Chapter 4 Information Sheet 8th Grade

Important Vocabulary: atom, electron, nucleus, proton, neutron, atomic number, isotope,
mass number, atomic mass, periodic table, period, group, chemical symbol, metal, nonmetal, inert gas, semimetal, radioactivity

Important Concepts:
1. Experimentation on atom began in 1600 and developed into the Atomic Theory. Many scientists contributed to this theory. The current theory states that atom is mostly empty space with a tiny, massive nucleus containing protons and neutrons surrounded by a cloudlike region of moving electrons. (p125-128) 2. Protons (p+) have a + charge and 1 amu. The number of protons in an element is its atomic number. Electrons (e-) have a charge and 1/1836 amu. The number of electrons affects the charge of the atom. Neutrons (n) have no charge and 1 amu. The number of neutrons determines the isotope of the atom and is identified by mass number. (p128-130) 3. The properties of an element can be predicted from its location on the periodic table. Classes include metals, semimetals, nonmetals, and inert gases. Horizontal rows are called periods. Vertical columns are called groups. Each square on a periodic table represents one element and usually includes atomic number, chemical symbol, element name, and atomic mass. (p132-137) 4. Most elements on the periodic table are metals. Metal properties include luster, malleability, ductility, and conductivity. Metals are usually solid at room temperature. Metal groups (families) include alkali, alkaline earth, transition, a mixed group, lanthanides, and actinides. (p138-144) 5. Elements with atomic numbers above 92 do not occur naturally. They are created using particle accelerators and are called synthetic elements (p144) 6. Nonmetals are poor conductors and are dull and brittle in solid form. Most are common on Earth. Groups include the carbon family, nitrogen family, oxygen family, and halogen family. (p149-154) 7. Group 18 is the inert gases. These gases usually do not bond or make compounds with other elements. They are generally considered un-reactive. (p154) 8. Hydrogen is unique. It usually has 1 proton and 1 neutron. Hydrogen makes up 90% of the universes atoms. On Earth it is usually found bonded with oxygen to form water. (p154) 9. Semimetals are useful as conductors of electricity. They have some properties of metals and some properties of nonmetals. (p155) 10. Some isotopes are radioactive. They spontaneously emit fast moving particles (alpha and beta) and energy (gamma rays). (p159-163) Practice Due Test Due: