Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains what makes a hydrogen atom different from a helium atom?
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2. Atoms & Elements
The Atom
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Which property of an atom determines the identity of an element?
A
The total mass of the atom
B
The number of electrons in the atom
C
The number of neutrons in the nucleus
D
The number of protons in the nucleus
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the identity of an element is defined by a unique characteristic of its atoms.
Recall that atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons, each with different roles and properties.
Recognize that the number of protons in the nucleus, called the atomic number, uniquely identifies an element.
Note that while the number of neutrons can vary (isotopes) and the number of electrons can change (ions), the number of protons remains constant for a given element.
Therefore, the property that determines the identity of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus.
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