Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Atoms- Smallest Unit of Matter

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Atoms- Smallest Unit of Matter

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2:57 minutes

Problem 5

Textbook Question

The number and arrangement of electrons in an atom's outer energy level (valence shell) determine the atom's
(a) Atomic weight
(b) Atomic number
(c) Molecular weight
(d) Chemical properties

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of valence electrons: Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level (shell) of an atom. These electrons are crucial because they participate in chemical bonding and determine how an atom interacts with other atoms.

Review the definitions of the options provided: (a) Atomic weight refers to the average mass of an atom, including protons, neutrons, and electrons. (b) Atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. (c) Molecular weight is the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule. (d) Chemical properties describe how an atom reacts chemically with other substances.

Analyze the relationship between valence electrons and chemical properties: The number and arrangement of valence electrons influence an atom's ability to gain, lose, or share electrons during chemical reactions. This directly determines the atom's chemical reactivity and bonding behavior.

Eliminate irrelevant options: Atomic weight (a), atomic number (b), and molecular weight (c) are not directly determined by the valence electrons. These properties are related to the atom's mass and structure, not its reactivity.

Conclude that the correct answer is (d) chemical properties, as the valence electrons are responsible for determining how an atom interacts chemically with other atoms.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the electrons located in the outermost shell of an atom. They play a crucial role in chemical bonding and reactions, as they are the electrons that can be gained, lost, or shared when atoms interact. The number of valence electrons determines how an atom will bond with others, influencing its chemical properties.

Chemical Properties

Chemical properties refer to the characteristics of a substance that become evident during a chemical reaction. These properties include reactivity with other substances, the ability to form bonds, and the types of reactions an element can undergo. The arrangement and number of valence electrons directly influence these properties, determining how an atom interacts with others.

Periodic Table Trends

Periodic table trends describe how certain properties of elements change across periods and down groups in the periodic table. For instance, elements in the same group often have similar valence electron configurations, leading to similar chemical properties. Understanding these trends helps predict how different elements will behave in chemical reactions based on their electron arrangements.