Multiple Choice
Which of the following elements has the highest electronegativity, meaning it pulls electrons towards itself most strongly?
2. Atoms & Elements
The Atom
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
In the context of atomic structure, which subatomic particle determines the identity of an element?
A
Photon
B
Electron
C
Proton
D
Neutron
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the identity of an element is determined by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
Recall that protons are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom.
Recognize that each element has a unique number of protons, which distinguishes it from other elements. For example, hydrogen has 1 proton, helium has 2 protons, and so on.
Note that while electrons and neutrons are also subatomic particles, they do not determine the identity of an element. Electrons are involved in chemical bonding and reactions, and neutrons contribute to the mass of an atom but do not affect its elemental identity.
Conclude that the correct answer to the question is 'Proton', as protons are the subatomic particles that determine the identity of an element.
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