Atoms and the Periodic Table

Front

What is an atom?

Back

The smallest particle of an element; made of electrons, protons, and neutrons.

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What determines the identity of an element?

Back

The number of protons in an atom.

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What are valence electrons?

Back

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that determine its chemical reactivity.

Front

What is the atomic mass?

Back

The weighted average mass of an element's isotopes, measured in atomic mass units (amu).

Front

What is the mass number?

Back

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

Front

What is the periodic table?

Back

A tabular arrangement of elements organized by increasing atomic number and grouped by similar properties.

Front

What is a chemical reaction?

Back

A process that involves the rearrangement of atoms to form new substances.

Front

What is a group in the periodic table?

Back

A vertical column of elements that share similar chemical properties.

Front

What is a period in the periodic table?

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A horizontal row of elements that have the same number of electron shells.

Front

What is a noble gas?

Back

An element in group 18 of the periodic table, known for being inert and having a full valence shell.