Atoms and Elements Quiz

What are the three parts of an atom?

Answer explanation

The three main parts of an atom are:

1. Protons:

   • Positively charged particles (+).

   • Found in the nucleus (centre) of the atom.

   • The number of protons determines the element (e.g., hydrogen has 1 proton, oxygen has 8).

2. Neutrons:

   • Neutral particles (no charge).

   • Also located in the nucleus alongside protons.

   • Neutrons add mass to the atom and help stabilise the nucleus.

3. Electrons:

   • Negatively charged particles (−).

   • Orbit the nucleus in energy levels or shells.

   • Electrons are involved in chemical reactions and bonding between atoms.

Together, these three components form the basic structure of an atom, with the protons and neutrons in the dense nucleus and electrons moving around it.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

What is the chemical symbol for gold?

• Fe

• Pb

• Au

• Ag

Answer explanation

The chemical symbol for gold is 'Au', derived from its Latin name 'Aurum'. The other options represent different elements: Fe for iron, Pb for lead, and Ag for silver.

Which of the following is the lightest element?

• Oxygen

• Iron

• Lead

• Hydrogen

Answer explanation

Hydrogen is the lightest element, with an atomic number of 1. In comparison, oxygen, iron, and lead have higher atomic numbers, making them heavier than hydrogen.

What part of the atom contains protons and neutrons?

• Electron cloud

• Orbit

• Nucleus

• Shell

Answer explanation

The nucleus is the central part of the atom where protons and neutrons are located. The electron cloud surrounds the nucleus, while shells and orbits refer to the paths of electrons, not the location of protons and neutrons.

What is the smallest building block of everything that exists?

• Compound

• Atom

• Molecule

• Element

Answer explanation

The smallest building block of everything that exists is the atom. Atoms combine to form molecules, which in turn make up compounds and elements, but atoms are the fundamental units that define matter.

Which element is most commonly associated with Christmas decorations?

What is the atomic number of hydrogen?

• 1

• 2

• 6

• 8

Answer explanation

The atomic number of an element is defined as the number of protons in its nucleus. Hydrogen, being the simplest element, has only one proton, which gives it an atomic number of 1.

What do we call atoms that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons?

• Ions

• Isotopes

• Molecules

• Compounds

Answer explanation

Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons are called isotopes. They share the same element identity but have different mass numbers due to the variation in neutrons.

Which element is known for being radioactive?

• Carbon

• Uranium

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

Answer explanation

Uranium is well-known for its radioactive properties, making it a key element in nuclear energy and weapons. In contrast, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen are stable elements and not classified as radioactive.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which of the following is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen?

• Methane

• Salt

• Water

• Carbon Dioxide

Answer explanation

Water is the only compound listed that is made of hydrogen and oxygen, with the chemical formula H2O. Methane (CH4), salt (NaCl), and carbon dioxide (CO2) do not consist solely of these two elements.