Atomic Structure and Isotopes

Front

What is the atomic number of an element?

Back

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

Front

What is a mass number?

Back

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

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

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

Front

What is a cation?

Back

A cation is a positively charged ion that is formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.

Front

What is an anion?

Back

An anion is a negatively charged ion that is formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.

Front

How do you determine the charge of an ion?

Back

The charge of an ion is determined by the difference between the number of protons and electrons in the atom.

Front

What is the relationship between atomic number and electrons in a neutral atom?

Back

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the atomic number.

Front

What element has an atomic number of 16?

Back

Sulfur (S) has an atomic number of 16.

Front

What happens to the charge of an atom when it loses an electron?

Back

When an atom loses an electron, it becomes a cation with a positive charge.

Front

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

Back

The atomic number determines the position of an element in the periodic table and its chemical properties.