Atomic Structure Honors

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 are isotopes?

Back

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

Front

Which particle determines the charge of an atom?

Back

Electrons determine the charge of an atom; if there are more electrons than protons, the atom is negatively charged, and vice versa.

Front

What is the role of neutrons in an atom?

Back

Neutrons contribute to the mass of an atom and help stabilize the nucleus by offsetting the repulsive forces between protons.

Front

What is the nucleus of an atom?

Back

The nucleus is the central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons, and it holds nearly all of the atom's mass.

Front

What is the difference between an atom and a molecule?

Back

An atom is the smallest unit of an element, while a molecule is a group of two or more atoms bonded together.

Front

What is a conductor of electricity?

Back

A conductor is a material that allows the flow of electric current, typically metals like silver and copper.

Front

What is the significance of the electron cloud?

Back

The electron cloud is the region around the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found; it defines the size and shape of the atom.

Front

How do you calculate the mass number of an atom?

Back

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

Front

What is the charge of a proton?

Back

A proton has a positive charge.