Atoms and Isotopes

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 is an isotope?

Back

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different atomic masses.

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

What is atomic mass?

Back

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

Front

What charge do protons carry?

Back

Protons carry a positive charge.

Front

What charge do electrons carry?

Back

Electrons carry a negative charge.

Front

What charge do neutrons carry?

Back

Neutrons have no charge; they are neutral.

Front

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

Back

To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass (rounded to the nearest whole number).

Front

What is the significance of the periodic table?

Back

The periodic table organizes elements based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties.

Front

What is the mass number?

Back

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