Atoms and Elements

Front

What is an atom?

Back

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

Front

What is an element?

Back

An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

Front

What determines the identity of an element?

Back

The identity of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus, known as the atomic number.

Front

What is the atomic number of an element?

Back

The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

How many protons does oxygen have?

Back

Oxygen has 8 protons.

Front

What are neutrons?

Back

Neutrons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom that have no charge.

Front

What are electrons?

Back

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

Front

What is the charge of a proton?

Back

A proton has a positive charge.

Front

What is the charge of an electron?

Back

An electron has a negative charge.

Front

What is the mass of a neutron compared to a proton?

Back

A neutron has approximately the same mass as a proton.