Atoms consist of three basic particles: protons, electrons, and neutrons. The nucleus (center) of the atom contains the protons (positively charged) and the neutrons (no charge). The outermost regions of the atom are called electron shells and contain the electrons (negatively charged). Atoms have different properties based on the arrangement and number of their basic particles.
The hydrogen atom (H) contains only one proton, one electron, and no neutrons. This can be determined using the atomic number and the mass number of the element (see the concept of atomic numbers and mass numbers).
Atomic Structure Quiz
Atomic Structure Quiz Answers
1. All elements are composed of
- atoms
- compounds
- neutrons
- molecules
2. What is the mass number of carbon (C)?
- 12
- 6
- 13
- C
3. How many electrons are in an atom of carbon (C)? (Remember APE! Atomic Number = # of Protons and # of Electrons)
- 6
- 13
- 12
- C
4. How many electrons are in an atom of carbon (C)? (Remember APE! Atomic Number = # of Protons and # of Electrons)
- 6
- 12
- 13
- C
5. How many neutrons are in an atom of sodium (Na)? (Remember M-A=N! Mass # – Atomic # = Neutrons)
- 12
- 6
- 13
- C
6. What is the mass number of sodum (Na)? (Don’t forget to round!)
- 23
- 6
- 12
- C
7. Atoms of the same element must always have the same number of _________
- isotopes
- neutrons
- protons
- electrons
8. The dense, positively charged mass located in the center of the atom.
- nucleus
- isotope
- proton
9. The _________ of an element equals the number of protons in an atom of that element
- atomic number
- isotopes
- atomic weight
10. The __________ of an atom is the sum of the protons and neutrons in the nucleus of that atom.
- atomic weight
- isotope weight
- atomic number
- mass number
11. Number of protons in an atom of an element.
- atomic mass
- isotopes
- atomic number
- proton count
12. Where are electrons found in an atom?
- in the atomic number
- inside the nucleus
- outside of the nucleus
- in the electron zone
13. Where are protons and neutrons found in an atom?
- inside the nucleus
- in the electron zone
- outside of the nucleus
- in the atomic number
14. An element will always have the same number of ________.
- protons
- atoms
- isotopes
- neutrons
15. What is the atomic number of gold (Au)?
- 79
- 4
- 196
- Au
16. How many protons does gold (Au) have? (Remember APE! Atomic Number = # of Protons and # of Electrons)
- 79
- 4
- 196
- Au
17. Which atomic particles will you find inside of the nucleus of an atom?
- Electron & proton
- Proton & Neutron
- Neutron & Electron
18. Which atomic particle has a negative charge?
- Electron
- Proton
- Neutron
Terms & Answer Keys to Learn
2. atoms of the same element have the same mass (WRONG)
3. compounds contain atoms of more than one element
4. in a compound, atoms always combine in the same way
