Question 1: Define a proton and state its location within an atom.

Answer: A proton is a positively charged subatomic particle located in the nucleus of an atom.

Question 2: What is the primary role of electrons in an atom?

Answer: Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus and determine the atom's chemical properties.

Question 3: Describe the neutrons' location and their function in an atom.

Answer: Neutrons are neutral particles located in the nucleus, helping to stabilize the atom's nucleus.

Question 4: Calculate the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in a neutral atom of chlorine-35.

Answer: Protons: 17, Neutrons: 18, Electrons: 17

Question 5: Which subatomic particle's number can vary to create ions of the same element?

Answer: Electrons

Question 6: Fill in the blank: The atomic number of an element is determined by the number of ______ in its atoms.

Answer: protons

Question 7: Explain why isotopes of an element have the same chemical properties but different masses.

Answer: Isotopes have the same number of protons and electrons, which determine chemical properties, but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different atomic masses.

Question 8: Describe an experiment that could be used to determine the number of protons in an atom.

Answer: One experiment involves using a particle accelerator to measure the atomic number directly, or analyzing the element's characteristic spectral lines which are determined by proton count.

Question 9: In a scenario where an atom has 11 protons and 14 neutrons, what is its atomic mass number?

Answer: 25

Question 10: Identify the subatomic particle responsible for the overall charge of an atom.

Answer: Electrons

Question 11: Apply your understanding of atomic particles to explain how aluminum can form a stable ion with a +3 charge.

Answer: Aluminum loses three electrons from its outer shell, resulting in a +3 charge, because losing electrons reduces negative charge and creates a stable electron configuration.