Atoms, elements and compounds | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

What is matter?

• anything that takes up space and has mass

• only liquids and solids

• only gases

• energy

Answer explanation

Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass, including solids, liquids, gases.

Match the following elements with their correct atomic number (found on the periodic table).

• Chlorine

• 11

• Iron

• 10

• Sodium

• 26

• Neon

• 17

Answer explanation

Neon - 10 Iron - 26 Chlorine - 17 Sodium - 11

Melting ice is an example of ...

• a chemical change.

• a physical change.

• both a physical and chemical change.

• neither a physical nor chemical change.

Answer explanation

Melting ice is a physical change because it involves a change in state (from solid to liquid) without altering the chemical composition of water.

Match the subatomic particles with their correct charge.

• Neutron

• Negative

• Electron

• Positive

• Proton

• Neutral

Answer explanation

Protons are positively charged, neutrons have no charge and are neutral, and electrons are negatively charged.

Where is the majority of an atom's mass located?

• in the electrons

• in the nucleus

• evenly distributed throughout the atom

Answer explanation

The majority of an atom's mass is located in the nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons. Electrons contribute very little to the atom's overall mass.

The term "nucleus" is used in multiple subjects but refers to different things. What does the nucleus refer to in chemistry?

• the centre of an atom, containing protons and neutrons

• the part of a cell that contains genetic material

• a cluster of neuronal cell bodies within the brain

• a dense cluster of stars or galaxies, especially at the centre of a galaxy

Answer explanation

In chemistry, the nucleus refers to the centre of an atom, containing protons and neutrons. This is different from its use in other disciplines. All shown definitions are real definitions, but only one of them is relevant to us in chemistry.