Exploring Atoms and Molecules

Study Notes

Subatomic Particles

Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles found in the outer regions of an atom.
The nucleus, located at the center of an atom, contains positively charged protons and neutral neutrons.

Ions

Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electric charge.
Cations are positively charged ions (lost electrons), while anions are negatively charged ions (gained electrons).

Molecules

Molecules are formed when two or more atoms chemically bond together, representing the smallest unit of a chemical compound.
They can consist of the same type of atoms (e.g., O2) or different types (e.g., H2O).

Composition of an Atom

An atom is primarily composed of a nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) surrounded by electron shells where electrons reside.
This structure determines the chemical properties and behavior of elements.

Charge of an Electron

An electron carries a negative charge, typically denoted as -1 elementary charge.

Charge of the Nucleus

The nucleus of an atom is positively charged due to the presence of protons, which outweigh the neutral charge of neutrons.

Properties of Solids

In solids, particles are closely packed in a fixed arrangement and vibrate minimally, providing a definite shape and volume.

Extensive Properties

Extensive properties depend on the amount of matter present, such as mass and volume, differing from intensive properties, which remain constant regardless of the sample size.

Description

Test Your Knowledge of Atoms and Molecules: Explore the fundamental building blocks of matter in this quiz. Learn about the structure of atoms, including the central nucleus and surrounding electrons. Discover how atoms combine to form molecules.