Question

properties of subatomic particles
which of the following statements about atoms is correct?
multiple choice
the positive charges of an element are carried by the electrons.
an element may be composed of more than one type of atom.
the neutral charges of an element are carried by the protons.
the number and arrangement of electrons in an atom governs its chemical activity.
the nucleus of an atom contains protons and electrons.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option 1: Electrons carry negative charges, protons carry positive charges. So this is incorrect.
• Analyze Option 2: An element is composed of only one type of atom (isotopes are same element with different neutrons, still same atom type). So this is incorrect.
• Analyze Option 3: Neutrons carry neutral charges, protons carry positive charges. So this is incorrect.
• Analyze Option 4: Chemical activity is determined by electron number (valence electrons) and their arrangement (electron configuration). This is correct.
• Analyze Option 5: Nucleus contains protons and neutrons, electrons are in electron cloud. So this is incorrect.

Answer:

The number and arrangement of electrons in an atom governs its chemical activity.