Understanding Atomic Structure and Particles

Which of the following correctly describes the location of protons within an atom?

(a)  

• In the electron cloud

• In the nucleus
• Orbiting the nucleus

• In the outer shell

Answer explanation

Protons are positively charged particles located in the nucleus of an atom. The other options incorrectly suggest they are found in the electron cloud, orbiting, or in the outer shell.

If an atom has 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons, what is its overall electrical charge?

• +6

• 0

• -6

• +12

Answer explanation

An atom with 6 protons and 6 electrons has equal positive and negative charges, resulting in a net charge of 0. The neutrons do not affect the charge. Therefore, the overall electrical charge is 0.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

FL.SC.912.P.8.4.

Explain how the mass of an atom is primarily determined by its protons and neutrons.

• Electrons have a significant mass that contributes to the atom's mass.

• Protons and neutrons have similar masses, which are much larger than that of electrons.

• Neutrons have no mass, so only protons contribute to the atom's mass.

• The mass of an atom is equally distributed among protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Answer explanation

Protons and neutrons have similar masses, both of which are significantly larger than that of electrons. Therefore, the mass of an atom is primarily determined by the combined mass of its protons and neutrons.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

FL.SC.912.P.8.4.

Which particle is responsible for the chemical properties of an atom?

• Proton

• Neutron

• Electron

• Nucleus

Answer explanation

The electron is responsible for the chemical properties of an atom because it determines how atoms interact and bond with each other. The arrangement and behavior of electrons in the outer shell dictate an atom's reactivity.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

FL.SC.912.P.8.4.

Compare the electrical charges of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

• Protons are negatively charged, neutrons are neutral, and electrons are positively charged.

• Protons are positively charged, neutrons are neutral, and electrons are negatively charged.

• Protons and electrons are neutral, while neutrons are positively charged.

• All three particles are neutral.

Answer explanation

Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons are neutral. Therefore, the correct choice is that protons are positively charged, neutrons are neutral, and electrons are negatively charged.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

FL.SC.912.P.8.4.

How does the arrangement of electrons in an atom affect its chemical reactivity?

• Atoms with more electrons are less reactive.

• The arrangement of electrons determines how atoms interact with each other.

• Electrons do not affect chemical reactivity.

• Only the protons affect chemical reactivity.

Answer explanation

The arrangement of electrons, particularly in the outer shell, determines how easily an atom can bond with others. This influences its chemical reactivity, making the correct choice that it dictates atomic interactions.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

FL.SC.912.P.8.4.

Which of the following statements is true about neutrons?

• Neutrons are found in the electron cloud.

• Neutrons have a positive charge.

• Neutrons have no electrical charge.

• Neutrons are lighter than electrons.

Answer explanation

Neutrons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom and have no electrical charge, making the statement 'Neutrons have no electrical charge' true. The other statements are incorrect.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

FL.SC.912.P.8.4.

Describe the role of protons in identifying an element.

• The number of protons determines the element's atomic number and identity.

• Protons determine the element's mass but not its identity.

• Protons have no role in identifying an element.

• The number of protons is always equal to the number of electrons.

Answer explanation

The number of protons in an atom defines its atomic number, which uniquely identifies the element. Therefore, the correct choice is that protons determine the element's atomic number and identity.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

FL.SC.912.P.8.4.

What is the primary difference between isotopes of the same element?

• Different numbers of protons

• Different numbers of electrons

• Different numbers of neutrons

• Different numbers of nuclei

Answer explanation

Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons but differ in the number of neutrons. This difference in neutrons affects the atomic mass but not the chemical properties of the element.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

FL.SC.912.P.8.4.

How does the concept of atomic theory explain the stability of atoms?

• Atoms are stable because they have equal numbers of protons and neutrons.

• Atoms are stable due to the balance of electrical charges between protons and electrons.

• Atoms are stable because neutrons prevent protons from repelling each other.

• Atoms are stable because electrons are heavier than protons.

Answer explanation

Atoms are stable due to the balance of electrical charges between protons and electrons. Protons are positively charged, while electrons are negatively charged, creating an attractive force that holds the atom together.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

FL.SC.912.P.8.4.