Chapter 3, Problem 26A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether atoms of all elements are identical or not needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

An element is composed of same types of atoms. An atom is the smallest unit of element. The neutron and protons present together in the nucleus and the number of electron is equal to the number of protons.

Answer to Problem 26A

All atoms of the same element identical, but due to the difference in the number of neutrons other isotopes are formed of the same element.

Explanation of Solution

An element is composed of identical atoms, with similar size, mass, other properties. An atom has protons, neutron and electron as the subatomic particle. The nucleus of an atom is consists by two main subatomic particles, protons and neutrons. The protons and electrons are electrically charged but neutrons are neutral.

The number of neutron is different for isotope of an element, which shows the difference in mass number and same atomic numbers for an element.

Conclusion

The element is a made by the similar size and shape containing atoms. The difference is obtained, when the number of neutrons are changed in the nucleus of an atom.