Which of the following statement is always correct?a)An atom has equal...
Option A is correct because an atom is composed of a nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons, and a cloud of electrons surrounding the nucleus. The number of protons in the nucleus is equal to the number of electrons surrounding the nucleus, so an atom always has an equal number of protons and electrons. The number of neutrons in the nucleus can vary, so an atom does not always have an equal number of neutrons and protons or electrons.
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Which of the following statement is always correct?a)An atom has equal...
Atom Structure
An atom is the basic unit of matter that consists of subatomic particles such as electrons, protons, and neutrons. These particles are responsible for the overall charge and mass of an atom.
Electrons, Protons, and Neutrons
- Electrons: Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit around the nucleus of an atom. They have a negligible mass compared to protons and neutrons.
- Protons: Protons are positively charged particles that reside in the nucleus of an atom. They have a relative mass of 1 and determine the atomic number of an element.
- Neutrons: Neutrons are neutral particles that also reside in the nucleus of an atom. They have a relative mass of 1 and contribute to the overall mass of the atom.
Statement Analysis
Now, let's analyze each statement and determine which one is always correct:
a) An atom has equal number of electrons and protons.
This statement is true. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. The positive charge of the protons is balanced by the negative charge of the electrons, resulting in a neutral overall charge.
b) An atom has equal number of electrons and neutrons.
This statement is incorrect. Electrons and neutrons have different roles in an atom. Electrons are responsible for the overall charge and chemical behavior, while neutrons contribute to the mass of the atom.
c) An atom has equal number of protons and neutrons.
This statement is incorrect. The number of protons and neutrons in an atom can vary. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
d) An atom has equal number of electrons, protons, and neutrons.
This statement is incorrect. As mentioned earlier, electrons, protons, and neutrons have different roles and properties in an atom. They have different masses and charges, and their numbers can vary depending on the specific atom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct statement is option 'A': An atom has an equal number of electrons and protons. This is true for a neutral atom, where the positive charge of the protons is balanced by the negative charge of the electrons.
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