Chapter 8

The Atom:
Why are there so many different materials in the world?
1. Materials made from a single type of atom that cannot be broken down any further are called a. atoms. b. elements. c. molecules. d. solutions. e. compounds. Ans: b Link to: The Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Easy

2. Two or more atoms chemically combined; the basic constituent of many different kinds of material. a. salt b. element c. molecule d. electron e. gas Ans: c Link to: The Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Easy

3. The fundamental building block for all matter; the smallest representative sample of a substance that maintains chemical identity. a. atom b. element c. molecule d. electron e. compound Ans: a Link to: The Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Easy

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4. Which of the following first proposed that an atom is indivisible? a. Daniel Bernoulli b. John Dalton c. Dimitri Mendeleev d. Ernest Rutherford e. Albert Einstein Ans: b Link to: The Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Easy

5. Evidence for the theory that an atom is mostly space was based on research by a. Joseph John Thomson. b. Niels Bohr. c. John Dalton. d.Ernest Rutherford. e. Daniel Bernoulli Ans: d Link to: When Matter Meets Light Difficulty Level: Easy

6. In the periodic table, elements are arranged in order of a. atomic mass. b. number of protons. c. number of electrons d. reactivity. e. all of the above Ans: e Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Easy

7. An electrically charged atom is known as a. a nucleus. b. a proton. c. an electron. d. an ion. 125

Chapter 8 e. a neutron. Ans: d Link to: The Structure of the Atom Difficulty Level: Easy

8. An electrically neutral nuclear particle is a. a nucleus. b. a proton. c. an electron. d. an ion. e. a neutron. Ans: e Link to: The Structure of the Atom Difficulty Level: Easy

9. We know that atoms have a nucleus because a. scientists have photographed the nucleus of uranium. b. Einstein hypothesized its existence in 1915. c. some alpha particles were deflected by gold nuclei in Rutherford's experiment. d. electrons must have a charge balance at an atom's center. e. None of the above are evidence for the existence of the nucleus. Ans: c Link to: The Structure of the Atom Difficulty Level: Easy

10. Allowed orbits is a phrase applied to the a. electrons in Rutherfords model of the atom. b. protons in Daltons model of the atom. c. electrons in Bohrs model of the atom. d. planets in Galileos model of the solar system. e. electrons in Mendeleevs periodic table of elements. Ans: c Link to: When Matter Meets Light Difficulty Level: Easy

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Chapter 8 11. Electrons in the Bohr atom shift to a higher energy level by a. absorbing the energy of light or heat. b. reflecting the energy of heat or light. c. emitting a photon. d. radiating an electromagnetic wave. e. Electrons in the Bohr atom cannot change energy states. Ans: a Link to: When Matter Meets Light Difficulty Level: Easy

12. Each electron shell corresponds to a different a. electron. b. element. c. ion. d. atom. e. energy level. Ans: e Link to: When Matter Meets Light Difficulty Level: Easy

13. An element with an atomic number of 8 a. was the eighth element discovered. b. contains atoms with four protons and four neutrons. c. is made of atoms with eight protons. d. has eight electrons in the outer shell of each atom. e. is radioactive. Ans: c Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Easy

14. What is an atoms spectrum? a. the total number of photons an atom can contain b. sum of photons an atom will emit c. the atomic mass of the atom d. the atoms place in the periodic table e. the allowed orbit closest to the nucleus 127

Chapter 8 Ans: b Link to: When Matter Meets Light Difficulty Level: Easy

15. Which instrument below emits photons that have wave crests in exact alignment? a. electron microscope b. laser c. telescope d. spectroscope e. atomic ionizer Ans: b Link to: When Matter Meets Light Difficulty Level: Easy

16. In the periodic table of the elements, the period refers to the a. energy level of the electrons. b. number of neutrons. c. number of protons. d. mass of the atom. e. mass of the photon. Ans: a Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Easy

17. All elements in a column in the periodic table of elements a. have very little in common. b. form a compound known as a salt. c. are alkaline earth metals. d. have similar chemical properties. e. are noble gases. Ans: d Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Easy

18. The concept of atoms has its origins in Greek philosophy. 128

Chapter 8 Ans: True Link to: The Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Easy

19. Objects must be glowing in order to have a distinctive spectrum. Ans: False Link to: When Matter Meets Light Difficulty Level: Easy 20. Rutherfords model of the atom is the definitive model continuing to the present day. Ans: False Link to: The Structure of the Atom Difficulty Level: Easy

21. Scientists on Earth can determine the elements that occur in stars by use of spectroscopy. Ans: True Link to: Spectroscopy Difficulty Level: Easy

22. Each chemical element emits a distinct set of photons which can be used to identify it. Ans: True Link to: The Structure of the Atom Difficulty Level: Easy

23. Nobel gases are highly reactive. Ans: False Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Easy

24. The Pauli exclusion principle explains that no two electrons can occupy the same state at the same time. 129

Chapter 8 Ans: True Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Easy

25. The rows in the periodic table of elements are arranged by numbers of electrons in the innermost electron shells. Ans: False Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Easy

26. All of our evidence for the existence of atoms is intuitive because no one has actually seen an atom. Ans: False Link to: Structure of the Atom Difficulty Level: Easy

27. In electron microscope images, the pictures have been converted from electrical charges to visible light. Ans: True Link to: The Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Easy

28. Why wont helium and neon form compounds? Ans: The elements helium and neon are noble gases with their outer shells filled with electrons. Therefore, there is no place on the outer shell for the electrons to rearrange themselves to bond. Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Easy

29. Describe some characteristics of the elements found in at least two columns of the periodic table of elements. Ans: Column 1 on the far left contains highly reactive elements called the alkali metals; Column 2, the alkaline earth metals, combine with oxygen to form colorless, solid compounds with high melting 130

Chapter 8 temperatures. The noble gases are grouped in the far right column and are rarely reactive. (Other examples may be given.) Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Easy

30. Describe how a laser works. Use diagrams in your answer. Ans: Answers should include: references to mirrors, excited electrons and photons. Diagram, should at a minimum, reproduce Figure 8-13; a better diagram would show the actions of the electrons, photons, and light production. Link to: Spectoscopy Difficulty Level: Easy

31. Which of these is not a molecule? a. O b. O2 c. O3 d. CO2 e. COOH Ans: a Link to: The Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Medium

32. Democritus put forth the concept of an atom because a. Experimental evidence b. Older idea borrowed from Egyptians c. Observed rocks turning into pebbles turning into sand d. His invention of the magnification glass led him to believe in smaller particles e. Though it was philosophically satisfying that there would be ultimate particles. Ans: e Link to: The Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Medium

33. The relationship between the atomic theories of Dalton and Democritus is a. both were based on observations in nature. b. neither was based on observations in nature. c. Dalton's theory depended upon observation; Democritus's theory did not. d. Democritus's theory depended upon observation; Dalton's theory did not. 131

Chapter 8 e. Dalton used the term atom; Democritus did not. Ans: c Link to: The Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Medium

34. If an electron moves from a higher energy level to a lower energy level a. a photon is emitted. b. a photon is absorbed. c. an observer will see light. d. the electron disappears between levels. e. a & c & d Ans: e Link to: Spectroscopy Difficulty Level: Medium

35. An atom that becomes an ion always goes from having an equal number of protons and electrons to having a. more neutrons than protons. b. an electrical charge, either positive or negative. c. more electrons than protons. d. more protons than electrons. e. an equal number of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Ans: b Link to: The Structure of the Atom Difficulty Level: Medium

36. The model for the Rutherford atom is best compared to a. a blueberry muffin. b. a spiral galaxy. c. a one-celled animal. d. the solar system. e. a beach ball. Ans: d Link to: The Structure of the Atom Difficulty Level: Medium 132

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37. Which group of substances contains only elements? a. hydrogen, plastics, carbon b. salt, copper, aluminum c. gold, silver, limestone d. steel, carbon, oxygen e. silicon, carbon, calcium Ans: e Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Medium

38. One difference between the motion of electrons in an atom and the motion of planets in the solar systems is that a. gravity holds the planets in orbit while centripetal force holds the electrons. b. electron orbits are uniform, planetary orbits are not. c. Brownian motion applies to planets but not electrons. d. the orbit of a planet is constantly being accelerated. e. All of the above apply to both planets and electrons. Ans: d Link to: The Structure of the Atom Difficulty Level: Medium

39. In a normal atom the electrical charges of the proton, balance the electrical charges of the neutron. Ans: False Link to: The Structure of the Atom Difficulty Level: Medium

40. The ground state of the Bohr atom is the least excited state. Ans: True Link to: When Matter Meets Light Difficulty Level: Medium

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Chapter 8 41. Fluorescence in a substance is caused by absorption of high-energy photons and emission of lower energy photons. Ans: True Link to: When Matter Meets Light Difficulty Level: Medium

42. Brownian motion in a liquid is caused by tectonic pressures. Ans: False Link to: The Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Medium

43. Some materials glow when they are heated because the atoms in the material absorb energy and electrons are moved to a higher state of energy. Ans: True Link to: When Matter Meets Light Difficulty Level: Medium

44. Under certain special circumstances the electron can become lodged between higher and lower energy shells. Ans: False Link to: When Matter Meets Light Difficulty Level: Medium

45. What does it mean to say that scientists accepted an idea because it worked? Explain your answer using either the periodic table or the Bohr atom as an example. Ans: Answers should include the idea that knowledge changes based on better technology, observations, etc. and that models may not be proven until improvements are made in equipment. Link to: When Matter Meets Light, The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Medium

46. Describe how ultraviolet "black" light causes some material to glow while incandescent light will not. 134

Chapter 8 Ans: Answers should include the excitement of electrons, specific wavelength, of light and reflectivity of specific materials. Link to: When Matter Meets Light Difficulty Level: Medium

47. From the Periodic Table, the elements Iron (26), Cobalt (27), and Nichol (28) are grouped in the same row. How are those three elements similar? How are they different?

Ans: They are different by one proton each; they have very different numbers of electrons in their outer shells. They are similar in that they are all metals and easily magnetized. Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Medium

48. Summarize the evolution of ideas and theories about atoms from the Greek philosophers to the present day. Include reasons ideas were rejected as well as why ideas were accepted. Ans: Answers should include: evolution of the idea of granularity, experiments that changed ideas, and advances in technology. Link to: The Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Medium

49. Describe Rutherfords experiment with alpha particles. Compare what Rutherford was expecting to happen during the experiment with what was actually observed. Ans: Answers should include: description of the experiment, Rutherfords hypothesis and outcome of the experiment.Link to: The Structure of the Atom Difficulty Level: Medium

50. Mendeleevs periodic table was organized according to rules of scientific method. Which statement below follows those rules? a. The periodic table made predictions that could be tested. b. Only scientists could understand the periodic table. c. Information that refuted Mendeleev's hypothesis was ignored. d. Mendeleev's listed the elements alphabetically. e. The periodic table has not changed in 100 years. 135

Chapter 8 Ans: a Link to: The Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Hard

51. In the periodic table of the elements, the heaviest element is located a. at the top right corner. b. in the center of the chart. c. at the lower right corner. d. at the top left corner. e. at the lower left corner. Ans: c Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Hard

52. Predict what would happen if one of the six most dominant elements of life (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, sulfur) were absent and we still maintained life on earth. a. An element of similar chemical and physical properties would have to be substituted. b. There would be absence of certain critical compounds. c. Atoms would be structured differently. d. Molecules would have to be larger and more complex. e. None of these. Ans: a Link to: Structure of the Atom Difficulty Level: Hard

53. Which of the following is the most realistic depiction of the modern model of a Helium atom with a nucleus of 1 millimeter? a. Electron shell at a distance of 1 centimeter. b. Electron shell at a distance of 1 decimeter. c. Electron shell at a distance of 1 meter. d. Electron shell at a distance of 10 meter. e. Electron shell at a distance of 100 meters. Ans: e Link to: Structure of the Atom Difficulty Level: Hard

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Chapter 8 54. Physical principles predict that the solar system model of the atom cannot be viable because a. atoms would be constantly emitting energy. b. atoms would be constantly absorbing energy. c. compounds could not be easily formed. d. atoms would not have symmetrical shapes. e. the law of thermodynamics would not work. Ans: a Link to: Structure of the Atom Difficulty Level: Hard

55. A properly functioning neon light given off is caused by a. A chemical reaction between neon atoms b. Neon atoms transitioning from a ground state to an excited state c. Neon atoms transitioning from an excited state to a ground state d. A physical reaction between neon atoms. e. Electron jumping from neon atom to neon atom. Ans: c Link to: When Matter Meets Light Difficulty Level: Hard

56. An electron jump is analogous to (Level 3) a. Going up and down stairs b. Surfing down a wave c. Going up and down on a roller coaster d. Skating on ice e. Swinging on a swing Ans: a Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Hard

57. Use concepts of the atom to define color. Give examples. Ans: In visible light, the colors we perceive are photons of different energies being emitted during quantum leaps. Examples can vary but could include Day-Glo colors from single quantum leaps, sodium street lights from excited sodium atoms, or a campfire cooling toward the red part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Link to: Spectroscopy 137

Chapter 8 Difficulty Level: Hard

58. Describe how spectroscopy is applied to practical problems in everyday life. Ans: Spectroscopy is the study of the characteristic radiation emitted by atoms or molecules. The principles underlying spectroscopy have been turned into tools used by many branches of science. For example, astronomers determine chemical composition of distant stars from emission spectra. Chemists use the results of spectral analysis to identify drug samples. Almost anywhere the chemical composition of an unknown substance is required, spectroscopy can be used. Link to: Spectroscopy Difficulty Level: Hard

59. Explain how the development of the gas laws (how gasses behave under various temperatures and pressures) and the realization that compounds combine elements in definite proportions, combined with the discovery of radioactivity and Einsteins mathematical description of Brownian motion support the modern concept of the atomic world. Ans: Once the concept of the atom was accepted, these observations lead to the kinetic molecular model with atoms acting on and reacting with each other accordingly (unless they are at a temperature of absolute zero). Link to: Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Hard

60. Dalton, in his electrolysis experiment, used a battery to run an electrical current through water. He observed that bubbles formed on and around the two terminals. The collected gasses from each terminal had different chemical properties and one was produced at twice the volume of the other. Explain what he collected and how it supports our concept of atoms, elements, molecules, and the Law of definite proportions. Ans: Hydrogen and oxygen were produced as elements so he knew he was working with a compound and he knew that the particles (atoms) of that compound always combined in a two to one ratio hydrogen and oxygen, respectively. Link to: Structure of the Atom Difficulty Level: Hard

61. Explain the physical principles that allow an electric burner to glow (give off light) when heated. Ans: Input of electrical energy causes quantum leaps between electron orbits and the absorption and emission of photons. Electrons jump back and forth from excited to ground states, producing light. 138

Chapter 8 Link to: When Matter Meets Light Difficulty Level: Hard

62. Even though weve never been to the sun, scientists believe that it is composed of a significant amount of H and He; what observations and their physical principles support this hypothesis? Ans: Each light frequency represents an electron shell with specific emission spectra of H and He; also certain procedures have to be conducted in the lab for confirming that results match nature. Link to: Spectroscopy Difficulty Level: Hard

63. Predict what would happen if the electrical charges on atom were reversed; that is if protons were negative and electrons were positive. Would the periodic table still be viable as a predictive model? Ans: Yes, because it doesnt make any difference as long as you are consistent in the naming taxonomy. Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Hard

64. What would be different in our lives today if lasers had not been developed? Ans: Without lasers the following would not exist: optical scanners in the checkout lines, light pointers in lectures, certain types of surgery, assessment of continental drift, measuring the height of Mt. Everest, tunnel surveys to exacting precision, earthquake prediction, certain industrial tools, pollution detection equipment, and some specialized military weapons. (Other examples may be given.) Link to: Spectroscopy Difficulty Level: Hard

65. How did Brownian motion provide evidence for the existence of atoms? Ans: If Newtons laws of motion were true, scientists believed that something must be causing the random motion (known as Brownian motion) of small bits of material in a liquid,. Einstein theorized that any small object suspended in a liquid would be constantly bombarded by moving atoms, first on one side and then on the other. These atomic collisions would produce the type of erratic motion scientists observed with microscopes. These theories were later shown to be true using statistical calculations and careful measurements. Link to: The Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Hard 139

Chapter 8

66. Discuss how intuition has been important to many discoveries in science. You might include the accomplishments of Bohr, Newton, Einstein, or even Democritus. Ans: Answers should include: descriptions of Bohrs ideas about hot hydrogen, Newtons visualization of forces between objects, Einsteins idea about riding on a beam of light, and/or Democrituss division of matter. Link to: The Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Hard

67. Do you agree with the statement elements are materials that cannot be broken down any further"? Explain your answer. Ans: Answers will vary, but should be logical with information to back up the position taken. Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Hard

68. Is Brownian motion a type of chaotic system? If so, how was Brownian motion demonstrated statistically or proved experimentally? If not, does the existence of Brownian motion imply that no system has internal structure? Elaborate. Ans: Answers will vary, but should be logical and supported by information from Einsteins statistical analysis and Perrins experiments. Link to: The Smallest Pieces Difficulty Level: Hard

69. Why is argon used as the gas "filler" in incandescent lights? What would happen if hydrogen were used instead? Ans: Answers should include information about Nobel gasses and reactivity of hydrogen. Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Hard

70. Use the periodic table of elements to explain why alkali metals are so reactive. 140

Chapter 8 Ans: Answers should include the relationships of the periods, the columns, the number of electrons in the outer shell, and ease of dissolution in water. Link to: The Periodic Table of the Elements Difficulty Level: Hard

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