Atoms, Ions, and Isotopes

Front

What is an atom?

Back

The smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element.

Front

What are protons?

Back

Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What are neutrons?

Back

Neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom, contributing to the mass number.

Front

What are electrons?

Back

Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What is the atomic number?

Back

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

Front

What is the mass number?

Back

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

Front

What is an ion?

Back

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

Front

What is a cation?

Back

A positively charged ion, formed when an atom loses electrons.

Front

What is an anion?

Back

A negatively charged ion, formed when an atom gains electrons.

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.