Subatomic particles and the nuclear atom
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Flip to reveal answersWhere are protons and neutrons found?
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All 12 Flashcards — Subatomic particles and the nuclear atom
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Question
Where are protons and neutrons found?
Answer
Together in the tiny, dense central **nucleus** of the atom.
Question
Where are electrons found?
Answer
Moving around the nucleus in **shells** (energy levels); this region is mostly empty space.
Question
Relative mass and charge of a proton?
Answer
Relative mass **1**, relative charge **+1**.
Question
Relative mass and charge of a neutron?
Answer
Relative mass **1**, relative charge **0** (neutral).
Question
Relative mass and charge of an electron?
Answer
Relative mass ≈ **1/1836** (negligible), relative charge **−1**.
Question
What is the atomic number, Z?
Answer
The number of **protons** in the nucleus; it defines the element.
Question
What is the mass number, A?
Answer
The number of **protons + neutrons** (nucleons) in the nucleus.
Question
How do you find the number of neutrons?
Answer
**neutrons = A − Z** (mass number − atomic number).
Question
Electrons in a neutral atom?
Answer
**electrons = protons = Z** — the + and − charges balance.
Question
How do you find electrons in an ion?
Answer
Adjust electrons by the charge: **electrons = Z − charge** (lose e⁻ for +, gain e⁻ for −).
Question
Read the symbol $^{A}_{Z}\text{X}$.
Answer
Top = **mass number A**, bottom = **atomic number Z**, X = element symbol.
Question
What changes when an atom becomes an ion?
Answer
Only the **electron** count; the protons and neutrons stay the same.
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Topic 1.2 hub
The nuclear atom
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