Textbook Question
Fill in the blanks in this concept map to help you tie together the key concepts concerning elements, atoms, and molecules.
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Ch. 2 The Chemical Basis of Life
Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 Biology: The Study of Scientific Life19
- Ch. 2 The Chemical Basis of Life17
- Ch. 3 The Molecules of Cells21
- Ch. 4 A Tour of the Cell20
- Ch. 5 The Working Cell17
- Ch. 6 How Cells Harvest Chemical Energy18
- Ch. 7 Photosynthesis: Using Light to Make Food15
- Ch. 8 The Cellular Basis of Reproduction and Inheritance22
- Ch. 9 Patterns of Inheritance17
- Ch. 10 Molecular Biology of the Gene13
- Ch. 11 How Genes Are Controlled13
- Ch. 12 DNA Technology and Genomics23
- Ch. 13 How Populations Evolve17
- Ch. 14 The Origin of Species19
- Ch. 15 Tracing Evolutionary History18
- Ch. 16 Microbial Life: Prokaryotes and Protists16
- Ch. 17 The Evolution of Plant and Fungal Diversity15
- Ch. 18 The Evolution of Invertebrate Diversity13
- Ch. 19 The Evolution of Vertebrate Diversity18
- Ch. 20 Unifying Concepts of Animal Structure and Function11
- Ch. 21 Nutrition and Digestion16
- Ch. 22 Gas Exchange16
- Ch. 23 Circulation17
- Ch. 24 The Immune System16
- Ch. 25 Control of Body Temperature and Water Balance20
- Ch. 26 Hormones and the Endocrine System10
- Ch. 27 Reproduction and Embryonic Development12
- Ch. 28 Nervous Systems10
- Ch. 29 The Senses12
- Ch. 30 How Animals Move19
- Ch. 31 Plant Structure, Growth, and Reproduction9
- Ch. 32 Plant Nutrition and Transport12
- Ch. 33 Control Systems in Plants15
- Ch. 34 The Biosphere: An Introduction to Earth's Diverse Environments15
- Ch. 35 Behavioral Adaptations to the Environment12
- Ch. 36 Population Ecology15
- Ch. 37 Communities and Ecosystems14
- Ch. 38 Conservation Biology14
Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 3
Changing the _________ would change it into an atom of a different element.
a. Number of electrons surrounding the nucleus of an atom
b. Number of protons in the nucleus of an atom
c. Electrical charge of an atom
d. Number of neutrons in the nucleus of an atom
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of an atom: An atom consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus, while electrons orbit the nucleus.
Recall the defining characteristic of an element: The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, known as the atomic number, determines the identity of the element.
Analyze the options: Changing the number of electrons affects the charge of the atom but does not change the element. Changing the number of neutrons creates isotopes of the same element. Changing the electrical charge alters the ionization state but not the element itself.
Focus on the correct option: Changing the number of protons in the nucleus changes the atomic number, which directly changes the element.
Conclude: The correct answer is the option that refers to the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Atomic Structure
Atoms are the basic units of matter, consisting of a nucleus made up of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons. The number of protons in the nucleus defines the element, while neutrons contribute to the atomic mass. Electrons, which orbit the nucleus, determine the atom's chemical behavior but do not change its elemental identity.
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Atomic Structure
Element Identity
The identity of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus, known as the atomic number. Changing the number of protons transforms the atom into a different element, as each element has a unique atomic number. For example, hydrogen has one proton, while helium has two, making them distinct elements.
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Isotopes
Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This variation affects the atomic mass but not the elemental identity. For instance, carbon-12 and carbon-14 are both carbon isotopes, differing in neutron count but retaining the same chemical properties.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Create a concept map to organize your understanding of the life-supporting properties of water. A sample map is in the answer section, but the value of this exercise is in the thinking and integrating you must do to create your own map.
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Textbook Question
What is chemically nonsensical about this structure?
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Textbook Question
A solution at pH 6 contains _________ H+ than the same amount of a solution at pH 8.
a. 20 times more
b. 100 times more
c. 2 times less
d. 100 times less
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Textbook Question
Most of the unique properties of water result from the fact that water molecules
a. Are the most abundant molecules on Earth's surface.
b. Are held together by covalent bonds.
c. Are constantly in motion.
d. Are polar and form hydrogen bonds.
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