Mass number (A)
Protons + neutrons
Top left on periodic table
Atomic number (Z)
Number of protons
Bottom left on periodic table
Ground state
The energy level normally occupied by an electron
Excited state
When an electron is at a higher, less stable energy level
Filling energy levels /aufbau’s principle
Number of electrons in S orbital
2
Number of electrons in P orbital
6
Number of electrons in D orbital
10
Valence electrons
Electrons in the outermost energy level
Isotope
An element with a different number of neutrons
Number of electrons in f orbital
14