All About Atoms

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 and the identity of the element.

Front

What are neutrons?

Back

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

Front

What are electrons?

Back

Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. They are involved in chemical bonding and reactions.

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 neutral atom?

Back

A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no overall charge.

Front

What is an ion?

Back

An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net charge.

Front

How do you calculate the charge of an atom?

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The charge of an atom is calculated by subtracting the number of electrons from the number of protons: Charge = Protons - Electrons.

Front

What is atomic mass?

Back

Atomic mass is the weighted average mass of an atom's isotopes, measured in atomic mass units (AMU). It is approximately equal to the sum of protons and neutrons.

Front

What is the mass of an atom with 3 protons, 4 neutrons, and 2 electrons?

Back

The mass of the atom is 7 AMU (3 protons + 4 neutrons = 7 AMU).