Flashcard Atomic Structure

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

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

Back

Number of neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number.

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.

Front

What is the significance of isotopes in chemistry?

Back

Isotopes show that atoms of the same element can have different masses, which is important for understanding atomic structure and reactions.

Front

What is the weighted average atomic mass?

Back

The weighted average atomic mass is the average mass of an element's isotopes, weighted by their natural abundance.

Front

How do you determine the mass number of an atom?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between protons and atomic number?

Back

The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus.

Front

What is the role of neutrons in an atom?

Back

Neutrons contribute to the mass of an atom and help stabilize the nucleus.

Front

How many protons does a carbon atom have?

Back

A carbon atom has 6 protons.

Front

What is the mass number of an isotope of carbon with 6 protons and 8 neutrons?

Back

The mass number is 14 (6 protons + 8 neutrons).