/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 3 Which of the following is true a... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Which of the following is true about an individual atom? Explain. a. An individual atom should be considered to be a solid. b. An individual atom should be considered to be a liquid. c. An individual atom should be considered to be a gas. d. The state of the atom depends on which element it is. e. An individual atom cannot be considered to be a solid, liquid, or gas. Justify your choice, and for choices you did not pick, explain what is wrong with them.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The correct answer is statement e, as an individual atom cannot be considered a solid, liquid, or gas. These states of matter are properties of substances, dependent on the interaction and behavior of multiple atoms, rather than properties of individual atoms.

Step by step solution

01

Recognizing the states of matter

: Before evaluating each statement, it is essential to understand the three states of matter - solid, liquid, and gas. These states of matter are defined by the arrangement and behavior of particles (atoms or molecules) within the substance: - Solids: Atoms are closely packed in a regular pattern and vibrate in fixed positions. - Liquids: Atoms are less closely packed and constantly moving, allowing them to flow. - Gases: Atoms are widely separated and move freely in random directions. Now that we know the different states of matter, let's analyze each statement.
02

Statement a

: An individual atom should be considered to be a solid. This is not true because an atom by itself has no significant arrangement or pattern. The arrangement or behavior of atoms is only relevant when discussing a substance, not an individual atom.
03

Statement b

: An individual atom should be considered to be a liquid. This is also not true because an individual atom can't flow or take the shape of its container like a liquid. Liquids are defined by the behavior of their atoms, and an individual atom can't exhibit that behavior independently.
04

Statement c

: An individual atom should be considered to be a gas. This statement is also incorrect because an atom can't move freely in space or expand indefinitely to fill a volume like a gas. Again, the behavior of gases is determined by the interactions and behavior of their atoms, not by a single atom.
05

Statement d

: The state of the atom depends on which element it is. This statement is incorrect because atoms themselves do not have states of matter; these states are properties of a substance made up of many atoms interacting with each other. An individual atom of any element can't be classified as a solid, liquid, or gas.
06

Statement e

: An individual atom cannot be considered to be a solid, liquid, or gas. This statement is correct because an individual atom is not a substance and hence doesn't exhibit properties such as state of matter, which are dependent on the interaction and behavior of multiple atoms within that substance. An atom by itself cannot be classified as a solid, liquid, or gas as these states of matter are properties of substances, not of individual atoms. Conclusion: The correct answer is statement e. An individual atom cannot be considered to be a solid, liquid, or gas, as these states of matter are properties of substances and are dependent on the arrangement and behavior of multiple atoms.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The isotope of an unknown element, \(\mathrm{X},\) has a mass number of 79\. The most stable ion of this isotope has 36 electrons and has a \(2-\) charge. Which of the following statements is(are) true? For the false statements, correct them. a. This ion has more electrons than protons in the nucleus. b. The isotope of \(X\) contains 38 protons. c. The isotope of \(X\) contains 41 neutrons. d. The identity of \(\mathrm{X}\) is strontium, \(\mathrm{Sr}\).

Section I-5 describes the postulates of Dalton's atomic theory. With some modifications, these postulates hold up very well regarding how we view elements, compounds, and chemical reactions today. Answer the following questions concerning Dalton's atomic theory and the modifications made today. a. The atom can be broken down into smaller parts. What are the smaller parts? b. How are atoms of hydrogen identical to each other and how can they be different from each other? c. How are atoms of hydrogen different from atoms of helium? How can H atoms be similar to He atoms? d. How is water different from hydrogen peroxide \(\left(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}\right)\) even though both compounds are composed of only hydrogen and oxygen? e. What happens in a chemical reaction and why is mass conserved in a chemical reaction?

These questions are designed to be used by groups of students in class. Paracelsus, a sixteenth-century alchemist and healer, adopted as his slogan: "The patients are your textbook, the sickbed is your study." Is this view consistent with using the scientific method?

What is the symbol of an ion with 16 protons, 18 neutrons, and 18 electrons? What is the symbol for an ion that has 16 protons, 16 neutrons, and 18 electrons?

The number of protons in an atom determines the identity of the atom. What do the number and arrangement of the electrons in an atom determine? What does the number of neutrons in an atom determine?

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.