Multiple Choice
What is the primary difference between atoms and molecules?
2. Atoms & Elements
The Atom
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Which statement is true of atoms?
A
Atoms are indivisible and cannot be broken down into smaller particles.
B
Atoms have a positive charge because they contain more protons than electrons.
C
Atoms of the same element can have different numbers of protons.
D
Atoms consist of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that atoms are the basic units of matter and consist of three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Recognize that the nucleus of an atom contains protons, which are positively charged, and neutrons, which have no charge. Electrons, which are negatively charged, orbit the nucleus.
Note that atoms are not indivisible; they can be broken down into these subatomic particles.
Remember that atoms are electrically neutral overall because the number of protons (positive charge) is equal to the number of electrons (negative charge).
Understand that atoms of the same element have the same number of protons, which defines the element, but they can have different numbers of neutrons, leading to different isotopes.
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