Atomic Theory and Structure Flashcard Review

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Front

What is the mass number of an atom?

Back

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

Front

How do you determine the number of neutrons in an atom?

Back

Subtract the number of protons from the mass number: Neutrons = Mass Number - Protons.

Front

What is the charge of a proton?

Back

A proton has a positive charge.

Front

What is the charge of an electron?

Back

An electron has a negative charge.

Front

What is the significance of atomic number?

Back

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

Front

Who proposed the first atomic theory?

Back

John Dalton proposed the first atomic theory in the early 19th century.

Front

What is the difference between carbon-12 and carbon-14?

Back

Carbon-12 has 6 neutrons, while carbon-14 has 8 neutrons.

Front

What does it mean for an atom to be neutral?

Back

An atom is neutral when it has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no overall charge.

Front

What is the role of neutrons in an atom?

Back

Neutrons help stabilize the nucleus and prevent protons from repelling each other due to their positive charges.