QuestionWhich statement is NOT true about atoms? 1) Mostly empty space, 2) Same element has different masses, 3) Nucleus is positive, 4) Isotopes have different protons.
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
Assumptions1. The definition of an atom An atom is the smallest unit of a chemical element that retains the chemical properties of that element.
. The definition of an isotope Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element which differ in neutron number, and consequently in nucleon number. All isotopes of a given element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
3. The definition of a nucleus The nucleus is the small, dense region consisting of protons and neutrons at the center of an atom.
STEP 2
Let's analyze the first statement "Atoms are mostly empty space."
This statement is true. The atom consists of a tiny nucleus surrounded by a cloud of electrons. The distance between the nucleus and the electrons is relatively large, making the atom mostly empty space.
STEP 3
Now, let's analyze the second statement "Atoms of the same element can have different masses."
This statement is also true. Atoms of the same element can have different numbers of neutrons, and therefore different masses. These are known as isotopes.
STEP 4
Let's analyze the third statement "The nucleus of an atom has a positive charge."
This statement is true. The nucleus of an atom contains protons, which have a positive charge. Neutrons, also located in the nucleus, have no charge. Therefore, the overall charge of the nucleus is positive.
STEP 5
Finally, let's analyze the fourth statement "Atoms of isotopes of an element have different numbers of protons."
This statement is NOT true. Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons, but different numbers of neutrons. This is the definition of isotopes. The number of protons in an atom determines the element it is, so if the number of protons were to change, it would no longer be the same element.
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