Question

Which of these statements correctly describe the atom? Check all that apply.

All matter on Earth is made up of atoms.
The subatomic particles of an element retain the properties of that element.
The neutron has no charge and identifies the element.
The electron is negatively charged and is located in a cloud surrounding the nucleus.
The proton is positively charged and is found in the nucleus.

Answer 1

Correct ones: 1, 4, and 5.

Brief explanations:
- All matter on Earth is made of atoms — true (ordinary matter is atomic).
- Subatomic particles of an element retain the properties of that element — false; individual protons, neutrons, or electrons do not by themselves show an element’s chemical properties.
- The neutron has no charge and identifies the element — false; the neutron is neutral, but the proton number (atomic number) identifies the element (neutrons determine isotopes).
- The electron is negatively charged and is located in a cloud surrounding the nucleus — true.
- The proton is positively charged and is found in the nucleus — true.