A period at the end of sentence written with a graphite pencil has a diameter of 1 mm. If the period represented the nucleus, approximately how large is the diameter of the entire atom in units of m?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the problem is asking for the size of an atom if the nucleus is scaled to 1 mm.
2. Recall that the nucleus is much smaller than the entire atom. Typically, the diameter of an atom is about 10,000 to 100,000 times larger than its nucleus.
3. Use the given scale where the nucleus is 1 mm in diameter. Multiply this diameter by the factor that represents the size difference between the nucleus and the atom (e.g., 10,000 to 100,000).
4. Convert the resulting diameter from millimeters to meters by using the conversion factor: 1 mm = 0.001 m.
5. Express the final diameter of the atom in meters, based on the multiplication and conversion steps.

Key Concepts

Atomic Structure

Atoms consist of a nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons, surrounded by a cloud of electrons. The nucleus is extremely small compared to the overall size of the atom, which is defined by the electron cloud. This structure is fundamental to understanding atomic dimensions and the relative sizes of atomic components.

Scale and Proportions

Understanding scale and proportions is crucial when comparing the size of the nucleus to the entire atom. In this analogy, if the nucleus is represented by a 1 mm diameter period, the atom's diameter is typically about 100,000 times larger, illustrating the vast empty space within an atom relative to its nucleus.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is necessary to express measurements in different units, such as converting millimeters to meters. Since 1 mm equals 0.001 m, applying this conversion is essential for accurately determining the size of the atom in the desired units, ensuring clarity and precision in scientific communication.