In order for an atom to be considered "neutral", which of the following must be true?
a
The number of protons and neutrons must be the same
b
The number of protons and electrons must be the same
c
There are more protons than electrons
d
There are more neutrons than protons
In all elements in a group, the thing that is the same is the:
a
Number of electrons in the valence shell
b
Number of electrons
c
Number of protons
d
Number of neutrons
To determine whether an atom is considered "neutral," we need to first understand what it means for an atom to be neutral.
An atom is considered neutral when the number of protons (positive charges) and the number of electrons (negative charges) in the atom are equal. This means that the answer to the first question is option b - the number of protons and electrons must be the same for an atom to be considered neutral.
Now let's move on to the second question about elements in a group. In a group, the elements are arranged based on similar properties. One thing that remains the same within a group of elements is the number of valence electrons. Valence electrons are the electrons found in the outermost shell of an atom and play a crucial role in determining the chemical behavior and reactivity of an element. Therefore, the answer to the second question is option a - the number of electrons in the valence shell.
To summarize:
- For an atom to be neutral, the number of protons and electrons must be the same (option b).
- In a group of elements, the number of electrons in the valence shell remains the same (option a).
For an atom to be considered "neutral," the correct answer is:
b. The number of protons and electrons must be the same.
In all elements in a group, the correct answer is:
a. Number of electrons in the valence shell.