structure of Atoms
where is most of the mass of an atom concentrated?
in the central nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons.
in a sample of pure iron (Fe) what would be true about the atoms?
Every atom in the sample has the same number of protons and identical chemical properties.
What is the original natural precursor used to produce synthetic plastic containers?
Underground crude oil
what is a major societal benefit of using synthetic polymers in medical equipment?
They provide lightweight, sterile tools that help prevent the spread of disease.
What do we call a substance made of only one atom type that cannot be chemically broken down.
an element
An electrically neutral atom contains 6 protons. How many electrons must this atom have to maintain a net charge of zero?
6
Diamond is an extremely hard mineral made entirely of carbon atoms. Each carbon atom forms four strong chemical bonds with neighboring carbon atoms, creating a rigid three-dimensional network. Which term best describes the structure of diamond?
An extended crystal lattice
Which of the following materials is an unprocessed natural resource rather than a synthetic material?
A) Nylon fiber B) Raw copper ore
C) Stainless steel alloy D) Polyester clothing fabric
Raw copper ore
What best describes what can happen to conventional plastic after it is thrown away?
It persists for a long time and may break into microplastics.
A molecule contains two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. Which formula represents this molecule?
H2O
what particles are found in the nucleus of an atom
Protons and neutrons
O2 is Composed of two oxygen atoms chemically bonded together. CO2 is composed of one carbon atom chemically bonded to two oxygen atoms. Which is a chemical compound and which is an elemental molecule?
O2 is an elemental molecule, while CO2 is a chemical compound
What critical change occurs when turning oil into plastic that causes it to be classified as a synthetic material?
chemical reaction breaks and reforms bonds to link small molecules into long polymer chains with new properties.
How does the development of bioplastics demonstrate a sustainable solution to the plastic waste problem?
Bioplastics are made from renewable natural resources and can break down much more rapidly in composting facilities.
A student compares a model of one carbon dioxide molecule with a model of one oxygen molecule. What statement describes the difference between their atoms?
Carbon dioxide contains carbon and oxygen atoms, while oxygen contains only oxygen atoms.
A particle in an atom has a charge of −1 and very little mass. Where is this particle usually found?
Outside the nucleus as an electron
Why do diamond and graphite have different properties even though they are both pure carbon?
different subunit arrangements give them completely different physical properties.
Why do conventional petroleum-based plastics pose a significant environmental challenge after disposal?
Bacteria and microorganisms cannot easily break their strong chemical bonds, causing them to persist for centuries.
A manufacturer makes a synthetic material from a substance obtained from plants. Is the product actually synthetic? why or why not?
The product is synthetic because people process the natural resource to make a material with new properties.
A material is made of many atoms joined in a repeating, continuous structure rather than in separate small groups. What model best represents this material?
An extended structure with repeating bonded parts
What is the vast empty space surrounding the nucleus where lightweight electrons move rapidly.
The Electron Cloud
How do the structures of of water (Hâ‚‚O) and table salt (NaCl) differ?
Water exists as independent simple molecules with a fixed size, while salt forms an extended structure of repeating subunits in a continuous 3D grid.
A community is choosing between a single-use product made from petroleum-based plastic and one made from plant-based bioplastic designed for commercial composting. What reason best supports choosing the bioplastic?
It is made from a renewable resource and can break down faster in the right composting system.
Why would a vehicle part be made from a lightweight synthetic composite instead of a heavier metal?
The lighter vehicle may use less fuel and produce fewer carbon emissions.
describe the process of Polymerization & Synthesis
Small precursor molecules (monomers) undergo chemical reactions to form long repeating chains (polymers), creating materials like plastics, nylon, and synthetic rubber, or combining elements at high temperatures to create engineered alloys like steel.