 | Term | Definition |
| |
nucleus |
the central core of the atom, containing protons and usually neutrons |
| |
proton |
small positively charged particles that are found in the nucleus of an atom. |
| |
neutrons |
small uncharged particles that are found in the nucleus of the atom |
| |
electrons |
tiny, negatively charged, high-energy particles that move around outside the nucleus of an atom. |
| |
valence electrons |
the electrons that are farthest away from the nucleus of an atom and are involved in chemical reactions |
| |
electron dot diagram |
a representation of the number of valence electrons in an atom, using dots placed around the symbol of the element |
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atomic number |
The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom |
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group |
elements in the same vertical column on the period table, also called families |
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family |
elements in the same vertical column on the period table, also called groups |
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period |
elements in the same horizontal row of the periodic table |
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halogen |
an element belonging to Group 17 of the periodic table |
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ion |
an atom or group of atoms that has become electrically charged |
| |
ionic bond |
The attractions between two oppositely charged ions |
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polyatomic ion |
An ion that is made of more than one atom |
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crystal |
an orderly, three-dimensional pattern of ions or atoms in a solid |
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covalent bond |
a chemical bond formed when two atoms share electrons |
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double bond |
a chemical bond formed when atoms share two pairs of electrons |
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molecular compound |
a compound consisting of molecules of covalently bonded atoms |
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polar |
a description of a covalent bond in which electrons are shared unequally, or a molecule containing polar bonds that do not cancel out |
| |
nonpolar |
the description of a covalent bond in which electrons are shared equally, or a molecule containing nonpolar bonds, or polar bonds that cancel out |
| |
mineral |
a naturally occurring solid that has a crystal structure and a definite chemical composition |
