1. knows that the number and configuration of electrons will equal the number of protons in an electrically neutral atom and when an atom gains or loses electrons, the charge is unbalanced.

2. knows the difference between an element, a molecule, and a compound.

3. knows that a number of elements have heavier unstable nuclei that decay, spontaneously giving off smaller particles and waves that result in a small loss of mass and release a large amount of energy.

4. knows that nuclear energy is released when small, light atoms are fused into heavier ones.

5. knows that elements are arranged into groups and families based on similarities in electron structure and that their physical and chemical properties can be predicted.