Neutral Atoms, Ions, and Isotopes

Front

What is a neutral atom?

Back

A neutral atom is an atom that has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no overall charge.

Front

What are protons?

Back

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What are electrons?

Back

Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What are neutrons?

Back

Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom, with no charge.

Front

What happens when an atom loses an electron?

Back

When an atom loses an electron, it becomes a positive ion because it has more protons than electrons.

Front

What happens when an atom gains an electron?

Back

When an atom gains an electron, it becomes a negative ion because it has more electrons than protons.

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

An isotope is a variant of an element that has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

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.

Front

What is the mass number?

Back

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

Front

What is the Electron Cloud model?

Back

The Electron Cloud model describes the regions around the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found.