Chem in the Earth System IS3T2: Atomic Structure and Valence

Front

What are metals?

Back

Metals are elements that are typically shiny, good conductors of heat and electricity, and malleable. They are found on the left side and in the center of the periodic table.

Front

What are noble gases?

Back

Noble gases are a group of inert (nonreactive) elements located in Group 18 of the periodic table. They include helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.

Front

How many electrons does potassium (K) have?

Back

Potassium (K) has 19 electrons.

Front

What is an atom?

Back

An atom is the smallest particle of an element that retains the properties of that element. It consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Front

What determines the identity of an element?

Back

The identity of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus.

Front

What are nonmetals?

Back

Nonmetals are elements that are typically poor conductors of heat and electricity, and they can be gases, liquids, or brittle solids at room temperature.

Front

What are metalloids?

Back

Metalloids are elements that have properties of both metals and nonmetals. They are found along the zig-zag line on the periodic table.

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 is a molecule?

Back

A molecule is a group of two or more atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound.

Front

What are valence electrons?

Back

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