Subatomic Particles

Question 1

Protons

Answer 1

• positive charge
• mass around 1amu
• found in the nucleus
• charge - the fundamental unit of charge (1.6 x 10^-19 C)
• denoted as +1e or +1
• The atomic # (Z) is equal to the number of protons found in an atom of that element

Question 2

Neutrons

Answer 2

• Has no charge
• mass around 1amu
• neutron mass + proton mass = almost entire mass of an atom

Question 3

Atomic Number

Answer 3

• number of protons in a given element

Question 4

Atomic Mass

Answer 4

• essentially equal to the sum of an elements protons and neutrons
• nearly equal to the mass number

Question 5

Atomic Weight

Answer 5

• weighted average of the naturally occuring isotopes of an element
• periodic table lists atomic weights, not atomic masses

Question 6

Isotopes

Answer 6

• atoms of a given element (same atomic number) that have different mass numbers.
• They differ in the number of neutrons
• identified by the element followed by the mass number
• (ie: carbon-12, carbon-13, carbon-14)

Question 7

Name the 3 isotopes of Hydrogen

Answer 7

1. Protium ¹₁H
2. Deuterium ²₁H
3. Tritium ³₁H

Question 8

Electrons

Answer 8

• has a negative charge
• has a negligible mass
• surround the nucleus at varying distances and are associated with varying levels of electrical potential energy
• electrons closer to the nucleus are at lower energy levels
• electrons farthest from nucleus have the strongest interaction with the surrounding environment and weakest interactions with the nucleus
• has a charge equal in magnitude of a proton but with opposite charge
• -1e or -e

Question 9

Valence Electrons

Answer 9

• electrons furthest from nucleus
• more likely to be involved in bonds with other atoms because they experience the least electrostatic pull from their nucleus
• determine reactivity of an atom

Question 10

Cation

Answer 10

• A positively charged atom

Question 11

Anion

Answer 11

• A negatively charged atom

Question 12

Avogadro’s Number

Answer 12

• 6.02 x 10²³