Question 6
Explain the term – 'atomicity'. Give a reason why –
(a) Helium is considered monoatomic, but hydrogen a diatomic molecule.
(b) Ozone is considered triatomic, but phosphorus a tetratomic molecule.
Atomicity — It is the number of atoms present in a molecule of an element.
(a) Helium (He) is considered monoatomic because it contains only one atom of helium while hydrogen contains two atom of hydrogen (H2) therefore it is considered a diatomic molecule.
(b) Ozone is considered triatomic because it is composed of three atoms of Oxygen (O3) while phosphorous is composed of four atoms (P4), therefore, it is considered a tetratomic molecule.
ICSE Class VII Chemistry Chapter 3 15 Marks
Atomic Structure — Quick Study Guide
Atoms are the building blocks of all matter. Understanding atomic structure is essential for all of chemistry.
Key Definitions
- Atom: Smallest particle of an element with its chemical properties
- Molecule: Group of two or more atoms bonded together
- Element: Pure substance with only one type of atom
- Compound: Two or more different elements chemically combined
- Atomic number (Z): Number of protons = Number of electrons
- Mass number (A): Protons + Neutrons
- Valency: Combining capacity of an element
- Isotopes: Same element, different mass numbers
Electronic Configuration Rules
K shell = max 2 electrons, L shell = max 8, M shell = max 8 (for first 20 elements). Fill inner shells first.
Exam Tips
- Memorise symbols of first 20 elements
- Practice calculating protons, neutrons, electrons from Z and A
- Practice drawing Bohr diagrams
- Valency: if outermost ≤ 4, valency = outermost; if > 4, valency = 8 - outermost
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