Question

1. which of the following statements about atomic structure is not accurate? (3pts) each element has a unique atomic number. the atomic nucleus accounts for most of the atomic mass. the atom is electrically neutral but contains positive and negative charges. neutrons are slightly smaller than a proton and neutral in charge. electrons are outside the nucleus and contribute very little to atomic mass.

Explanation:

• Each element has a unique atomic number: This is accurate, as the atomic number (number of protons) defines an element.
• The atomic nucleus accounts for most of the atomic mass: This is accurate, since protons and neutrons (in the nucleus) make up nearly all an atom's mass, as electrons have negligible mass.
• The atom is electrically neutral but contains positive and negative charges: This is accurate, as neutral atoms have equal numbers of positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons.
• Neutrons are slightly smaller than a proton and neutral in charge: This is inaccurate. Neutrons have a very slightly greater mass than protons, not a smaller mass, and they are neutral.
• Electrons are outside the nucleus and contribute very little to atomic mass: This is accurate, as electrons orbit the nucleus and their mass (~1/1836 of a proton) is negligible compared to the nucleus.

Answer:

Neutrons are slightly smaller than a proton and neutral in charge.