CHEM Midterm Study Guide

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in chemical bonding.

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Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

During nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy.

A compound is a substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together.

The ion would have a charge of 2+.

An atom is the smallest unit of an element, while a molecule is a group of two or more atoms bonded together.

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (an electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus.

The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus and determines the element's identity.

A neutron is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, with no electric charge.