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im not sure but ive got the egsact same question from my teacher miss cain, the little goody ratty greasy thing, erghhh, m i n g e r.

Ok, an atom is supposedly the smallest indivisible unit( at least in basic chemistry)

Now an atom is composed of 3 baser particles, Protons, Neutrons and electrons.

The Proton's are significant, since this is the particle that gives the atomic number to an element in the Periodic Table. It is also how a chemist defines an element. So for example 1 proton, is the atomic number 1, is the first element on the periodic table, and it is Hydrogen. Hydrogen uses the chemical symbol H

Second example 8 protons, is the atomic number 8, and is the 8th element on the periodic table, Oxygen is it's name. Oxygen uses the chemical symbol O.

Now for the formulae, H2O, is the chemical formula for Water, and the H stands for Hydrogen. The "2" symbolizes that you have 2 components (or atoms) of Hydrogen and the O stands for Oxygen. There is only one atom of Oxygen so it is just understood that with no number attached to the formula, that there is only the one atom.

So the formula H2O shows the elements that are combined to represent the water molecule. This allows a chemist who is trained to read the formula to easily understand the composition of the elements that make up the molecule.

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How are elements identified in terms of their atoms?

Elements are identified based on the number of protons in their atoms, which is known as the atomic number. Each element has a unique atomic number, allowing scientists to distinguish between different elements.


How are elements different from atoms in terms of their composition and properties?

Elements are pure substances made up of only one type of atom, while atoms are the smallest units of matter that make up elements. Elements have specific properties based on the number of protons in their nucleus, while atoms can combine to form molecules with different properties.


How are atoms of different elements similar and how are they different?

Atoms of different elements are similar in that they all contain protons, neutrons, and electrons. However, they are different in terms of their atomic number (number of protons), atomic mass (sum of protons and neutrons), and electron configuration, which determines their chemical properties.


What is the relationship between an atom, molecule, compound, and element in terms of their composition and properties?

An atom is the basic building block of matter, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons. When atoms combine, they form molecules, which are groups of atoms bonded together. Compounds are molecules made up of different types of atoms bonded together. Elements are substances made up of only one type of atom. The composition and properties of atoms, molecules, compounds, and elements are related in that they all involve the arrangement and interactions of atoms, which determine their chemical and physical characteristics.


What is a substance in scientific terms?

In scientific terms, a substance is a type of matter that has constant chemical composition and distinct properties. Substances can be either elements (made up of one type of atom) or compounds (made up of different types of atoms bonded together).

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hi


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