Question 492: Atoms & Nuclei

Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Atoms are electrically neutral as they contain equal number of positive and negative charges.
Statement II: Atoms of each element are stable and emit their characteristic spectrum.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

Accepted Answer

Let's analyze each statement one by one to determine the correctness:
Statement I:
"Atoms are electrically neutral as they contain equal number of positive and negative charges."
This statement is correct. Atoms are composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons have no charge. In a neutral atom, the number of protons (positive charges) equals the number of electrons (negative charges), thus making the atom electrically neutral. The positive and negative charges balance each other, resulting in no overall charge.
Statement II:
"Atoms of each element are stable and emit their characteristic spectrum."
This statement requires modification for accuracy. Atoms emit their characteristic spectrum when they are excited and then return to a lower energy state. The emission of a spectrum is not linked directly to the stability of an atom; it is linked to the electronic transitions within the atom. The term "stable" in relation to atoms typically refers to the overall energy state of an atom being at its lowest or in a ground state. However, atoms can emit radiation whether they are in a stable ground state or in an excited state. Moreover, not all atoms are inherently stable; some may be radioactive and unstable. The part that atoms emit their characteristic spectrum under certain conditions (like excitation) is correct, but linking this property strictly to stability is misleading.
Based on the analysis:
Statement I is correct.
Statement II is partially correct, as it is accurate that each element can emit a characteristic spectrum when excited, but incorrect in generalizing that all such atoms are stable.
Therefore, the correct option is:
Option C: Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.

Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct

Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect

Answer

Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect

Answer

Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Atoms & Nuclei

Choose the correct answer: