Question
16 Marla creates a model of atoms. The atoms exhibit similar properties but they do not have the same mass number Which BEST describes the atoms in Marla's model? A The atoms are ions. B The atoms have different numbers of electrons. C The atoms are isotopes. D The atoms have different numbers of protons.
Answer
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Eden
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
#ExplanationThe atoms in Marla's model exhibit similar properties but do not have the same mass number. This means they are likely to have the same number of protons (and therefore electrons in a neutral atom), which determines the atomic number and thus the chemical properties of the atom. However, they have different numbers of neutrons, which contributes to the mass number but does not significantly affect the chemical properties. This description fits the definition of isotopes. Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element which differ in neutron number, and hence in nucleon count and atomic mass. All isotopes of a given element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Some isotopes are stable, while others are radioactive.The other options do not fit the description given. Ions are atoms or molecules with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons, which would alter the chemical properties. Atoms with different numbers of electrons or protons would be different elements altogether, with different chemical properties.#Answer(C) The atoms are isotopes.