Periodic Table & Charge

Front

What is the atomic number of an element?

Back

The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity.

Front

How are elements arranged in the periodic table?

Back

Elements are arranged in the periodic table by increasing atomic number, which corresponds to the number of protons.

Front

What is a valence electron?

Back

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in chemical bonding.

Front

What charge do metals typically form?

Back

Metals typically form positive charges (cations) by losing electrons.

Front

What charge do nonmetals typically form?

Back

Nonmetals typically form negative charges (anions) by gaining electrons.

Front

What is the role of neutrons in an atom?

Back

Neutrons contribute to the mass of an atom and help stabilize the nucleus, but they do not affect the charge.

Front

What is an ion?

Back

An ion is an atom or molecule that has a net electrical charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.

Front

What is the significance of the periodic table's groups?

Back

Groups (columns) in the periodic table contain elements with similar chemical properties and the same number of valence electrons.

Front

What is the significance of the periodic table's periods?

Back

Periods (rows) in the periodic table indicate the number of electron shells in the atoms of the elements.

Front

What is the electron configuration of an atom?

Back

Electron configuration is the distribution of electrons among the various orbitals of an atom.