Concept explainers
All material things are made from atoms. More than hundred different types of atom that has chemical and physical properties are called an element. An atom is the smallest unit of an element with distinctive properties. Every atom is made up of a nucleus consisting of neutrons (neutral charge), protons (positive charge) and negatively charged electrons (surrounds the nucleus).
Answer to Problem 1TQ
The number of protons in the atom determines the atomic number of an atom.
Therefore, option (a) is correct.
Explanation of Solution
Justify the reasons for the correct statement:
The atomic number or proton number is denoted as a symbol “Z”. The number of protons in an atom’s nucleus is called as atomic number (Z).
Option (a) is given as “protons”.
Hence, the option (a) is correct.
Justify the reasons for the incorrect statements:
Option (b) is given as “neutrons”.
Neutrons determines neutral charged particle in an atom. It does not determines the atomic number of an atom. Hence, it is a wrong answer.
Option (c) is given as “electrons”.
Electrons are negatively charged particle that surrounds the nucleus of an atom. The number of electrons does not determine the atomic number. Hence, it is a wrong answer.
Option (d) is given as, “electrons plus neutrons plus protons”.
Electrons plus neutrons plus protons constitutes an atom and it does not determines the atomic number. Hence, it is a wrong answer.
Hence, options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect.
Atomic number of an atom is determined by the number of protons in the atom.
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Chapter 3 Solutions
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