Atomic Structure Flashcard

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 the mass number of an atom?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

Number of neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number.

Front

What is an ion?

Back

An ion is a charged particle that forms when an atom gains or loses electrons.

Front

What is a cation?

Back

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

Front

What is an anion?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons.

Front

What is the significance of isotopes?

Back

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

Front

How many protons are in a Magnesium atom?

Back

A Magnesium atom has 12 protons.

Front

What is the charge of an atom with 3 protons and 2 electrons?

Back

The atom has a +1 charge.