1.3 The Atom 8/27 - explanations

Front

What is at the center of every atom?

Back

A nucleus

Answer explanation

The nucleus is at the center of every atom, containing protons and neutrons. Electrons orbit around the nucleus, but they are not at the center. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A nucleus'.

Front

Which two particles make up the nucleus of an atom?

Back

Protons and Neutrons

Answer explanation

The nucleus of an atom is composed of protons and neutrons. Protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons are neutral. Electrons orbit the nucleus but are not part of it, making 'Protons and Neutrons' the correct answer.

Front

The particles with a neutral (0) charge in an atom are the _______.

Back

neutrons

Answer explanation

The particles with a neutral charge in an atom are the neutrons. Electrons have a negative charge, and protons have a positive charge, while neutrons do not carry any charge.

Front

Carbon has an atomic mass number of 12 and six protons. How many neutrons does it have?

Back

6

Answer explanation

The atomic mass number of carbon is 12, which is the sum of protons and neutrons. Since carbon has 6 protons, the number of neutrons is 12 - 6 = 6. Therefore, carbon has 6 neutrons.

Front

The positively charged particles of an atom are the ________.

Back

protons

Answer explanation

The positively charged particles of an atom are the protons. Electrons are negatively charged, and neutrons have no charge. Therefore, protons are the correct answer.

Front

The negatively charged particles of an atom are the ______.

Back

electrons

Answer explanation

The negatively charged particles of an atom are the electrons. Protons are positively charged, and neutrons have no charge, making electrons the only negatively charged particles in an atom.

Front

What is the net charge of the nucleus?

Back

Positive

Answer explanation

The nucleus of an atom contains protons, which have a positive charge, and neutrons, which are neutral. Since protons outnumber neutrons in terms of charge, the overall net charge of the nucleus is positive.

Front

What is the atomic mass number of this element?

Back

59

Answer explanation

The atomic mass number represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. For this element, the correct atomic mass number is 59, indicating it has 59 nucleons.

Front

Which subatomic particle(s) determines the atomic number?

Back

protons

Answer explanation

The atomic number of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus. Electrons and neutrons do not affect the atomic number, making protons the correct choice.

Front

What is the Atomic Mass of Aluminum?

Back

26.982

Answer explanation

The atomic mass of Aluminum is approximately 26.982 atomic mass units. This value reflects the weighted average of the isotopes of aluminum, making 26.982 the correct choice.