Atomic Structure, Isotopes and Ions

Front

What is an atom?

Back

An atom is the smallest unit of an element, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Front

What are isotopes?

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 atomic number?

Back

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

Front

What are protons?

Back

Protons are subatomic particles with a positive charge found in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What are neutrons?

Back

Neutrons are subatomic particles with no charge (neutral) that are found in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What are electrons?

Back

Electrons are subatomic particles with a negative charge that orbit the nucleus of an atom.

Front

How do you determine the mass number of an atom?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between an atom and an ion?

Back

An atom is neutral, while an ion is an atom that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a charge.

Front

What is a cation?

Back

A cation is a positively charged ion that has lost one or more electrons.

Front

What is an anion?

Back

An anion is a negatively charged ion that has gained one or more electrons.