Atomic Structure

Front

What is the average atomic mass of an element?

Back

The average atomic mass is the weighted average of the masses of an element's isotopes, taking into account their relative abundances.

Front

How do you calculate the average atomic mass of an atom with multiple isotopes?

Back

Multiply the mass of each isotope by its relative abundance (as a decimal), then sum these values.

Front

What is the atomic number of an element?

Back

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

Front

How can you determine the number of neutrons in an atom?

Back

Subtract the atomic number from the mass number.

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Front

What is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element?

Back

An atom.

Front

What is the mass number of an atom?

Back

The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What is the relationship between protons, neutrons, and electrons in a neutral atom?

Back

In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons.

Front

What defines a chemical element?

Back

A chemical element is defined by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in its nucleus.

Front

What is the significance of the atomic mass unit (amu)?

Back

The atomic mass unit (amu) is a standard unit of mass that quantifies mass on an atomic or molecular scale.