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Chapter 1: Problem 30

What is the smallest possible piece of an element called?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The smallest possible piece of an element is called an \(atom\).

Step by step solution

01

Definition of an Element

An element is a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances through chemical reactions. Elements consist of only one type of atom and are the building blocks of all matter. There are currently 118 known elements, each with its unique set of properties.
02

Understanding Atoms

Atoms are the smallest units of an element that retain the chemical properties of that element. Atoms consist of various subatomic particles, including protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus (center) of the atom, while electrons orbit the nucleus in specific energy levels. The number of protons in the nucleus determines the type of element.
03

Answer to the Exercise

The smallest possible piece of an element, which retains its chemical properties, is called an \(atom\). Atom is the fundamental unit of an element and cannot be further divided using chemical methods.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Sulfur is known in many forms, including yellow sulfur (formula \(\mathrm{S}_{8}\) ) and orange-red sulfur (formula \(\mathrm{S}_{6}\) ). Heating either of these forms to very high temperatures can yield \(\mathrm{S}_{2}\). Also known is a substance with the formula \(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\). Since all of these substances are made of elements, are they all elemental substances? Explain.

Which of the following are elemental substances and which are compounds: diamond, a solid form of carbon, \(\mathrm{C}(s) ;\) liquid water, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(l) ;\) nitric acid, \(\mathrm{HNO}_{3}(l)\); gaseous nitrogen, \(\mathrm{N}_{2}(g)\); liquid nitrogen, \(\mathrm{N}_{2}(l) ?\)

Which is larger, a degree Celsius or a degree Fahrenheit, and by roughly how much is it larger? Justify your answer.

What are the melting point and boiling point of water in degrees Celsius and degrees Fahrenheit (at normal atmospheric pressure)?

Give three examples of a homogeneous mixture of two liquids.
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