Atomic Structure Basics

Questions and Answers

In an atom, which term describes the most likely location for an electron relative to its nucleus?

Electron shell

Orbital (correct)

Valence shell

Energy level

How many electrons can each orbital hold?

2 (correct)

Which element has an atomic number of 16?

Fluorine

Oxygen (correct)

Chlorine

Sulfur

What determines the number of electrons a shell can hold?

Number of orbitals in the shell Signup and view all the answers

Which type of particles determine bonding in an atom?

Electrons Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe an atom's outermost occupied shell?

Valence shell Signup and view all the answers

Which element has an atomic weight of 39.10?

Sodium Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct statement about the movement of electrons in an atom?

Electrons move in orbitlike rings around the nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of an atom contains most of its mass?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What defines the unique identity of each element?

Atomic number Signup and view all the answers

What happens to an atom when the number of protons equals the number of electrons?

It becomes electrically neutral Signup and view all the answers

What is an ion?

An atom that has gained or lost electrons Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ion is Hydroxide (OH-)?

Anion Signup and view all the answers

What is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus called?

Mass number Signup and view all the answers

In what way do isotopes differ?

In their mass numbers Signup and view all the answers

What is a common chemical found in the human body that helps form hair?

Protein Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a chemical used by plants to inhibit the growth of other trees?

Chemicals released by Black walnut tree Signup and view all the answers

What role do pheromones play for some reptiles?

Mark territory Signup and view all the answers

Which group of chemicals are deployed by plants in their defense against herbivores and competitors?

Unique plant kingdom chemicals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of chemicals released by the chili pepper tree?

Limit damage from animals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary purpose of using chemical warfare by plants?

Defending against predators Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the release of chemicals by the Black walnut tree have on surrounding landscapes?

Inhibits growth of other plants Signup and view all the answers

How do some animals use pheromones for survival?

Enhancing communication within the species Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the mass number and atomic number in an atom?

The mass number is always greater than the atomic number Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes different forms of a single element?

Isotope Signup and view all the answers

What does the atomic weight represent?

The average mass of all atoms of an element Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of a radioactive isotope?

Emits particles or rays as it disintegrates Signup and view all the answers

What does the half-life of a radioactive isotope refer to?

The time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample to emit radiation Signup and view all the answers

What do radioactive isotopes have in common with stable isotopes?

Both have characteristic half-lives Signup and view all the answers

What do molecules consist of?

Two chemically joined atoms Signup and view all the answers

What are compounds composed of?

Two or more different elements Signup and view all the answers

What are the four most abundant bulk elements in life?

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

What does an Iron-poor diet lead to in terms of red blood cells?

Anemia (decline in red blood cells) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about atoms is correct?

Atoms are indivisible and cannot be broken down into smaller units Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Iodine in the diet?

To prevent goiter due to thyroid gland enlargement Signup and view all the answers

Which elements are considered essential to life due to their presence in the largest amounts?

Carbon and Hydrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Red Blood Cells in the body?

To carry Oxygen to the body’s tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is a chemical element?

A pure substance that cannot be broken down by chemical means into other substances Signup and view all the answers

Why are trace elements like Iron and Zinc important for the body?

They are required in small amounts for specific biological functions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Atomic Structure and Electron Configuration

The most likely location for an electron relative to its nucleus is described as an "orbital."
Each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons.
The element with an atomic number of 16 is sulfur (S).
The maximum number of electrons a shell can host is determined by the formula 2n², where n is the shell number.
Bonding in an atom is primarily determined by electrons, specifically valence electrons.
The term "valence shell" refers to the outermost occupied shell of an atom.
The element with an atomic weight of 39.10 is potassium (K).
Electrons in an atom move in defined energy levels or orbitals and do not travel in fixed paths.

Atomic Composition and Identity

Most of an atom's mass is concentrated in the nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons.
The unique identity of each element is defined by its atomic number, which indicates the number of protons it possesses.
When the number of protons equals the number of electrons, the atom is electrically neutral.
An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net charge.
Hydroxide (OH-) is an example of a negative ion, known as an anion.

Atomic Structure and Isotopes

The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus is called the "mass number."
Isotopes differ in the number of neutrons they contain while having the same number of protons.
A common chemical found in the human body that aids in hair formation is keratin.

Plant Defense and Interactions

Chemical compounds can be utilized by plants to inhibit the growth of other nearby trees, often referred to as allelopathic compounds.
Pheromones play a crucial role in communication for some reptiles, aiding in mating and territorial behaviors.
Plants deploy secondary metabolites as part of their defense strategy against herbivores and competing plants.
Chemicals released by the chili pepper tree primarily function to deter herbivores.

Chemical Warfare and Ecosystem Impact

The primary purpose of chemical warfare in plants includes defense against herbivory and competition.
The release of chemicals by the Black walnut tree can negatively affect surrounding plants, inhibiting their growth.

Animal Behavior and Survival

Some animals use pheromones for survival by marking territories or attracting mates.

Fundamental Atomic Properties

The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, whereas the atomic number only counts protons.
Different forms of a single element are known as isotopes.
Atomic weight represents the average mass of an element's isotopes relative to a standard.
Radioactive isotopes are characterized by instability and emissions of radiation.
The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time required for half of the substance to decay.
Radioactive isotopes share the same fundamental properties as stable isotopes, differing mainly in stability.

Molecular Composition

Molecules consist of two or more atoms bonded together.
Compounds are specific types of molecules formed by the chemical combination of different elements.
The four most abundant bulk elements in living organisms are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.

Nutritional Aspects and Functions

An iron-poor diet can lead to a decrease in red blood cell production, causing anemia.
Iodine plays a vital role in thyroid function within the diet.
Essential elements for life, found in significant amounts, include carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.
Red blood cells function primarily to transport oxygen throughout the body.
A chemical element is a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.
Trace elements like iron and zinc are crucial for various physiological functions despite being required in smaller amounts.

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Description

Learn about the basic structure of an atom, including the arrangement of electrons, nucleus, and the concept of atomic number. Explore how electrons move within an electron cloud and the role of protons and neutrons in forming the nucleus.