Chemistry For Dummies ⟶ [SIMPLE]

At the heart of chemistry is the , the smallest unit of an element that retains its properties.

: Elements in the same column have similar chemical "personalities" because they have the same number of outer-shell electrons. Chemistry For Dummies

: Most elements are metals (shiny, conductive), while non-metals (dull, insulators) are clustered on the right side. 3. Making Connections: Chemical Bonding At the heart of chemistry is the ,

: Neutral particles in the nucleus; they add mass but don't change the element's identity. Variations in neutron counts create isotopes . : Positively charged particles in the nucleus; the

: Positively charged particles in the nucleus; the number of protons defines what element an atom is (its atomic number).

: A "theft" where a metal gives an electron to a non-metal, creating charged ions that stick together like magnets.

Atoms rarely like being alone; they bond to become more stable.