Multiple Choice
Which subatomic particles contribute to the net charge of an atom, and how does each affect the net charge?
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2. Atoms & Elements
The Atom
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Which of the following models correctly represents a lithium atom?
A
A nucleus containing 3 protons and 3 neutrons, surrounded by 2 electrons
B
A nucleus containing 4 protons and 3 neutrons, surrounded by 3 electrons
C
A nucleus containing 2 protons and 2 neutrons, surrounded by 2 electrons
D
A nucleus containing 3 protons and 4 neutrons, surrounded by 3 electrons
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the identity of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus. For lithium, the atomic number is 3, meaning it has 3 protons.
Determine the number of electrons in a neutral lithium atom. Since the atom is neutral, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, so lithium has 3 electrons.
Understand that the number of neutrons can vary in isotopes of an element. The most common isotope of lithium has 4 neutrons, but this number can differ.
Evaluate each model by checking if the number of protons is 3 (to confirm it is lithium), the number of electrons is 3 (for neutrality), and the neutron count is reasonable for lithium isotopes.
Conclude that the correct model must have 3 protons, 3 electrons, and a neutron count consistent with lithium isotopes, such as 4 neutrons, matching the description: 'A nucleus containing 3 protons and 4 neutrons, surrounded by 3 electrons.'
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