Problem 3 - Chemistry An Atoms First Approach

Question

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.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct answer is statement e, as an individual atom cannot be considered a solid, liquid, or gas. These states of matter are properties of substances, dependent on the interaction and behavior of multiple atoms, rather than properties of individual atoms.

Step 1: Recognizing the states of matter

: Before evaluating each statement, it is essential to understand the three states of matter - solid, liquid, and gas. These states of matter are defined by the arrangement and behavior of particles (atoms or molecules) within the substance: - Solids: Atoms are closely packed in a regular pattern and vibrate in fixed positions. - Liquids: Atoms are less closely packed and constantly moving, allowing them to flow. - Gases: Atoms are widely separated and move freely in random directions. Now that we know the different states of matter, let's analyze each statement.

Step 2: Statement a

: An individual atom should be considered to be a solid. This is not true because an atom by itself has no significant arrangement or pattern. The arrangement or behavior of atoms is only relevant when discussing a substance, not an individual atom.

Step 3: Statement b

: An individual atom should be considered to be a liquid. This is also not true because an individual atom can't flow or take the shape of its container like a liquid. Liquids are defined by the behavior of their atoms, and an individual atom can't exhibit that behavior independently.

Step 4: Statement c

: An individual atom should be considered to be a gas. This statement is also incorrect because an atom can't move freely in space or expand indefinitely to fill a volume like a gas. Again, the behavior of gases is determined by the interactions and behavior of their atoms, not by a single atom.

Step 5: Statement d

: The state of the atom depends on which element it is. This statement is incorrect because atoms themselves do not have states of matter; these states are properties of a substance made up of many atoms interacting with each other. An individual atom of any element can't be classified as a solid, liquid, or gas.

Step 6: Statement e

: An individual atom cannot be considered to be a solid, liquid, or gas. This statement is correct because an individual atom is not a substance and hence doesn't exhibit properties such as state of matter, which are dependent on the interaction and behavior of multiple atoms within that substance. An atom by itself cannot be classified as a solid, liquid, or gas as these states of matter are properties of substances, not of individual atoms. Conclusion: The correct answer is statement e. An individual atom cannot be considered to be a solid, liquid, or gas, as these states of matter are properties of substances and are dependent on the arrangement and behavior of multiple atoms.