CFI Chemistry Vocab

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom

An average of the isotopes of an element based on their mass compared to Carbon-12, and their relative abundance in nature

Fundamental particle discovered by Thomson; negatively charged; found in orbitals around the nucleus

The higher energy states for electrons in an atom

The lowest energy state for electrons in an atom (normal state)

An atom that has acquired an unbalanced electron charge because it has lost or gained electrons

Atoms of an element that have different numbers of neutrons

The sum of the number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus of an atom

Neutral particle in the nucleus; discovered by Chadwick

Tiny, massive "core" of an atom where protons and neutrons are found; surrounded by electrons

Defines the space where an electron is likely to be found

Discrete units of energy of which light consists, according to Einstein

Discrete unit of positive charge in the nucleus; discovered by Rutherford

The members of the A-group families in the Periodic Table; also called the main group

Members of the B group in Periodic Table; all are metals

The smallest unit of an element that can exist alone or in combination with other elements

An attractive force that holds atoms together in a compound

Changes in internal potential energy

A chemical bond formed by the sharing of at least a pair of electrons

A covalent bond formed when two pairs of electrons are shared by two atoms

Describes what elements are in a compound and in what proportions

The chemical bond of electrostatic attraction between negative and positive ions

The smallest particle of a compound or gaseous element that can exist and still retain the characteristic properties of a substance

Atoms attempt to acquire an outer orbital with eight electrons

A covalent bond in which there is an unequal sharing of bonding electrons

A covalent bond in which a single pair of electrons is shared by two atoms

A covalent bond formed when three pairs of electrons are shared by two atoms

The outer electrons, which participate in chemical bonding