Atomic Structure and Ions

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

What happens when an atom gains or loses an electron?

Back

When an atom gains or loses an electron, it becomes an ion.

Front

What is the smallest particle of an element?

Back

The smallest particle into which an element can be divided and still retain its properties is called an atom.

Front

What type of bond forms between ions with opposite charges?

Back

Ionic bonds form between two ions that have opposite charges.

Front

What are anions?

Back

Anions are negatively charged ions.

Front

What is a cation?

Back

A cation is a positively charged ion.

Front

Define isotopes.

Back

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Front

What is the role of valence electrons?

Back

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in forming bonds.

Front

What is a compound?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between an atom and a molecule?

Back

An atom is the smallest unit of an element, while a molecule is a group of two or more atoms bonded together.