Atoms, Elements, Compounds, & Molecules

Front

What is an atom?

Back

An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element. It consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.

Front

What is an element?

Back

An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Each element is made up of atoms that have the same number of protons.

Front

What is a compound?

Back

A compound is a substance formed when two or more different elements chemically bond together in fixed proportions.

Front

What is a molecule?

Back

A molecule is the smallest unit of a chemical compound that retains its chemical properties. It consists of two or more atoms bonded together.

Front

What is the difference between an element and a compound?

Back

An element is a pure substance made of only one type of atom, while a compound is made of two or more different types of atoms chemically bonded together.

Front

What are the three subatomic particles of an atom?

Back

The three subatomic particles are protons (positively charged), neutrons (neutral), and electrons (negatively charged).

Front

What is the atomic number?

Back

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

Front

What is a chemical bond?

Back

A chemical bond is the force that holds atoms together in a molecule or compound. The main types are ionic bonds and covalent bonds.

Front

What is a mixture?

Back

A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded and can be separated by physical means.

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction; it is conserved.