Describe atomic composition
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Middle School Physical Science › Describe atomic composition
Which answer choice is the smallest?
electrons
protons
neutrons
atoms
Explanation
Electrons are the smallest. An atom is made of smaller particles called protons, neutrons and electrons. Protons and Neutrons are roughly the same size and have a mass of one amu (atomic mass unit). Electrons are much smaller and have a mass of 0 amu.
Which answer choice is the smallest?
atoms
molecules
elements
cells
Explanation
Atoms are the smallest. Molecules are two or more atoms. Elements are many of the same type of atom. Cells are often referred to as "the smallest unit of life" because all living things are made of cells. However, cells are made of smaller particles like atoms and molecules as well.
Electrons have what kind of charge?
negative
positive
neutral
variable
Explanation
The answer is negative.
Protons have a positive charge.
Neutrons have a neutral charge.
Electrons have a negative charge.
Neutrons have what kind of charge?
neutral
positive
negative
variable
Explanation
The answer is neutral.
Protons have a positive charge.
Neutrons have a neutral charge.
Electrons have a negative charge.
Which answer choice is NOT part of an atom?
protons
neutrons
electrons
cells
Explanation
Atoms are made of smaller particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons exist in the atom's nucleus, while electrons exist in the electron cloud. The answer is not cells because cells are a building block of organisms and are made of atoms.
What is the overall charge of the atom in the image shown?
neutral, or zero charge
positive, +1
positive, +2
negative, -1
Explanation
The overall charge of the atom is neutral. The atom has two positively charged protons and two negatively charged electrons which result in a net charge of zero. The neutron does not have a charge.
The atomic number of an atom is equal to the number of _________ in an atom.
protons
neutrons
electrons
all the subatomic particles added together
Explanation
The atomic number of an atom is equal to the number of protons in an atom. If the number of protons changes, it is a different element and therefore has a different atomic number.
Protons have what kind of charge?
positive
negative
neutral
variable
Explanation
The answer is positive.
Protons have a positive charge.
Neutrons have a neutral charge.
Electrons have a negative charge.
Where are the protons and neutrons located in an atom?
the nucleus
the electron cloud
inside the cell wall
attached to proteins
Explanation
Atoms are made of smaller particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons exist in the atom's nucleus, while electrons exist in the electron cloud. The answer is not cells because cells are a building block of organisms and are made of atoms.
An atom is_______
the smallest unit of matter.
a molecule of a chemical.
a type of energy.
tiny particles that make up only living things.
Explanation
Atoms are defined as the smallest unit of matter. They make up everything that takes up space, whether it is living or nonliving. A molecule is more than one atom combined, and therefore is not the same as a single atom. Energy is not made of atoms because it does not take up space.