Atoms, Elements, Molecules, & Compounds

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What is an atom?

Back

The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

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What is an element?

Back

A pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means, consisting of only one type of atom.

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What is a molecule?

Back

A group of two or more atoms bonded together, which can be of the same or different elements.

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What is a compound?

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A chemical substance made up of two or more different types of atoms bonded together.

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What are protons?

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Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom.

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What are neutrons?

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Neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom that have no charge.

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What are electrons?

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Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom.

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What is the nucleus of an atom?

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The central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.

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What is the atomic number?

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The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element.

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What is a chemical formula?

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A way of expressing the composition of a compound using symbols for the elements and numbers to show the ratio of atoms.