The Structure of the Atom Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

What are the relative charges of a proton, a neutron and an electron?

Proton $+1$, neutron $0$, electron $-1$.

What are the relative masses of a proton, a neutron and an electron?

Proton 1, neutron 1, electron very small (about $\frac{1}{2000}$).

Where in an atom are the protons, neutrons and electrons found?

Protons and neutrons in the nucleus; electrons in shells (energy levels) around the nucleus.

What is the atomic number of an element?

The number of protons in one atom of that element.

True or false? An atom has no overall electrical charge because it has equal numbers of protons and electrons.

True. The $+1$ charges and $-1$ charges cancel out.

What are the steps to find the numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom?
e.g. $^{23}_{11}Na$

1. Protons = atomic number = 11.
2. Electrons = protons = 11.
3. Neutrons = mass number − atomic number = $23 - 11 = 12$.