Electrons and Atomic Structure

Front

What is the atomic model best associated with Ernest Rutherford?

Back

The Rutherford model of the atom describes the atom as having a small, dense nucleus surrounded by electrons in orbit, demonstrating that most of the atom's mass is concentrated in the nucleus.

Front

What happens to an electron when it absorbs a quantum of energy?

Back

The electron gets 'excited' and 'jumps out' away from the nucleus, moving to a higher energy level.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

Front

Who proposed that electrons orbit the nucleus in specific energy levels?

Back

Niels Bohr proposed that electrons orbit the nucleus in specific energy levels, known as shells.

Front

In the Bohr model, what does it mean if an electron is further away from the nucleus?

Back

The further an electron is from the nucleus, the higher its energy level.

Front

What concept is associated with the idea that we cannot know the exact location of an electron?

Back

Quantum Mechanics introduces the concept that electrons exist in a cloud of probabilities rather than having a definite position.

Front

Define 'quantum'.

Back

A quantum is the smallest discrete quantity of energy or matter, often associated with the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

Front

What is the significance of the electron cloud model?

Back

The electron cloud model represents the regions around the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found, emphasizing the probabilistic nature of electron positions.

Front

What did John Dalton contribute to atomic theory?

Back

John Dalton proposed that atoms are indivisible particles that make up all matter and that each element consists of identical atoms.

Front

Explain the concept of energy levels in an atom.

Back

Energy levels are the fixed distances from the nucleus where electrons can exist, with each level corresponding to a specific amount of energy.

Front

What is the principle of uncertainty in quantum mechanics?

Back

The principle of uncertainty states that it is impossible to simultaneously know both the exact position and momentum of an electron.