Question

Which of the following is true about an individual atom? Explain. a. An individual atom should be considered to be a solid. b. An individual atom should be considered to be a liquid. c. An individual atom should be considered to be a gas. d. The state of the atom depends on which element it is. e. An individual atom cannot be considered to be a solid, liquid, or gas. Justify your choice, and for choices you did not pick, explain what is wrong with them.

Short answer

The correct choice is (e) - An individual atom cannot be considered to be a solid, liquid, or gas. The states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) are properties of bulk materials, not of individual atoms. An individual atom does not have a definite shape, volume, or any other property that can classify it as a solid, liquid, or gas.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate Choice A

An individual atom should be considered to be a solid. This statement is incorrect. The states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) are properties of bulk materials made up of many atoms or molecules, not properties of individual atoms themselves. Solids have a definite shape and volume, and their atoms are closely packed and maintain their positions in a crystal lattice structure. An individual atom does not exhibit the properties of a solid.

Evaluate Choice B

An individual atom should be considered to be a liquid. This statement is also incorrect. Liquids have a definite volume, but they take the shape of their container. The particles in a liquid are in close contact but can move past one another, allowing the liquid to flow. An individual atom does not exhibit the properties of a liquid.

Evaluate Choice C

An individual atom should be considered to be a gas. This statement is incorrect as well. Gases have no definite shape or volume and expand to fill their container. Gas particles are far apart from each other and move freely. An individual atom does not exhibit the properties of a gas.

Evaluate Choice D

The state of the atom depends on which element it is. This statement is incorrect too. The state of an element (solid, liquid, or gas) at a given temperature and pressure depends on the interactions between its atoms or molecules when they form a bulk material. But we are talking about an individual atom, not a bulk material formed by multiple atoms of the same element.

Evaluate Choice E

An individual atom cannot be considered to be a solid, liquid, or gas. This statement is correct. The states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) are properties of bulk materials, not of individual atoms. An individual atom does not have a definite shape, volume, or any other property that can classify it as a solid, liquid, or gas. In conclusion, the correct choice is (e) - An individual atom cannot be considered to be a solid, liquid, or gas.

Key concepts

Individual Atoms

When we look at individual atoms, it's important to understand that they differ vastly from bulk materials. An individual atom does not possess the characteristics that define solids, liquids, or gases.

• Solids have a fixed shape and volume.
• Liquids have a definite volume but adapt to the shape of their container.
• Gases have neither a fixed shape nor volume and will expand to fill a container.

An individual atom is a single particle that forms the basic unit of matter. It lacks the structural arrangement found in solids or the flowing dynamics seen in liquids or gases. This is why an individual atom cannot be categorized as a solid, liquid, or gas. Each state of matter arises from the interactions and behaviors of large collections of atoms or molecules, not single atoms themselves.

Bulk Materials

Bulk materials are made up of many atoms or molecules collectively. These interactions determine the state of matter - solid, liquid, or gas.

• In solids, atoms are packed closely in a highly ordered structure known as a crystal lattice.
• Liquids have atoms with enough energy to overcome the attractions holding them together, leading them to flow while remaining closely packed.
• Gases feature atoms that move independently due to high energy, spreading out to fill their container.

When multiple atoms come together under certain conditions, they form bulk materials where individual atomic motion and arrangement result in specific states of matter. Bulk materials exhibit physical properties such as density, viscosity, and thermal conductivity that are not applicable to single atoms.

Properties of Matter

The properties of matter are observed through behaviors and attributes of bulk materials, not individual atoms. The state a material takes on - solid, liquid, or gas - is dictated by how its particles interact.

• Temperature and pressure are key factors influencing these interactions.
• The intrinsic properties, such as atomic mass and electron configuration, play a role in how atoms bond and assemble.

The intrinsic properties of atoms contribute to the characteristics of the materials they form, dictating their responses to external stimuli like heat or stress. While an individual atom has its own mass, charge, and electron arrangement, these alone do not define the states of matter. It's the collective behavior of atoms in a structured manner that gives rise to observable properties of matter, thereby shaping how we perceive and use different materials in everyday life.