atomic number
The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
atomic mass
The total weight of an atom (or how heavy it is)
atom
A very small particle that makes up most kinds of matter and consists of smaller parts called protons, neutrons, and electrons. Is the building blocks of all matter.
nucleus
The center part of an atom that has a positive charge. It contains protons and neutrons.
neutron
A particle in the nucleus of an atom that has no charge (neutral).
proton
A positively charged particle located in the nucleus of n atom and that is counted to identify the atomic number.
electron
An invisible, negatively charged particle located in a cloud like formation that surrounds the nucleus of an atom.
Periodic Table of Elements
A chart of the elements showing the repeating pattern of their properties
matter
Anything that has mass and takes up space. It is a solid, liquid, or gas.
element
A material that cannot be broken down into simpler materials by ordinary means.
metals
One group of elements that are shiny and good conductors of heat and electricity. Ex. aluminum, iron, gold, silver
nonmetals
One group of elements that are usually gases or brittle solids, dull (not shiny) and are NOT good conductors of heat and electricity. Ex. helium, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen
metalloids
One group of elements that has characteristics of both metals and nonmetals. Ex. silicon, boron, germanium
substance
A type of matter that has all the same properties and is made of all the same things throughout.
compound
When two or more elements combine to create a new pure substance. Ex. NaCl = salt
mixture
When two or more substances combine but don't create a new substance. Ex. chocolate milk