NYS Regents Chemistry Flashcards

Study Notes

Atomic Composition

Neutrons carry no charge and have a mass of 1 atomic mass unit; they are located in the nucleus.
Protons possess a positive charge and are also found in the nucleus.
Electrons are negatively charged and reside outside the nucleus.
The atomic number indicates the number of protons (and electrons) in an atom.

Atomic Structure

An atom consists of a nucleus at its core, containing protons and neutrons, with electrons orbiting outside.
The mass number is the total count of protons and neutrons in an atom.

Isotopes and Nuclide Symbols

Isotopes share the same atomic number but vary in mass number due to differing neutron counts.
Nuclide symbols serve as shorthand to denote an element's atomic number and mass number.

Nuclear Characteristics

Nuclear charge, determined by the atomic number, reflects the total positive charge of the nucleus.
The stability of isotopes is influenced by the neutron-to-proton ratio.

Electron Configurations and Energy Levels

Energy levels can accommodate a maximum number of electrons, with the first level housing those with the lowest energy.
Electrons in outermost levels carry the highest energy.
Valence electrons are those located in the outermost energy level and dictate chemical behavior.

Atomic Mass and Properties

Average atomic mass is calculated by taking the sum of the percent abundance of each isotope divided by 100, then multiplied by the mass of the isotope.
Conducting a flame test can excite an electron, causing it to jump to a higher energy state, which produces a bright line spectrum when viewed through a prism.

Historical Experiments and Models

Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment revealed that atoms consist of a dense, positively charged nucleus surrounded by mostly empty space.
The Wave Model of the Atom introduces the concept of orbitals as regions where electrons are likely to be found.

Periodic Table and Atomic Properties

The modern periodic table organizes elements by increasing atomic number.
First ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom, while electronegativity describes an atom's ability to attract electrons.
Melting point and boiling point refer to the temperatures where solids become liquids and liquids become gases, respectively.

Density and Atomic Radius

Density is defined as mass per unit volume, while atomic radius indicates the size of an atom.

Classification of Elements

Metals typically appear on the left side of the periodic table, characterized by low electronegativity, low ionization energy, malleability, ductility, and excellent conductivity.
Nonmetals are predominantly found on the right side, exhibiting high electronegativity, high ionization energy, brittleness in solid form, and poor conductivity.
Metalloids possess properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals.

Description

This quiz features essential flashcards for the NYS Regents Chemistry exam, focusing on fundamental concepts such as neutrons, protons, and electrons. Each term is defined to aid students in mastering atomic structure and related topics. Perfect for quick review and study sessions.