Word Detective CH 3

Name ___________________________________________________________ Period _____ Date __________
Word Detective: Chapter 3, The Structure of the Atom

Word Page Definition in Context Importance
Distinguish term
1. Dalton’s 89 A theory stating that all matter is composed of atoms, It was the first scientific
atomic theory which are indivisible and cannot be destroyed. Atoms model that explained the
of the same element are identical, while atoms of nature of matter in terms
different elements are distinct. of atoms, laying the
groundwork for modern
chemistry.
2. atom The smallest particle of an element that retains its Atoms are the
chemical properties. fundamental building
blocks of all matter,
making up everything in
the universe.
3. cathode ray Streams of electrons observed in vacuum tubes, Led to the discovery of
moving from the cathode (negative electrode) to the electrons, helping
anode (positive electrode). scientists understand
atomic structure
4. electron A subatomic particle with a negative charge, found in Electrons play a key role
all atoms, orbiting the nucleus. in chemical bonding and
electricity
5. nucleus The dense, central core of an atom, containing protons The nucleus holds most
and neutrons. of an atom’s mass and
defines its identity and
stability
6. proton A positively charged subatomic particle located in the Protons determine the
nucleus of an atom. atomic number and the
type of element.
7. neutron A neutral subatomic particle found in the nucleus of Neutrons help stabilize
an atom. the nucleus, influencing
the isotope of an element.
8. atomic The number of protons in an atom's nucleus. It uniquely identifies an

number element on the periodic
table.
9. isotope Atoms of the same element with the same number of Isotopes have different
protons but different numbers of neutrons. atomic masses and can
exhibit different
behaviors, useful in
various scientific fields.
10. mass number The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's It helps identify specific
nucleus. isotopes of an element.
11. atomic mass A unit of mass equal to one-twelfth the mass of a Provides a standard for
unit (amu) carbon-12 atom, used to express atomic and molecular measuring atomic mass.
weights.
Word Page Definition in Context Importance (explain the

significance of the term)
12. atomic mass The weighted average mass of an element’s Helps compare the masses of
isotopes based on their natural abundance. different elements and is
essential for understanding
chemical reactions.
13. radioactivity The spontaneous emission of radiation from Important for understanding
unstable atomic nuclei. nuclear reactions and is used in
medicine, energy, and research.
14. radiation The energy emitted from radioactive substances, Has applications in imaging,
including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. treatment, and energy
production.
15. nuclear A reaction that alters an atom’s nucleus, often Powers nuclear energy and can
reaction releasing large amounts of energy. lead to the synthesis of new
elements.
16. radioactive The process by which unstable atomic nuclei Helps scientists date materials
decay lose energy by emitting radiation. and understand nuclear
stability.
17. alpha Radiation consisting of alpha particles, which Used in some medical
radiation are composed of two protons and two neutrons. treatments and smoke
detectors.
18. alpha particle A particle with two protons and two neutrons, Helps in understanding
emitted during alpha decay. radioactive decay processes.
19. nuclear An equation that represents the particles Useful for tracking changes in
equation involved in a nuclear reaction. nuclear reactions.
20. beta radiation Radiation consisting of high-energy electrons or Important in medical

positrons, emitted during beta decay. treatments and radioactive
dating.
21. beta particle A high-speed electron or positron emitted during Helps scientists study
radioactive decay. radioactive materials and
reactions.
22.gamma ray A high-energy form of electromagnetic radiation Used in medical imaging and
emitted by radioactive atoms. cancer treatment due to its
deep penetration ability.

Word Detective CH 3

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Word Detective CH 3

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Word Detective CH 3

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Name _________________________________________________________ Period _ Date ________

Word Detective: Chapter 3, The Structure of the Atom

8. atomic The number of protons in an atom's nucleus. It uniquely identifies an

Word Page Definition in Context Importance (explain the

20. beta radiation Radiation consisting of high-energy electrons or Important in medical

You might also like