What are the 3 fundamental sub-atomic particles which make up most atoms?
Protons (+ electrical charge) and neutrons (no electrical charge) reside in the center (nucleus) an atom. Electrons (negatively charged), which are much smaller particles which whirl at great speed around the nucleus, at different distances (orbitals). The outermost electrons can transfer from one atom to another during chemical reactions. 2. How do you distinguish between the atomic number vs. the atomic weight of an element? Atomic Number = # of protons (establishes the identity of an element) Atomic Weight = # of protons & neutrons 3. What is an ion? How are they produced? An ion is an electrically unbalanced atom. Normally, the number of electrons equal the number of protons in an atom. If a single electron becomes dislodged, the atom acquires a charge of +1. If an atom gains 2 extra electrons, the atom acquires a charge of -2. 4. What is an isotope? Are all isotopes radioactive? An isotope is a natural-occurring variety of an element which contains extra neutrons this changes the
