8 Questions
What is the primary function of neutrons in an atomic nucleus?
To play a crucial role in nuclear reactions
What is the charge of an electron?
Negative elementary charge
What determines the chemical properties of an element?
Energy levels of electrons
What is the process by which light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus?
Nuclear fusion
What is the location of electrons in an atom?
Outside the nucleus
What determines the element of an atom?
Number of protons
What is the process by which an unstable nucleus emits radiation?
Radioactive decay
What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy the innermost energy level (1s) of an atom?
2
Study Notes
Protons
- Positively charged subatomic particles
- Located in the nucleus of an atom
- Have a positive charge of +1 elementary charge
- Mass approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu)
- Number of protons determines the element of an atom
Neutrons
- Subatomic particles with no charge
- Located in the nucleus of an atom
- Mass approximately 1 amu
- Number of neutrons determines the isotope of an element
- Plays a crucial role in nuclear reactions
Electrons
- Negatively charged subatomic particles
- Located outside the nucleus of an atom
- Have a negative charge of -1 elementary charge
- Very small mass compared to protons and neutrons
- Number of electrons equals the number of protons in a neutral atom
- Energy levels of electrons determine the chemical properties of an element
Atomic Structure
- Atoms consist of a nucleus (protons and neutrons) surrounded by electrons
- Electrons occupy specific energy levels or electron shells
- Innermost energy level (1s) can hold up to 2 electrons
- Subsequent energy levels can hold increasing numbers of electrons
- Electrons in the outermost energy level (valence shell) participate in chemical reactions
Nuclear Reactions
- Involve changes to the nucleus of an atom
- Examples:
- Radioactive decay: spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable nucleus
- Nuclear fission: splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei
- Nuclear fusion: combination of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus
- Nuclear reactions release or absorb a large amount of energy
- Have applications in energy production, medicine, and scientific research
Subatomic Particles
- Protons: positively charged, located in the nucleus, +1 elementary charge, 1 amu mass, determines the element
- Neutrons: no charge, located in the nucleus, 1 amu mass, determines the isotope of an element, crucial in nuclear reactions
- Electrons: negatively charged, located outside the nucleus, -1 elementary charge, very small mass, number equals protons in a neutral atom, energy levels determine chemical properties
Atomic Structure
- Atoms consist of a nucleus (protons and neutrons) and electrons
- Electrons occupy specific energy levels or electron shells
- Electron shells:
- Innermost (1s): holds up to 2 electrons
- Subsequent shells: hold increasing numbers of electrons
- Outermost (valence shell): electrons participate in chemical reactions
Nuclear Reactions
- Involve changes to the nucleus of an atom
- Types:
- Radioactive decay: spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable nucleus
- Nuclear fission: splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei
- Nuclear fusion: combination of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus
- Characteristics:
- Release or absorb a large amount of energy
- Applications in energy production, medicine, and scientific research
Learn about protons, neutrons, and electrons, their properties, and roles in atoms. Understand how they determine elements and isotopes.
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