Structure of the atom practice exercise 4

Classroom misconception: A student claims, “An atom can be neutral even if it has more electrons than protons, as long as neutrons balance it out.” How would you correct the student? A. The atom is neutral only when protons equal neutrons B. The atom is neutral only when protons equal electrons C. The atom is neutral only when electrons equal neutrons D. The atom is neutral only when neutrons outnumber protons

A student claims, “An atom can be neutral even if it has more electrons than protons, as long as neutrons balance it out.” How would you correct the student? (1 mark)

A student claims, “An atom can be neutral even if it has more electrons than protons, as long as neutrons balance it out.” How would you correct the student? (1 mark)

Nairobi quiz prompt: An atom is neutral, has more neutrons than protons, yet it is stable. What explains this stability? A. Equal protons and electrons balance charges B. Neutrons cancel protons’ positive charge C. Extra neutrons make it chemically neutral D. Neutrons repel electrons and balance them

An atom is neutral, has more neutrons than protons, yet it is stable. What explains this stability? (1 mark)

An atom is neutral, has more neutrons than protons, yet it is stable. What explains this stability? (1 mark)

Contest board diagram: Nucleus: 12 protons, 12 neutrons Electrons in shells: 2 in first, 8 in second, 2 in third Student A shouted: “This is Sodium!” Student B disagreed: “No, it’s Magnesium!” Who is right? A. Student A is correct – Sodium B. Student B is correct – Magnesium C. Both are correct D. Neither is correct

  In a science contest, a learner drew the atom below on the board. Student A shouted: “This is Sodium!” Student B disagreed: “No, it’s Magnesium!”. Who was correct between the two? (1 mark)

In a science contest, a learner drew the atom below on the board. Student A shouted: “This is Sodium!” Student B disagreed: “No, it’s Magnesium!”. Who was correct between the two? (1 mark)

In a science contest, a learner drew the atom below on the board. Student A shouted: “This is Sodium!” Student B disagreed: “No, it’s Magnesium!”. Who was correct between the two? (1 mark)

In a science contest, a learner drew the atom below on the board. Student A shouted: “This is Sodium!” Student B disagreed: “No, it’s Magnesium!”. Who was correct between the two? (1 mark)

In a science contest, a learner drew the atom below on the board. Student A shouted: “This is Sodium!” Student B disagreed: “No, it’s Magnesium!”. Who was correct between the two? (1 mark)

Scenario (Nakuru practical): During a chemistry practical, students placed strips of different metals in dilute hydrochloric acid. One strip released bubbles rapidly and the teacher hinted: "This atom has 2 electrons in its outermost shell and 20 protons in its nucleus." Which metal strip was it? A. Sodium B. Calcium C. Aluminium D. Magnesium

During a chemistry practical, students placed strips of different metals in dilute hydrochloric acid. One strip released bubbles rapidly and the teacher hinted: "This atom has 2 electrons in its outermost shell and 20 protons in its nucleus." Which metal strip was it? (1 mark)

During a chemistry practical, students placed strips of different metals in dilute hydrochloric acid. One strip released bubbles rapidly and the teacher hinted: "This atom has 2 electrons in its outermost shell and 20 protons in its nucleus." Which metal strip was it? (1 mark)

Competition table: Element (mystery)ProtonsElectronsNeutrons X191920 One group says it is Calcium, another says it is Potassium. Which group is correct? A. Group 1 – Calcium B. Group 2 – Potassium C. Both are correct D. Neither is correct

Two groups are asked to identify the mystery element in the table below. One group says it is Calcium, another says it is Potassium. Which group is correct? (1 mark) Element  Protons Electrons Neutrons X 19 19 20

Two groups are asked to identify the mystery element in the table below. One group says it is Calcium, another says it is Potassium. Which group is correct? (1 mark) Element  Protons Electrons Neutrons X 19 19 20

Two groups are asked to identify the mystery element in the table below. One group says it is Calcium, another says it is Potassium. Which group is correct? (1 mark) Element  Protons Electrons Neutrons X 19 19 20

Scenario: During a science lesson at a school in Eldoret, the teacher asks: "A certain atom has 12 protons. Which metal is this?" Student A quickly says “Aluminium”, while Student B argues “It must be Magnesium”. Who is correct?

During a science lesson at a school in Eldoret, the teacher asks. "A certain atom has 12 protons. Which metal is this?" Student A quickly says “Aluminium”, while Student B argues “It must be Magnesium”. Who is correct? (1 mark)

During a science lesson at a school in Eldoret, the teacher asks. "A certain atom has 12 protons. Which metal is this?" Student A quickly says “Aluminium”, while Student B argues “It must be Magnesium”. Who is correct? (1 mark)

Classroom Argument: "Which metal has exactly 19 protons?" Brian says “Potassium”, Esther says “Calcium”. Who is right?

During group work, learners ask: "Which metal has exactly 19 protons?" Brian says “Potassium”, Esther says “Calcium”. Who is right? (1 mark)

During group work, learners ask: "Which metal has exactly 19 protons?" Brian says “Potassium”, Esther says “Calcium”. Who is right? (1 mark)

Competition Card (Nairobi): "This element is a soft, shiny metal. It has 11 protons and reacts vigorously with water." Which element are the students expected to name?

In a national science competition in Nairobi, a card reads: "This element is a soft, shiny metal. It has 11 protons and reacts vigorously with water." Which element is being described? (1 mark)

In a national science competition in Nairobi, a card reads: "This element is a soft, shiny metal. It has 11 protons and reacts vigorously with water." Which element is being described? (1 mark)

Board Diagram (Teacher): Nucleus: 4 protons Electrons: 4 in shells (neutral) Which metal is represented?

The teacher draws the simple diagram below and asks: "Which metal is this?" (1 mark)

The teacher draws the simple diagram below and asks: "Which metal is this?" (1 mark)

Group Diagram (Chalk sketch): Nucleus: 20 protons Shells: electrons equal to protons (neutral atom) Mercy says: "That's Calcium!" James says: "No, it's Potassium." Who is right?

When presented with the diagram, and asked to identify the element with that atomic structure, a student named Mercy says, "That's Calcium!" while another student, James, counters, "No, it's Potassium." Who is correct?  (1 mark)  

When presented with the diagram, and asked to identify the element with that atomic structure, a student named Mercy says, "That's Calcium!" while another student, James, counters, "No, it's Potassium." Who is correct?  (1 mark)