Multiple Choice
Which number uniquely identifies a chemical element in the periodic table?
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4. Atoms and Elements
The Atom (Simplified)
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In the simplified atomic model, what determines an atom's identity (which element it is)?
A
The total mass of the atom
B
The number of neutrons in the nucleus
C
The number of electrons surrounding the nucleus
D
The number of protons in the nucleus (the atomic number)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that an atom's identity, meaning which element it is, is determined by a unique characteristic of its nucleus.
Recall that the nucleus contains protons and neutrons, but the number of neutrons can vary in isotopes of the same element, so it does not define the element itself.
Recognize that electrons orbit the nucleus and can change in ions or during chemical reactions, so their number does not define the element either.
Focus on the number of protons in the nucleus, which is called the atomic number, and this number uniquely identifies the element.
Therefore, the atomic number (number of protons) determines the atom's identity, distinguishing one element from another.
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