Questions: A force that determines the chemical properties of an atom is
A) a gravitational force.
B) an electrical force.
C) a friction force.
D) a nuclear force.
E) none of the above
Transcript text: A force that determines the chemical properties of an atom is
A) a gravitational force.
B) an electrical force.
C) a friction force.
D) a nuclear force.
E) none of the above
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the Relevant Force
To determine the chemical properties of an atom, we need to identify the force that influences the behavior of electrons, as these are the primary particles involved in chemical reactions.
Step 2: Evaluate Each Option
Gravitational force: This force is extremely weak at the atomic scale and does not significantly influence chemical properties.
Electrical force: This force, specifically the electrostatic force between electrons and the nucleus, plays a crucial role in determining the chemical properties of an atom.
Friction force: This force is not relevant at the atomic scale.
Nuclear force: This force acts within the nucleus and is responsible for holding protons and neutrons together, but it does not directly influence chemical properties.
None of the above: This option is not applicable since the electrical force is relevant.
Final Answer
The force that determines the chemical properties of an atom is the electrical force.