8.5A and 8.5B Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons

Front

What are protons?

Back

Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They determine the atomic number of an element.

Front

What are neutrons?

Back

Neutrons are electrically neutral subatomic particles located in the nucleus of an atom. They contribute to the atomic mass but do not affect the 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 atomic number?

Back

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

Front

How do you calculate the mass of an atom?

Back

The mass of an atom is calculated by adding the number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus.

Front

What is a valence electron?

Back

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in chemical bonding.

Front

What is the charge of a proton?

Back

A proton has a positive charge.

Front

What is the charge of a neutron?

Back

A neutron has no charge; it is electrically neutral.

Front

What is the charge of an electron?

Back

An electron has a negative charge.

Front

What is an ion?

Back

An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net charge.