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Atoms
L 1-4
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| atom | the basic particle from which all elements are made; the smallest particle of an element that has the properties of that element. |
| electron | a tiny, negatively charged particle that moves around the outside of the nucleus of an atom. |
| nucleus | the central core of an atom that contains protons, and neutrons. |
| proton | small, positively charged particles that are found in the nucleus of an atom. |
| energy level | a region of an atom in which the electrons of the same energy are likely to be found. |
| neutron | a small particle in the nucleus of the atom, with no electrical charge. |
| atomic number | the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. |
| isotope | an atom with the same number of protons and a different number of neutrons from other atoms of the same element. |
| mass number | the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. |
| atomic mass | the average mass of all the isotopes of an element. |
| periodic table | an arrangement of the elements showing the repeating pattern of their properties. |
| chemical symbol | a one or two letter representation of an element. |
| period | a horizontal row of elements in the periodic table. |
| group | elements in the same vertical column of the periodic table; also called a family. |
| metal | a class of elements characterized by physical properties that include, shininess, mellability, ductility, and conductivity. |
| luster | the way a mineral reflects light from it's surface. |
| malleable | a term used to describe the material that can be hammered or rolled into flat sheets. |
| ductile | a term used to describe a material that can be pulled out into a long wire. |
| thermal conductivity | the ability of an object to transfer heat. |
| electracal conductivity | the ability of an object to carry an electric current. |
| reactivity | the ease and speed with which an element combines, or reacts, with other elements and compounds. |
| corrosion | the gradual wearing away of a metal element due to a chemical reaction. |
| alkali metal | an element in Group 1 of the periodic table. |
| alkaline earth metal | an element in Group 2 of there periodic table. |
| transition metal | an element in groups 3 through 12 in the periodic table. |
| nonmetal | an element that lacks most of the properties of metal. |
| diatomic molecule | a molecule consisting of two atoms. |
| halogen | an element round in Group 17 of the periodic table. |
| noble gas | an element in Group 18 in the periodic table. |
| metalloid | a element that has both characteristics of metal, and nonmetal. |
| semiconductor | a substance that can conduct electric currents under some conditions. |