click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Periodic Table Vocab
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Valence Electron | An electron that resides in the outermost shell, or principal quantum level, of an atom. |
Periodic Table | A chart that scientists use to organize and classify all the different elements. |
Periods | The horizontal rows on the periodic table. |
Groups | Vertical columns of elements on the periodic table with similar valence electron configurations and similar properties. |
Metals | Elements that give up electrons easily, are malleable and ductile, and are good electrical conductors. |
Nonmetals | Elements that are poor electrical conductors and tend to accept electrons easily. |
Metalloids | Elements that lie between the metals and the nonmetals on the periodic table; these elements exhibit both metallic and nonmetallic properties. |
Atomic Number | The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom; atomic number determines the chemical properties of the atom. |
Atomic Mass | The combined mass of all the protons and neutrons of an atom. Since each proton and neutron has a mass of approximately one unit. The atomic mass is approximately equal to the number of protons and neutrons. |