Matter & Elements
Basic substances which cannot be broken down by ordinary means.
What are elements?
The smallest particle of an element that contains the characteristics of the element.
What is an atom?
The three-dimensional space where an electron is found 90% of the time.
What is an orbital?
Two or more atoms chemically bonded together.
What are molecules?
These elements are required by an organism in only
minute quantities.
What are trace elements?
Positively charged component of an atom.
What is a proton?
The number of electrons needed to fill an orbital.
What are 2 electrons?
Molecules have very different properties than their:
What are component atoms?
These elements make up 96% of living matter.
What are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen?
Negatively charged component of an atom.
What is an electron?
What mostly determines the chemical behavior of an atom?
Valance electrons.
Atoms have a tendency to do this to become stable.
What is completing their outer energy levels?
These make up the majority of the remaining 4% of elements of life.
What are calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur?
Neutrally charged component of an atom.
What is a neutron?
The maximum number of electrons in an outside energy shell.
What is the octet rule? (8 electrons)
This electron shell participates in forming bonds to create molecules.
What is the (outer) Valance shell?