Question

Q.2. Which of the following is true about an individual atom?

a. An individual atom should be considered a solid.

b. An individual atom should be considered a liquid.

c. An individual atom should be considered a gas.

d. The state of the atom depends on which element it is.

e. An individual atom cannot be considered a solid, liquid, or gas.

Justify your choice, and for those you did not choose, explain why they are incorrect.

Short answer

Answer

Option e is true about an individual atom. An individual atom cannot be considered a solid, liquid, or gas.

Step-by-step solution

Step-by-Step SolutionStep 1: Individual atom

The physical state of matter is a bulk property. It depends on the entire matter provided. In solids, the intermolecular space is negligible. The intermolecular space in gases is very high, and the liquids have intermolecular space between solids and gases.

Suppose a liquid moves, all the molecules (atoms) will be involved. Similarly, if a solid is considered, it is not a single entity but a collective amount of many molecules in it.

If a gas moves, all the molecules in it will move.

Correct choice

Option e is true about an individual atom. An individual atom cannot be considered a solid, liquid, or gas.