Atoms versus Elements: Identify whether each statement is true or false.
A. An atom is the smallest unit of an element that has the properties of that element.
☐ True
☐ False
B. Elements are distinguished from each other by the number of neutrons present in their nuclei.
☐ True
☐ False
C. Elements are made from several different types of atoms.
☐ True
☐ False
D. Atoms consist of a nucleus that contains a certain number of protons and neutrons.
☐ True
☐ False
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Here are the answers for each statement:
A. An atom is the smallest unit of an element that has the properties of that element.
☑ True
B. Elements are distinguished from each other by the number of neutrons present in their nuclei.
☒ False
C. Elements are made from several different types of atoms.
☒ False
D. Atoms consist of a nucleus that contains a certain number of protons and neutrons.
☑ True
Explanation:
Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, and each atom corresponds to a particular element. Every element on the periodic table consists of atoms that share the same number of protons, making the statement in A true. An atom is indeed the smallest unit that still retains the chemical properties of an element. For instance, a single atom of oxygen will behave as oxygen in chemical reactions.
Statement B is false because elements are distinguished by the number of protons, not neutrons. The number of protons in the nucleus defines an element’s atomic number, which determines its identity. For example, carbon has six protons, and all carbon atoms must have six protons. Neutrons, on the other hand, can vary, leading to different isotopes of the same element.
Statement C is false because elements are made up of only one type of atom. For example, pure gold is made entirely of gold atoms. While atoms can combine to form molecules, each element consists solely of its own kind of atoms.
Lastly, D is true. Atoms consist of a central nucleus containing protons (positively charged) and neutrons (neutral), with electrons (negatively charged) orbiting the nucleus. The number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus affects the atom’s mass, while the electrons govern its chemical behavior. Thus, atoms are made of these subatomic particles, but the element is determined by its number of protons.