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What are the main subatomic particles in an atom and their charges?
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Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons have no charge.
What analogy is used to describe the structure of atoms?
Atoms are often represented like a miniature solar system with electrons orbiting the nucleus.
What distinguishes different elements from each other?
Different elements have different numbers of protons in their atoms.
Why might the number of neutrons vary within atoms of the same element?
Because isotopes exist, which are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
How does the periodic table organize elements by their properties?
Elements are arranged by increasing atomic number in rows and by shared chemical properties in columns.
List some key elements that are particularly important in biological systems.
Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur.
Why is it important for biology students to understand chemistry?
Because living systems are chemical systems, and understanding the chemical basis of life processes is crucial.
Name two highly reactive elements from the periodic table that are in the same family.
Lithium (Li) and Sodium (Na) are both very reactive metals in the same family.
What is the recommended way to reinforce material learned in chemistry?
Engage with interactive learning activities such as flashcards and quizzes to reinforce material.
Explain the rule of charge interaction in atoms.
Like charges repel each other, while opposite charges attract each other.
How do electrons arrange themselves in an atom?
Electrons are found in orbitals or energy levels/shells around the nucleus, with specific regions of probability or charge density.
Give examples of common and uncommon chemical symbols from the periodic table.
Common: H for Hydrogen, C for Carbon; Uncommon: Na for Sodium, Fe for Iron.
What is the significance of an atom's atomic number?
The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom, which determines the element's identity.
Describe the structure of an atom.
An atom has a nucleus containing protons and neutrons with electrons orbiting in energy levels or shells.
What information about an element can be found in its square on the periodic table?
The element's atomic number, chemical symbol, name, and atomic weight.
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