Atoms, Isotopes, and Ions

Front

What is an atom?

Back

An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

Front

What are protons?

Back

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What are neutrons?

Back

Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What are electrons?

Back

Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What is an ion?

Back

An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a charge.

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 atomic number?

Back

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

Front

What is the mass number?

Back

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

Front

How do you find the number of neutrons in an atom?

Back

Subtract the atomic number from the mass number.

Front

What is the charge of a magnesium ion with 10 electrons?

Back

The magnesium ion has a +2 charge because it has lost 2 electrons.