1.
How do scientists know how atoms are structured?
Correct Answer
B. By running experiments that expose their properties
Explanation
Scientists know how atoms are structured by running experiments that expose their properties. This is done through various scientific techniques such as spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and electron microscopy. These experiments allow scientists to study the behavior of atoms, their interactions with other atoms, and their physical and chemical properties. By analyzing the data obtained from these experiments, scientists can then determine the structure of atoms and gain a better understanding of their fundamental building blocks.
2.
What can you conclude from the fact that scientists continue to update the atomic model?
Correct Answer
A. New information about atoms continues to be discovered
Explanation
The fact that scientists continue to update the atomic model suggests that new information about atoms continues to be discovered. This implies that our understanding of atoms is constantly evolving and improving as scientists conduct more research and experiments. It does not mean that old information about atoms is completely useless or that scientists did not have any information about atoms until a few years ago. It also does not mean that scientists still have no idea what atoms look like.
3.
What contribution did John Dalton make to atomic theory? [Dalton]
Correct Answer
B. He discovered that every element consisted of one type of atom
Explanation
John Dalton's contribution to atomic theory was the discovery that every element consisted of one type of atom. This concept, known as the law of definite proportions, revolutionized the understanding of atoms and their role in chemical reactions. Dalton's theory proposed that atoms were indivisible and that each element was composed of identical atoms. This laid the foundation for the development of modern atomic theory and our understanding of the composition and behavior of matter.
4.
Place the following scientists in order, from earliest to latest: A) Ernest Rutherford; B) J.J. Thomson; C) John Dalton
Correct Answer
D. C, B, A
Explanation
John Dalton is the earliest scientist among the three, as he developed the atomic theory in the early 19th century. J.J. Thomson came after Dalton and made significant contributions to the discovery of the electron in the late 19th century. Ernest Rutherford is the latest scientist among the three, as he conducted his famous gold foil experiment in the early 20th century, which led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus. Therefore, the correct order is C, B, A.
5.
The majority of an atom’s mass exists where?
Correct Answer
A. In the nucleus
Explanation
The majority of an atom's mass exists in the nucleus. The nucleus is the central part of an atom that contains protons and neutrons. Protons and neutrons have much higher mass compared to electrons, which are located in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus. Therefore, the mass of an atom is primarily concentrated in the nucleus.
6.
What are electrons?
Correct Answer
C. Negatively charged particles
Explanation
Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. They are fundamental components of matter and play a crucial role in chemical reactions and electricity. Electrons have a relatively small mass compared to protons and neutrons, and their movement creates an electric current.
7.
Ernest Rutherford discovered that atoms were mostly
Correct Answer
D. Empty space
Explanation
Ernest Rutherford conducted the famous gold foil experiment, in which he bombarded a thin gold foil with alpha particles. According to the prevailing model at that time, the plum pudding model, atoms were believed to be uniformly filled with positive charge and electrons. However, Rutherford's experiment showed that most of the alpha particles passed straight through the foil, indicating that atoms were mostly empty space. This led to the development of the nuclear model of the atom, where a tiny, dense, positively charged nucleus is surrounded by electrons, with the majority of the atom being empty space.
8.
What does the nucleus of an atom contain? [Atomic nucleus]
Correct Answer
B. Protons and neutrons
Explanation
The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons. Protons have a positive charge, while neutrons have no charge. Electrons, on the other hand, are found outside the nucleus in electron shells. Neutrinos and positrons are subatomic particles, but they are not found in the nucleus. DNA and RNA are molecules that are found in the cell, but they are not part of the atomic nucleus.
9.
How are neutrons different from protons and electrons?
Correct Answer
B. They have no electrical charge
Explanation
Neutrons are different from protons and electrons because they have no electrical charge. Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, but neutrons are neutral and have no charge. This makes them unique and allows them to interact differently with other particles.
10.
How are electrons arranged in an atom?
Correct Answer
B. In energy levels
Explanation
Electrons are arranged in an atom in energy levels. These energy levels, also known as electron shells or orbitals, are regions around the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found. Each energy level can hold a specific number of electrons, with the closest level to the nucleus holding the least and the outermost level holding the most. This arrangement helps to determine the chemical properties and reactivity of an atom.