5 Questions
What is the main factor that distinguishes one chemical element from another?
Number of protons in their atoms
What are isotopes of the same element defined by?
Same number of protons but different number of neutrons
What causes electrons to be bound to the nucleus in an atom?
Opposing charge between electrons and nucleus
What happens when an atom has more electrons than protons?
It becomes a negative ion (anion)
Why is it not possible to see atoms with conventional microscopes?
Atoms are smaller than the shortest wavelength of visible light
Study Notes
Chemical Elements
- The main factor that distinguishes one chemical element from another is the number of protons in the atomic nucleus.
Isotopes
- Isotopes of the same element are defined by having the same number of protons (atomic number) but differing numbers of neutrons.
Atomic Structure
- Electrons are bound to the nucleus in an atom due to the attraction between the positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons.
Ions
- When an atom has more electrons than protons, it becomes a negatively charged ion, known as an anion.
Atomic Visibility
- It is not possible to see atoms with conventional microscopes because atoms are extremely small, with diameters in the range of 1 to 3 angstroms (Å).
Test your knowledge of atomic structure and chemical elements with this quiz. Explore the composition of atoms, the significance of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and how elements are distinguished by the number of protons they contain. Learn about isotopes and their relation to atomic structure.
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