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The property that distinguishes an atom of one element (carbon. for example) from an atom of another element (oxygen, for example) is
a. the number of electrons.
b. the number of protons.
c. the number of neutrons.
d. the combined number of protons and neutrons.
Introduction:
Matter is any substance found in universe which has mass and occupies space. All matter is composed of atoms, which are small particles that are difficult to study because of their size.
Answer to Problem 1U
Correct answer:
The property that distinguishes an atom of one element (carbon, for example) from an atom of another element (oxygen, for example) is the number of protons. Therefore, option b. is correct.
Explanation of Solution
Reason for the correct statement:
The number of protons determines the atomic number of an element.
Option b. is given as “the number of protons”
As different elements are determined by the proton numbers, which is the atomic number, option b is the right answer.
Hence, option b. is correct.
Reasons for the incorrect statements:
Option a. is given as “the number of electrons.”
The number of electron determines the chemical behavior of an atom. So, it is a wrong answer.
Option c. is given as “the number of neutrons.”
The difference in neutron number determines the isotopes. So, it is a wrong answer.
Option d. is given as “the combined number of protons and neutrons.”
The combined number of neutrons and protons determines the atomic mass of an atom. So, it is a wrong answer.
Hence, options a, c, and d are incorrect.
The number of protons distinguishes an atom of one element from an atom of another element.
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Chapter 2 Solutions
Biology
- The atomic number gives thea. number of neutrons in the nucleus.b. number of protons in the nucleus.c. weight of the atom.d. number of protons in the valence shell.arrow_forward. A cation is a(n)a. uncharged atom.b. positively charged atom.c. negatively charged atom.d. atom that has gained an electronarrow_forwardA carbon atom contains six protons and six neutrons.A. What are its atomic number and atomic weight?B. How many electrons does it have?C. How many additional electrons must it add to fill its outermost shell? How does this affect carbon’s chemical behavior?D. Carbon with an atomic weight of 14 is radioactive. How does it differ in structure from nonradioactive carbon? How does this difference affect its chemical behavior?arrow_forward
- Which parts of an element do not vary in number?a. electronsb. neutronsc. protonsd. All of these vary.arrow_forwardIsotopes differ from each other only in the number of electrons they contain. Select one: a. True b. Falsearrow_forwardWhich of the following statements about chemicalbonds is true?a. Covalent bonds are stronger than ionic bonds.b. Hydrogen bonds occur between two atoms ofhydrogen.c. Bonding readily occurs between nonpolar andpolar molecules.d. A molecule of water is unlikely to bond with anion.arrow_forward
- The weak attractive force between two water molecules forms a(n)a. covalent bond. c. ionic bond. e. isotope.b. hydrogen bond. d. compound.arrow_forwardKnowing the atomic mass of an element allows inferences about which of the following? the number of protons plus neutrons in the element the number of protons plus electrons in the element the number of electrons in the element the number of protons in the elementarrow_forwardWhich of the following levels in the shell model of an atom can hold up to two electrons? A. The second shell B. The first shell C. The third shellarrow_forward
Concepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax College
