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Chapter 2: Problem 1

Which of the following is true about an individual atom? Explain. a. An individual atom should be considered to be a solid. b. An individual atom should be considered to be a liquid. c. An individual atom should be considered to be a gas. d. The state of the atom depends on which element it is. e. An individual atom cannot be considered to be a solid, liquid, or gas. Justify your choice, and for choices you did not pick, explain what is wrong with them.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The correct choice is (e) - An individual atom cannot be considered to be a solid, liquid, or gas. The states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) are properties of bulk materials, not of individual atoms. An individual atom does not have a definite shape, volume, or any other property that can classify it as a solid, liquid, or gas.

Step by step solution

01

Evaluate Choice A

An individual atom should be considered to be a solid. This statement is incorrect. The states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) are properties of bulk materials made up of many atoms or molecules, not properties of individual atoms themselves. Solids have a definite shape and volume, and their atoms are closely packed and maintain their positions in a crystal lattice structure. An individual atom does not exhibit the properties of a solid.
02

Evaluate Choice B

An individual atom should be considered to be a liquid. This statement is also incorrect. Liquids have a definite volume, but they take the shape of their container. The particles in a liquid are in close contact but can move past one another, allowing the liquid to flow. An individual atom does not exhibit the properties of a liquid.
03

Evaluate Choice C

An individual atom should be considered to be a gas. This statement is incorrect as well. Gases have no definite shape or volume and expand to fill their container. Gas particles are far apart from each other and move freely. An individual atom does not exhibit the properties of a gas.
04

Evaluate Choice D

The state of the atom depends on which element it is. This statement is incorrect too. The state of an element (solid, liquid, or gas) at a given temperature and pressure depends on the interactions between its atoms or molecules when they form a bulk material. But we are talking about an individual atom, not a bulk material formed by multiple atoms of the same element.
05

Evaluate Choice E

An individual atom cannot be considered to be a solid, liquid, or gas. This statement is correct. The states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) are properties of bulk materials, not of individual atoms. An individual atom does not have a definite shape, volume, or any other property that can classify it as a solid, liquid, or gas. In conclusion, the correct choice is (e) - An individual atom cannot be considered to be a solid, liquid, or gas.

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For each of the following ions, indicate the number of protons and electrons the ion contains. a. \(\mathrm{Ba}^{2+}\) b. \(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}\) c. \(\mathrm{N}^{3-}\) d. \(\mathrm{Rb}^{+}\) e. \(\mathrm{Co}^{3+}\) f. \(\mathrm{Te}^{2-}\) g. \(\mathrm{Br}^{-}\)

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