Characteristics of Atoms Flashcards

Study Notes

Fundamental Concepts of Atoms

An atom is the smallest unit of matter, representing the basic building block of all chemical elements.
The nucleus serves as the atom's core, housed at the center, where most of the mass is found; it carries a positive charge.
Protons are stable, positively charged subatomic particles located within the nucleus, integral to the atomic structure.
Neutrons are neutral particles that reside in the nucleus; they contribute to the mass but do not affect the charge of the atom.
Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit around the nucleus, playing a crucial role in chemical interactions.

Chemical Structures and Bonds

An element is a pure substance that cannot be chemically broken down into simpler substances.
A molecule consists of a group of atoms bonded together, which represents the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound.
A covalent bond occurs when two atoms share a pair of electrons, essential for forming molecules.
An ion is a charged particle, which can be either positive or negative, resulting from the loss or gain of electrons.
An ionic bond forms when one atom loses an electron to become a positive ion, while another atom gains that electron to become a negative ion.

Atomic Characteristics

Atomic mass is calculated as the total number of protons and neutrons found in an atom's nucleus.
The atomic number denotes the number of protons in an atom's nucleus, which determines the element's identity and its chemical properties.
Valence electrons are the electrons located in the outermost shell of an atom, crucial for determining how the atom interacts chemically with other atoms.

Description

Test your knowledge of the basic units of matter with these flashcards on atomic characteristics. Explore essential terms like atom, nucleus, proton, and neutron, and their roles within atoms. Perfect for anyone studying chemistry fundamentals!