Which of the following figures represents (a) a pure element, (More than one picture might fit each description.)

Verified step by step guidance

1. <Step 1: Understand the definition of a pure element. A pure element consists of only one type of atom, which means all the atoms in the sample are identical.>
2. <Step 2: Examine each figure provided in the problem. Look for figures that show only one type of atom, without any other types of atoms or molecules present.>
3. <Step 3: Identify figures that contain only one type of atom. These figures represent a pure element.>
4. <Step 4: Consider that more than one figure might represent a pure element, so ensure to check all figures for the presence of only one type of atom.>
5. <Step 5: Conclude which figures represent a pure element based on the criteria of having only one type of atom present.>

Key Concepts

Pure Element

A pure element consists of only one type of atom and cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Examples include metals like gold (Au) and nonmetals like oxygen (O2). In a diagram, a pure element would be represented by a single type of atom or a collection of identical atoms.

Atomic Structure

The atomic structure refers to the arrangement of protons, neutrons, and electrons within an atom. Protons and neutrons reside in the nucleus, while electrons orbit around it. Understanding atomic structure is essential for identifying elements, as each element has a unique number of protons, known as its atomic number.

Chemical Symbols

Chemical symbols are one- or two-letter notations used to represent elements on the periodic table. For example, 'H' stands for hydrogen, and 'Na' stands for sodium. Recognizing these symbols is crucial for identifying pure elements in diagrams, as they provide a shorthand way to denote specific elements without ambiguity.