_ are the smallest unit of an element that still retains the property of the element. Atoms are comprised of ____ _____ & _ 2. _________ have no charge. They are found in the _ and provide _ or weight to the element. The number can vary in an element’s atoms. This results in __________ like carbon which has 12 C and 14 C. Both of these atom forms have the same number of protons which is _ but a different number of _____________. 3. The atomic ___ of an element is equal to the number of _ it has and is unique to every element and determines the placement in the periodic chart of elements. 4. The atomic mass of an element is the sum of its protons and ____. 5. Chemical bonds are determined by _____ electrons in the outer shells of atoms
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
- Atoms are the smallest unit of an element that still retains the property of the element. Atoms are comprised of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
- Neutrons have no charge. They are found in the nucleus and provide mass or weight to the element. The number can vary in an element’s atoms. This results in isotopes like carbon which has 12 C and 14 C. Both of these atom forms have the same number of protons which is 6 but a different number of neutrons.
- The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons it has and is unique to every element and determines the placement in the periodic chart of elements.
- The atomic mass of an element is the sum of its protons and neutrons.
- Chemical bonds are determined by valence electrons in the outer shells of atoms.
Explanation
Atoms are the foundational units of matter and are the smallest parts of an element that retain the chemical properties of that element. Each atom is made up of three types of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons carry a positive charge and are located in the nucleus. Neutrons, which have no charge, are also found in the nucleus and contribute to the atom’s mass. Electrons have a negative charge and orbit the nucleus in energy levels or shells.
Neutrons play a key role in determining the mass of an atom. The number of neutrons in an atom can vary without changing the element itself. These variations are called isotopes. For example, carbon has two stable isotopes: carbon-12 and carbon-14. Both have 6 protons, which is the defining number for carbon, but they differ in the number of neutrons. Carbon-12 has 6 neutrons, while carbon-14 has 8.
The atomic number of an element refers to the number of protons in its nucleus. This number is unique to each element and determines its identity and position on the periodic table. The atomic mass, on the other hand, is calculated by adding the number of protons and neutrons in the atom.
Chemical bonding occurs through interactions between electrons, especially those in the outermost shell of an atom. These are called valence electrons. The behavior of valence electrons determines how atoms will interact, whether they will share electrons in covalent bonds or transfer electrons in ionic bonds. Understanding atomic structure and bonding is essential for exploring chemical reactions and the properties of matter.
