Electron Vocabulary Flashcards

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Electrons

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Subatomic particles with a negative charge, found in all atoms and acting as the primary carrier of electricity in solids.

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Electromagnetic radiation

Back

A form of energy that is propagated through space or through a material medium in the form of electromagnetic waves.

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Wavelength

Back

The distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave.

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Frequency

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The number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time, often measured in hertz (Hz).

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Emission spectrum

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The spectrum of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation emitted by an atom or molecule transitioning from a high energy state to a lower energy state.

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Heisenberg uncertainty principle

Back

A fundamental theory in quantum mechanics that states it is impossible to simultaneously know the exact position and momentum of a particle.

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Valence electrons

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The electrons in the outer shell of an atom that are available to form bonds with other atoms.

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Octet rule

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A chemical rule of thumb that reflects the observation that atoms of main-group elements tend to bond in such a way that each atom has eight electrons in its valence shell.

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Ions

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Atoms or molecules that have gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electric charge.

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Lewis structures

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Diagrams that represent the bonds between atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist in the molecule.