Problem 22 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

Determine whether each of the following statements is true or false. If false, correct the statement to make it true: (a) The nucleus has most of the mass and comprises most of the volume of an atom. (b) Every atom of a given element has the same number of protons. (c) The number of electrons in an atom equals the number of neutrons in the atom. (d) The protons in the nucleus of the helium atom are held together by a force called the strong nuclear force.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) False. Corrected statement: The nucleus has most of the mass but occupies only a tiny fraction of the volume of an atom. (b) True. (c) False. Corrected statement: The number of electrons in an atom equals the number of protons in the atom (in a neutrally charged atom). (d) True.

Step 1: Statement (a):

The nucleus has most of the mass and comprises most of the volume of an atom. This statement is false. To correct it: The nucleus has most of the mass but occupies only a tiny fraction of the volume of an atom. #b: Evaluating statement (b)#

Step 2: Statement (b):

Every atom of a given element has the same number of protons. This statement is true. Atoms of the same element have the same number of protons, which defines their atomic number. #c: Evaluating statement (c)#

Step 3: Statement (c):

The number of electrons in an atom equals the number of neutrons in the atom. This statement is false. To correct it: The number of electrons in an atom equals the number of protons in the atom (in a neutrally charged atom). #d: Evaluating statement (d)#

Step 4: Statement (d):

The protons in the nucleus of the helium atom are held together by a force called the strong nuclear force. This statement is true. In the nucleus of every atom, including the helium atom, the protons are held together by the strong nuclear force, which overcomes the repulsive electrostatic force between them.