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Chapter 19: Problem 4

The positively charged center of an atom is called the

Short Answer

Expert verified
Nucleus

Step by step solution

01

Identify the key terms

The sentence refers to a 'positively charged center of an atom.' It is important to understand the basic structure of an atom to identify this term.
02

Recall atomic structure

An atom consists of a nucleus at the center, which is surrounded by electrons. The nucleus contains positively charged protons and neutral neutrons. Therefore, the positively charged center is specifically the nucleus.
03

Define the term

The nucleus is the central part of an atom containing protons, which bear positive charge. This makes the nucleus itself positively charged.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

nucleus
The nucleus is the heart or core of an atom. It is densely packed with protons and neutrons.
This gives the nucleus a positive charge overall. Being at the center, the nucleus holds most of the atom's mass. Think of the nucleus like the sun in a solar system, with electrons orbiting around it.
Despite being small compared to the whole atom, the nucleus is crucial as it binds the atom together. Here are some essential points about the nucleus:
  • The nucleus is extremely dense and compact.
  • It contains nearly all the atom's mass, even though it takes up only a tiny fraction of the atom's volume.
  • The number of protons in the nucleus defines the chemical element.
Understanding the nucleus helps us grasp the atomic structure and why atoms behave the way they do.
protons
Protons are essential subatomic particles residing in the nucleus of an atom.
They carry a positive electrical charge, symbolized as +1. The presence of protons in the nucleus makes the nucleus itself positively charged. Here's what you need to know about protons:
  • Each proton carries a charge of +1.
  • The number of protons is equal to the atomic number, which defines the identity of the element.
  • Protons, along with neutrons, contribute to the atomic mass.
The number of protons distinguishes one element from another. For example, hydrogen has one proton, while helium has two. Understanding protons is key to learning about chemical reactions, as they influence atomic identity and behavior.
neutrons
Neutrons are neutral subatomic particles found inside the nucleus alongside protons.
Unlike protons, neutrons carry no electrical charge. Their primary role is to add mass and stability to the nucleus. Here are some interesting facts about neutrons:
  • Neutrons help to glue the nucleus together, overcoming repulsion between positively charged protons.
  • The number of neutrons can vary in atoms of the same element, leading to isotopes.
  • Neutrons, like protons, significantly contribute to the atomic mass.
Neutrons are vital for nuclear reactions, such as fission and fusion. By understanding neutrons, we can better appreciate atomic stability and the formation of different isotopes.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Why did scientists choose carbon as a base for the atomic mass unit? Which isotope of carbon did they use?

The atomic number of rhenium is 75 . The atomic mass of one of its isotopes is \(186 .\) How many neutrons are in an atom of this isotope? A) 75 C) 186 B) 111 D) 261

Ge and Si are used in making semiconductors. Are these two elements in the same group or the same period?

Lead and mercury are two pollutants in the environment. From information about them in the periodic table, determine why they are called heavy metals.

Two elements with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons are called
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