10 Questions
Which of the following particles make up the nucleus of an atom?
Protons and neutrons
What distinguishes one chemical element from another?
The number of protons in their atoms
What defines the isotope of an element?
The number of neutrons
Why can't humans see atoms with conventional microscopes?
Atoms are smaller than the wavelength of visible light
Where is the majority of an atom's mass located?
In the nucleus
Which subatomic particles are found in the nucleus of an atom?
Protons and neutrons
What distinguishes one chemical element from another?
The number of protons
What determines the isotope of an element?
The number of neutrons
Why can't humans see atoms with conventional microscopes?
Atoms are too small to be seen
Where is the majority of an atom's mass located?
In the nucleus
Study Notes
Key Facts about Atoms
- An atom is composed of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.
- Atoms are the fundamental particles of chemical elements.
- The number of protons in an atom determines its chemical element.
- For example, an atom with 11 protons is sodium, and an atom with 29 protons is copper.
- The number of neutrons in an atom determines its isotope.
- Atoms are incredibly small, measuring about 100 picometers in diameter.
- To put it into perspective, a human hair is a million carbon atoms wide.
- Atoms are too small to be seen with conventional microscopes due to their size being smaller than the shortest wavelength of visible light.
- Quantum effects make it impossible to accurately predict the behavior of atoms using classical physics.
- The nucleus of an atom contains more than 99.94% of its mass.
- Protons have a positive electric charge, while electrons have a negative charge.
- Neutrons have no electric charge.
Test your knowledge of atoms and elements with this quiz! Learn about the structure of an atom, the role of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and how the number of protons determines the identity of an element. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand the fundamentals of chemistry!
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