Name
Date
Per
READING GUIDE: 2.1 - The Nature of Matter
Atoms:
1) Define ATOM:
2) Fill in the table below for the structure of an atom.
Subatomic particle:
Charge? (+, -, neutral)
Location in atom?
Elements and Isotopes:
3) Define ELEMENT:
4) What are the chemical symbols for the following elements?
Carbon:
sodium:
Hydrogen:
mercury:
5) The ATOMIC NUMBER of an element is the number of protons found in the nucleus of all atoms of that element. For
each of the following elements, identify the atomic number (& therefore the # of protons in the nucleus). Use the Periodic
Table in Appendix E (page A-24 in back of book).
Hydrogen:
Aluminum:
Sulfur:
6) Define ISOTOPE:
7) Carbon contains 6 protons. How many NEUTRONS are in the following isotopes of carbon?
Carbon-12:
Carbon-13:
Carbon-14:
8) Describe some uses for radioactive isotopes.
9) Using the Periodic Table on page A-24 (back of book), complete the table below:
ISOTOPE
Oxygen-16
Potassium-41
Magnesium-24
Helium-4
Iodine-127
Molybdenum-96
Symbol
# of protons
# of electrons
# of neutrons
Atomic #
Mass #
Chemical Compounds
10) What is a compound?
11) What is the chemical formula for sodium chloride, or table salt?
Chemical Bonds
12) Which subatomic particles are involved in bond formation?
13) What are the two main types of chemical bonds?
&
14) Define IONIC BOND.
15) What is an ION?
16) Give an example of an ionic bond:
17) Define COVALENT BOND.
18) What is a MOLECULE?
19) Give an example of a covalent bond:
20) A potassium atom easily loses its one valence electron. What type of bond will it form with a chlorine atom (covalent
or ionic)? Explain.
21) Describe what van der Waals forces are in the space below.
Read the passage on page 39 called “A Nature-Inspired Adhesive.”
Answer the questions below:
22) How do geckos climb a vertical surface?
23) Describe the foot of the gecko. (what is found on its feet?)
24) Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are trying to develop a “bandage” using the same
idea as the gecko’s foot. What will this “bandage” do and how will it be useful in the medical field?
25) Suppose you are a doctor reviewing this new bandage for its potential applications. In what ways might you use such
a bandage? Make a list below.