Question

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

Explanation:

• Option a: Atoms of a given element are identical in that they have the same number of protons. This is a fundamental property of elements. The atomic number (number of protons) defines an element.
• Option b: Atoms of a given element can have different numbers of neutrons (isotopes), but they still have the same number of protons. So, the statement “All the atoms of a given element are not identical in that they have a different number of protons” is incorrect.
• Option c: Atoms of a given element can have different numbers of neutrons (isotopes). So, the statement “They have the same number of neutrons” is incorrect.
• Option d: Atoms of different elements have different sizes. So, the statement “They have the same size as the atoms of all other elements” is incorrect.

Answer:

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