Atom Basic Component of Matter
Electrons Negatively charged particles
Nucleus Tiny, massive core containing protons and neutrons
Protons Positively charged particles in an atom’s nucleus Made of 3 quarks
Energy Level Specific amount of energy an electron has
Neutron Particles in the nucleus of an atom that has no electric charge
Atomic Number Number of protons in nucleus of an atom
Isotopes Atoms of the same element but have a different amount of neutrons
Mass Number The sum of the protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Note: a whole number because it refers to specific atom.
Atomic Mass Average mass of all isotopes
Periodic Table Arrangement of elements showing repeating pattern of elements
Periods Horizontal rows in the periodic table
Groups Vertical columns of the periodic table
Chemical Symbol Symbol of an element using letters
Metals An element that is a conductor of heat
Malleable Material that can be hammered, rolled into flat sheets, or shaped
Ductile Material that can be pulled out into a long wire
Thermal Conductivity Ability of an object to transfer heat
Electrical Conductivity Ability of an object to transfer electricity
Reactivity The speed which a substance reacts with other substances
Corrosion Gradual wearing wearing of a metal because of chemical reaction
Alkali Metals Metals in group one of the periodic table
Alkaline Earth Metals Group two of the periodic table
Transition Metals Elements in group three to group twelve on the periodic table
Particle Accelerators Powerful machines that move atomic nuclei really fast
Nonmetal Elements that lack most properties of metal
Diatomic Molecule Molecule that consists of two atoms
Halogens Group 17 of the periodic table
Inert Gases Group 18 of the periodic table
Semimetals Elements that have some metal and have some properties that are nonmetal
Semiconductors Substances that can conduct an electric current under some circumstances and cannot in some circumstances
Radioactive Decay Atomic nuclei of isotopes release fast-moving particles and energy
Radioactivity Property that is able to emit radiation
Alpha Particle Consists of two neutrons and two protons and is positively charged
Beta Particle Fast moving electron that is given off by a nucleus during radioactive decay
Gamma Radiation High energy waves
Tracers Radioactive isotopes that can be followed using a detector
Molecule Two or more atoms joined in chem. bond
Compound A pure substance made of two or more elements chemically combined