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Difficulty: EasyComparing and Contrasting Models

### Models of Atomic Structure

Historically, scientists proposed different models to explain the internal structure of the atom.

Model 1 (Uniform Distribution Model)
This model proposes that an atom consists of a large, spherical cloud of positive electric charge. Negatively charged electrons are embedded evenly throughout this positive cloud. The mass of the atom is distributed uniformly across its entire volume, and there is no centralized core or empty space within the atom.

Model 2 (Centralized Nucleus Model)
This model proposes that nearly all of an atom's mass and all of its positive charge are concentrated in a tiny, extremely dense region at the center of the atom called the nucleus. Negatively charged electrons orbit this nucleus at relatively large distances. The rest of the atom is empty space, through which electrons move.

Based on Model 1 and Model 2, how do the two models differ regarding the distribution of positive charge within an atom?

  1. A
    Model 1 asserts that positive charge is concentrated in a central nucleus, while Model 2 asserts it is spread uniformly throughout the atom.
  2. Model 1 asserts that positive charge is spread uniformly throughout the atom, while Model 2 asserts it is concentrated in a central nucleus.Answer
  3. C
    Both Model 1 and Model 2 assert that positive charge is concentrated in a central nucleus.
  4. D
    Neither Model 1 nor Model 2 asserts that an atom contains any positive charge.

Answer

Model 1 asserts that positive charge is spread uniformly throughout the atom, while Model 2 asserts it is concentrated in a central nucleus.
The correct answer states that Model 1 proposes the positive charge is spread uniformly throughout the atom, while Model 2 proposes it is concentrated in a central nucleus. This aligns directly with the text of the passage, where Model 1 describes a 'large, spherical cloud of positive electric charge' with electrons embedded throughout, and Model 2 describes positive charge as 'concentrated in a tiny, extremely dense region at the center of the atom called the nucleus.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Model 1's description of positive charge.
Model 1 states that the atom consists of a 'large, spherical cloud of positive electric charge' with electrons 'embedded evenly throughout.' This indicates a uniform distribution of positive charge.
To understand Model 1's claim about positive charge distribution.
2
Analyze Model 2's description of positive charge.
Model 2 states that 'all of its positive charge [is] concentrated in a tiny, extremely dense region at the center of the atom called the nucleus.'
To understand Model 2's claim about positive charge distribution.
3
Compare the two models to identify the difference.
Model 1 proposes a uniform spread of positive charge, whereas Model 2 proposes that positive charge is concentrated in a central nucleus.
To determine the correct point of difference between the models.

Key Concept

Comparing and Contrasting Models
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Comparing and Contrasting Models

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