Flashcards: Fundamentals of Atomic Structure — 18 cards

Atomic number — definition?

Number of protons in an atom's nucleus.

Electrons vs protons — balance?

Equal electrons and protons make a neutral atom.

Ion formation — mechanism?

Gaining or losing electrons creates charged ions.

Atomic mass — components?

Sum of protons and neutrons in nucleus.

Isotopes — difference?

Same element, different neutrons and mass.

Energy levels — electrons?

Electrons occupy discrete energy states.

Electron configuration — purpose?

Describes electron distribution in orbitals.

Valence electrons — role?

Determine chemical reactivity and bonding.

Periodic table — organization?

Arranged by increasing atomic number, grouped by properties.

Shells — grouping?

Energy levels grouping orbitals with same n.

Orbitals — function?

Regions where electrons are likely found.

Atomic number — key?

Defines element identity and nuclear charge.

Neutrons — role?

Contribute to atomic mass, isotope differences.

Molar mass — how calculated?

Weighted average of isotopic masses.

Quantum of energy — meaning?

Energy difference between levels.

Electron filling — rule?

Lowest energy orbitals filled first (Aufbau).

Valence electrons — importance?

Key to chemical bonding and periodic trends.

Periodic table — features?

Organized by atomic number, groups share properties.