Describe the basic parts of an atom (subatomic components) and distinguish the differences between atomic
number, atomic mass.
Relationship question:
Why are the subatomic particles “positively charged” and “negatively charged” and how does this relationship
relate to the five part definition of a mineral?
How is the atomic number, atomic mass and an electrically balanced atom related? Solve the following
relationships using these values:
Relationship question: Atomic Number (AN), Atomic Mass (AM)
16 electrons, 7 neutrons, electrically balanced
AN = AM =
AM= 47, AN=24, electrically balanced
Neutrons = electrons =
25 protons, 12 neutrons, electrically balanced
AM = AN = electrons =
What is a chemical element?
Relationship questions:
How does the element definition relate to the atomic number?
Is an element considered a mineral Why or Why not?
The same element can occur as solid, liquid or a gas.
Relationship question:
Why are most ( around 90%) of elements in their solid phase. Is this a good “thing” or a bad “thing”, explain
your answer.
The periodic table organizes elements based on similar physical chemical characteristics. Describe the
reactivity of elements moving from left (group-1) to right (group 18).
Relationship questions:
Why does reactivity change from one group to the next (think valence electrons)?
Why are minerals typically non-reactive and made of various element combinations?
What is the relationship between periodic groups and valence numbers? And how does that relate to reactivity.
What is the most reactive element on the periodic chart Why?
Why are the noble gasses considered NON REACTIVE?
The periodic table divides elements according to similar properties---- example, metals and nonmetals
Relationship questions:
Describe 4 properties that are common with metals and 4 properties common with nonmetals.
What happens to individual element properties of both metals and nonmetals when they bond together forming
a mineral?
All chemical reactions take place along the valence shell.
Relationship questions:
What is the valence shell
How is the valence shell related to the ionic state of an atom?
What is meant by “losing” and “gaining” an electron
What is meant by the rule of 8?
How does the electron configuration of an element differ from an ion?
Elements bond to make minerals or “chemical compounds”. Describe in your own words the differences
between the ionic, covalent, metallic and van der waal bonds.
Relationship questions:
What common bonding characteristic is common to all 4 bonds?
Given each bonding type, identify which type of bonds are strong, weak, moderate, ect….
Which bonds wo
Sample Solution