Question

Your teacher tells you this is a proper model of a neutral lithium atom. How can you use the image to tell why it is lithium? Select ALL that apply. (2 points) Responses In the model there are three negative electrons surrounding the nucleus. In neutral atoms the numbers of protons and electrons match. In the model there are three negative electrons surrounding the nucleus. In neutral atoms the numbers of protons and electrons match. T The model has four neutrons in the nucleus, neutrons can be used to identify an atom. The model has four neutrons in the nucleus, neutrons can be used to identify an atom. This model has three negative electrons found inside its nucleus so it must be lithium. This model has three negative electrons found inside its nucleus so it must be lithium. The atomic number of lithium is three and there are three positive protons in the nucleus of this model. The atomic number of lithium is three and there are three positive protons in the nucleus of this model.

Answer 1

To determine why the model represents a neutral lithium atom, you can select the following responses:

1. In the model there are three negative electrons surrounding the nucleus. In neutral atoms the numbers of protons and electrons match.
2. The atomic number of lithium is three and there are three positive protons in the nucleus of this model.

These points accurately describe the characteristics that identify the atom as lithium, focusing on the matching number of protons and electrons and the atomic number.

The other statements regarding neutrons and electrons being in the nucleus are incorrect in the context of atomic structure. Electrons do not reside inside the nucleus; they exist in orbitals around it, and neutrons are indeed important but are not used primarily to identify an atom.