Properties of Element
- Atomic Number (Z): Just like in atoms, the atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in the nucleus. It is the fundamental property that defines the identity of an element. For example, hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, and oxygen has an atomic number of 8.
- Atomic Mass (A): The atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of the masses of all its isotopes. It is usually measured in atomic mass units (u) and provides information about the element’s mass relative to a standard reference. For example, the atomic mass of carbon is approximately 12.01 u.
- Electron Configuration: The arrangement of electrons in energy levels or electron shells determines an element’s chemical behavior and reactivity. Elements follow specific rules when filling their electron shells. For instance, sodium (Na) has an electron configuration of 2-8-1.
- Valence Electrons: These are the electrons in the outermost energy level (shell) of an atom. The number of valence electrons determines an element’s chemical reactivity. For example, carbon has four valence electrons.
- Ionization Energy: This is the amount of energy required to remove an electron from a neutral atom, turning it into a positively charged ion. Elements with higher ionization energies tend to hold their electrons more tightly, and elements with lower ionization energies are more likely to lose electrons to form positive ions.
- Electronegativity: Electronegativity is a measure of an element’s ability to attract and bond with electrons in a chemical compound. Elements with higher electronegativity values tend to attract electrons more strongly. For example, oxygen has a high electronegativity.
- Atomic Radius: The atomic radius is a measure of the size of an atom. It is typically defined as the distance from the nucleus to the outermost electrons in an atom. Atomic radius tends to increase as you move down a group (column) in the periodic table and decrease as you move across a period (row).
Difference Between Elements and Atoms
“Elements” and “Atoms” are the two most commonly used terms in science subjects. It’s confusing for some people what is an atom and an element. Understanding the difference between them is important for studying different reactions and applications of chemistry. Atoms are the most basic, term when you start chemistry learn about matter elements, and atoms are related to matter. In this article, we will find out what is atom and element, their characteristics, and the differences between them.
Table of Content
- What is an Element?
- Properties of Element
- What is an atom?
- Properties of Atom
- Difference Between Elements and Atoms