

In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons.