Multiple Choice
Which term describes a chemical substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means?
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2. Atoms & Elements
The Atom
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Which of the following can vary without changing the identity of an atom?
A
The mass number
B
The atomic number
C
Both atomic number and mass number
D
Neither atomic number nor mass number
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the definitions: The atomic number (Z) is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom and defines the element's identity.
Recognize that the mass number (A) is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, which can vary due to different numbers of neutrons (isotopes).
Since changing the atomic number changes the element itself, the atomic number cannot vary without changing the identity of the atom.
However, the mass number can vary because atoms of the same element can have different numbers of neutrons, resulting in isotopes of that element.
Therefore, the property that can vary without changing the identity of an atom is the mass number.
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