ATOMIC TRAPS
An atom has 10 protons and 12 neutrons. Another has 10 protons and 10 neutrons. They are different in what way?
They are isotopes (different number of neutrons).
A bond involves sharing electrons, but one atom pulls more strongly. It is still what type of bond?
Covalent bond
A substance is solid, inorganic, and natural but has no crystal structure. Is it a mineral?
No
Large crystals always mean what about cooling rate?
Cooling was slow.
A mineral’s color varies but its powder color does not. Which property is more reliable?
Streak
An atom loses 2 electrons. Did it change elements?
No, only the charge changed (it became an ion).
A student says a mixture is the same as a compound. Why is that wrong?
Mixtures are not chemically combined; compounds are.
A substance has a crystal structure and chemical formula but was made in a lab. Is it a mineral?
No (must occur naturally).
Tiny crystals in lava tell you what about cooling?
Cooling was fast.
A mineral breaks into curved shell-like surfaces. This is what property?
Fracture
Two atoms have the same mass number but different atomic numbers. Are they the same element?
No, atomic number (protons) determines the element.
Metals form positive ions because they tend to do what with electrons?
Lose electrons
Coal forms from plant material. Is it a mineral?
No (organic).
Minerals forming from seawater evaporation are evidence of which formation process?
Evaporation of dissolved ions.
A mineral splits along flat planes repeatedly. What property is this?
Cleavage
If a neutral atom has 15 protons, how many electrons does it have?
15 electrons
Nonmetals usually form negative ions because they do what with electrons?
Gain electrons
Liquid mercury is natural and inorganic. Why is it not a mineral?
It is not a solid
New minerals form in rocks deep underground due to heat and pressure. What process?
Recrystallization and reaction during metamorphism.
A mineral that cannot scratch glass but is scratched by a nail has low what?
Hardness
If neutrons change but protons stay the same, does the element change?
No, only the isotope changes.
A bond where electrons are free-moving among many atoms is what type?
Metallic bond
A substance meets all mineral requirements except it can change chemical composition. Is it a mineral?
No (must have definite chemical composition).
Minerals do NOT all crystallize at the same time because they form at different what?
Temperatures
Two minerals look identical. Which test is more useful: color or streak?
Streak