Question

The size of the atom is of the order of (A) \(10^{-14} \mathrm{~m}\) (B) \(10^{-10} \mathrm{~m}\) (C) \(10^{-8} \mathrm{~m}\) (D) \(10^{-6} \mathrm{~m}\)

Short answer

The size of the atom is of the order of \(10^{-10} \mathrm{~m}\) (Option B).

Step-by-step solution

Eliminate choices that are too small or too large

We can first eliminate choices A and D because they are too small and too large, respectively. Atomic sizes fall somewhere in between these two extreme values.

Compare remaining choices

Next, we need to compare the remaining choices (B) and (C). In general, the size of an atom is between \(10^{-10}\) and \(10^{-9}\) meters, which is why choice (B) is the correct answer here.

Answer:

The size of the atom is of the order of \(10^{-10} \mathrm{~m}\) (Option B).

Key concepts

Order of Magnitude

Understanding the concept of "order of magnitude" can be quite illuminating. This term is used to express large differences in numbers using powers of ten. For example, when we say the order of magnitude of an atom is around \(10^{-10}\) meters, we're saying that the size of an atom is more or less one-tenth of a billionth of a meter. Order of magnitude helps in making comparisons much simpler, especially when dealing with vastly different scales. It provides a way to get a general sense of size without getting lost in excessive detail. Needless to say, it's a useful concept not only in physics but in many areas of science and engineering.In the context of an atom, knowing that an atom's size is about \(10^{-10}\) meters allows scientists to easily communicate and compare it to other small quantities. It's also crucial for understanding phenomena on an atomic scale, which often isn't intuitive.

Atomic Structure

Atoms are the foundational building blocks of all matter around us. Despite their incredibly small size, they possess a complex and fascinating structure.

• Nucleus: At the center of an atom is the nucleus. It comprises protons and neutrons, holding the vast majority of an atom's mass.
• Electrons: Surrounding the nucleus are electrons. These tiny particles orbit the nucleus in regions known as electron shells or orbitals.
• Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons: Protons bear a positive charge, neutrons are neutral, and electrons carry a negative charge. The balance of these charges keeps the atom stable.

Due to its structure, the size of an atom is largely determined by the space occupied by the electron cloud around the nucleus, rather than the nucleus itself. This reality underscores why the atomic size is generally in the range of \(10^{-10}\) meters, as the electromagnetic forces holding the atom together operate on such tiny scales.

Meter Scale for Atoms

When talking about the scale of atoms, it's important to consider how they fit into the bigger picture of measurement. The meter, a standard unit of length, provides a handy reference point.To give you a better visual: one meter is about the length of a guitar. Now, if you think of that meter as divided into a billion little pieces, one of those pieces is roughly the size of an atom. That translates into an atomic size on the meter scale of about \(10^{-10}\) meters.This ultra-small size poses unique challenges and opportunities for scientists. It requires specialized tools like electron microscopes to visualize and manipulate things on such a minute scale.Understanding the meter scale for atoms helps us grasp just how small they really are, and highlights the meticulousness it's taken to study them. It also reminds us of the impressive capabilities of modern science to explore and understand the very fabric of our universe.