Atoms and the Periodic Table Review

Front

What is an atom?

Back

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

Front

What are protons?

Back

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons determines the atomic number of an element.

Front

What are neutrons?

Back

Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They contribute to the mass of the atom but do not affect its charge.

Front

What are electrons?

Back

Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons.

Front

What is the atomic number?

Back

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

Front

What is the mass number?

Back

The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.

Front

How do you calculate the mass number?

Back

Mass number = Number of protons + Number of neutrons.

Front

What is the difference between atomic mass and mass number?

Back

Atomic mass is the weighted average mass of an element's isotopes, while mass number is the total count of protons and neutrons in a specific isotope.

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 defined by its atomic number.

Front

What is the periodic table?

Back

The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of elements organized by increasing atomic number, showing periodic trends in properties.