Question

Determine whether each of the following statements is true or false. If false, correct the statement to make it true: (a) The nucleus has most of the mass and comprises most of the volume of an atom. (b) Every atom of a given element has the same number of protons. (c) The number of electrons in an atom equals the number of neutrons in the atom. (d) The protons in the nucleus of the helium atom are held together by a force called the strong nuclear force.

Short answer

(a) False. Corrected statement: The nucleus has most of the mass but occupies only a small fraction of the volume of an atom. (b) True. (c) False. Corrected statement: The number of electrons in an atom equals the number of protons in the atom, while the number of neutrons may vary. (d) True.

Step-by-step solution

(Statement a: Analyzing the volume and mass of an atom's nucleus)

In this statement, it is mentioned that the nucleus has most of the mass and also comprises most of the volume of an atom. It is true that the nucleus contains most of the mass of an atom, but it is NOT true that it comprises most of the volume. In reality, the nucleus is much smaller in volume compared to the overall atom with electrons occupying most of the volume.

(Statement a: Correcting the volume and mass of an atom's nucleus)

Since the statement is false, we need to fix it: The nucleus has most of the mass but occupies only a small fraction of the volume of an atom.

(Statement b: Analyzing the number of protons in an atom)

The statement says that every atom of a given element has the same number of protons. This statement is true, as the number of protons defines the elements. For example, all carbon atoms have 6 protons.

(Statement c: Analyzing the number of electrons and neutrons in an atom)

In this statement, it is mentioned that the number of electrons in an atom equals the number of neutrons in the atom. This statement is false, as the number of electrons equals the number of protons in a neutral atom, and the number of neutrons may vary. Isotopes of a given element have the same number of protons and electrons but a different number of neutrons.

(Statement c: Correcting the number of electrons and neutrons in an atom)

To correct this statement: The number of electrons in an atom equals the number of protons in the atom, while the number of neutrons may vary.

(Statement d: Analyzing the forces in a nucleus)

The statement says that the protons in the nucleus of the helium atom are held together by a force called the strong nuclear force. This statement is true. The strong nuclear force holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus, and it overcomes the electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged protons.