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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 W/CONNECT >IP<
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