Question

which of the following statements is true about the atoms of any element?a they have the same size as the atoms of all other elements.b all the atoms of a given element are not identical in that they have a different number of protons.c all the atoms of a given element are identical in that they have the same number of protons.d they have the same number of protons as neutrons.

Explanation:

• Option a: Atoms of different elements have different sizes. For example, hydrogen atoms are much smaller than uranium atoms.
• Option b: All atoms of a given element have the same number of protons (atomic number). If the number of protons changes, it becomes a different element.
• Option c: The atomic number (number of protons) defines an element. So, all atoms of a given element have the same number of protons.
• Option d: Atoms of an element can have different numbers of neutrons (isotopes). For example, carbon - 12 has 6 neutrons and carbon - 14 has 8 neutrons.

Answer:

C. All the atoms of a given element are identical in that they have the same number of protons.