CHEM Midterm Study Guide

Front

What are valence electrons?

Back

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in chemical bonding.

Front

How many valence electrons does an atom with 5 valence electrons have?

Back

5

Front

What type of decay occurs when an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Front

What happens during nuclear fission?

Back

During nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy.

Front

Define a compound in chemistry.

Back

A compound is a substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together.

Front

What is the charge of an ion formed by losing two electrons?

Back

The ion would have a charge of 2+.

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 beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (an electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus.

Front

What is the significance of the atomic number?

Back

The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus and determines the element's identity.

Front

What is a neutron?

Back

A neutron is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, with no electric charge.