VCB#1.4 Atomic Structure II Flashcards

Atomic Structure Key Concepts

• Atomic Number

  • Represents the number of protons in an atom
  • Identifies elements on the periodic table
  • Equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom

• Atomic Mass

  • Sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus
  • Protons and neutrons each have a mass of 1 atomic mass unit (amu)

Isotopes and Ions

• Isotope

  • Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but differing neutrons
  • Various isotopes have different atomic masses

• Ion

  • An atom that has gained or lost electrons, resulting in a positive or negative charge

• Cation

  • Positively charged ion
  • Contains fewer electrons than its neutral form

• Anion

  • Negatively charged ion
  • Contains more electrons than its neutral form

Atomic Mass and Measurement

• Average Atomic Mass

  • Weighted average considering all naturally occurring isotopes of an element

• Atomic Mass Unit (amu)

  • Standard unit for measuring atomic mass
  • Defined as one twelfth the mass of a carbon-12 atom
  • Each proton and neutron has a mass of 1 amu

Subatomic Particles

• Subatomic Particles

  • Includes protons, neutrons, and electrons
  • Fundamental building blocks of atomic structure and isotopes

• Quarks

  • Fundamental particles that compose protons and neutrons
  • Primarily consists of up and down quarks, which are indivisible elements of matter