Atomic Structure Quiz

Which scientist proposed the idea of indivisible particles called "atomos"?

• Dalton

• Democritus

• Rutherford

• Schrödinger

Answer explanation

The term "atomos" meaning indivisible was proposed by the ancient Greek philosopher Democritus, who is credited with the early concept of the atom, long before modern atomic theory was developed.

What is the charge of a proton?

• Neutral

• Positive

• Negative

• No charge

Answer explanation

A proton carries a positive charge, which is fundamental to its role in atomic structure. This distinguishes it from neutrons, which are neutral, and electrons, which have a negative charge.

Which scientist is known for the discovery of the electron using the cathode ray experiment?

• J.J. Thomson

• Rutherford

• Bohr

• Schrödinger

Answer explanation

J.J. Thomson is credited with the discovery of the electron through his cathode ray experiment in 1897, demonstrating that cathode rays were composed of negatively charged particles, which he named electrons.

What is the location of neutrons in an atom?

• In the electron shells

• In the nucleus

• Outside the nucleus

• In the outermost shell

Answer explanation

Neutrons are located in the nucleus of an atom, along with protons. They are not found in electron shells or outside the nucleus, making 'In the nucleus' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which scientist proposed the planetary model of the atom, where electrons orbit the nucleus?

• Dalton

• Rutherford

• Bohr

• J.J. Thomson

Answer explanation

The planetary model of the atom, where electrons orbit the nucleus, was proposed by Niels Bohr. This model improved upon earlier atomic theories by introducing quantized orbits for electrons.

What is the mass of an electron compared to a proton?

• Equal to the mass of a proton

• Much smaller than the mass of a proton

• Much larger than the mass of a proton

• Twice the mass of a proton

Answer explanation

The mass of an electron is approximately 1/1836 that of a proton, making it much smaller than the mass of a proton. This significant difference in mass is crucial in understanding atomic structure.

Which scientist developed the quantum mechanical model of the atom?

• Dalton

• Schrödinger

• Rutherford

• Bohr

Answer explanation

The quantum mechanical model of the atom was developed by Erwin Schrödinger, who introduced wave functions to describe the behavior of electrons, unlike earlier models by Dalton, Rutherford, and Bohr.

What is the charge of a neutron?

• Positive

• Negative

• Neutral

• No charge

Answer explanation

A neutron has no electric charge, making it neutral. This distinguishes it from protons, which are positively charged, and electrons, which are negatively charged.

What is the symbol for an electron?

• p

• n

• e^-

• E

Answer explanation

The symbol for an electron is 'e'. The other options represent different particles: 'p' for proton and 'n' for neutron. 'E' is not a standard symbol for any subatomic particle.

What is inside of the nucleus?

• Electrons and protons

• Protons and neutrons

• Electrons and neutrons

• Only protons

Answer explanation

The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, which are the building blocks of atomic mass. Electrons are found in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus, not inside it.