Science, Tech, Math › Science Atom Quiz Let's See How Much You Know About Atoms All matter is made of atoms. Take this fun quiz to see how much you know about the atom. Paper Boat Creative, Getty Images Science Chemistry Molecules Basics Chemical Laws Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on March 08, 2017 1. The three basic components of an atom are: protons, neutrons, and ions protons, neutrons, and electrons protons, neutrinos, and ions protium, deuterium, and tritium Correct Wrong Although they can be broken further into subatomic particles, the three main components of an atom are protons, neutrons, and electrons. In order to be considered an atom, there needs to be at least a single proton (which is the most common form of hydrogen). 2. An element is determined by the number of: atoms electrons neutrons protons Correct Wrong Back in Mendeleev's time, before scientists knew about the parts of the atom, each element was recognized by its atom's atomic weight. In modern times, we identify atoms based on how many protons they contain. 3. The nucleus of an atom consists of: electrons neutrons protons and neutrons protons, neutrons, and electrons Correct Wrong The core of an atom is its nucleus, which consists of protons and neutrons that stick to each other because of the strong nuclear force. 4. A single proton has what electrical charge? no charge positive charge negative charge either a positive or negative charge Correct Wrong A proton has a +1 electrical charge. An electron has a -1 electrical charge. Neutrons are electrical neutral, which means they have no net electrical charge. 5. Which particles have approximately the same size and mass as each other? neutrons and electrons electrons and protons protons and neutrons none - all are different in terms of size and mass Correct Wrong Protons and neutrons have nearly the same size and mass. Electrons are so much smaller and lighter they basically don't even affect the mass of an atom. 6. Which two particles would be attracted to each other? electrons and neutrons electrons and protons protons and neutrons all particles are attracted to each other Correct Wrong Opposites attract, at least when they have opposite electrical charges. So, protons and electrons are attracted to each other. Protons repel other protons. Electrons repel other electrons. Neutrons are neither attracted to nor repelled by other particles. 7. The atomic number of an atom is: the number of electrons the number of neutrons the number of protons the number of protons plus the number of neutrons Correct Wrong The atomic number of an atom is the same as the number of protons it has. For example, hydrogen has one proton and is atomic number 1. Each helium atom has two protons, so the element is atomic number 2. Simple, right? 8. Changing the number of neutrons of an atom changes its: isotope element ion charge Correct Wrong Atoms that have the same number of protons, but different numbers of neutrons from each other are called isotopes of that element. 9. When you change the number of electrons on an atom, you produce a different: isotope element ion atomic mass Correct Wrong If you have a different number of protons and electrons in an atom, it is an ion. If there are more electrons, the ion has a net negative electrical charge and is called an anion. If there are fewer electrons than protons, the ion has a net positive electrical charge and is called a cation. 10. According to atomic theory, electrons are usually found: in the atomic nucleus outside the nucleus, yet very near it because they are attracted to protons outside the nucleus -- most of an atom's volume is the electron cloud anywhere they want to be -- no particular location is more likely than any other Correct Wrong It's theoretically possible to find an electron anywhere, but it's most probable any given electron orbits in its electron shell. The electron shells are far away from the nucleus, sort of like how the planets orbit far from the Sun. Atom Quiz You got: % Correct. Atomic Bomb Nuclear Explosion. CSA Images/ Color Printstock Collection, Getty Images You bombed the quiz in an epic, atomic bomb sort of way. Go big or go home, right? The bad news is, you didn't know much about atoms going into this quiz. The good news is, you know more now. It's easy to learn more. Review the basics or simply take another educational quiz. Share Your Results Atom Quiz You got: % Correct. The Right Stuff Scientists Building Atom. Paper Boat Creative, Getty Images You have the right stuff to eventually become a scientist or teacher. You know what an atom is and understand the basics of how they work, but there are gaps in your knowledge. The next step? Fill in the gaps or take another educational quiz. Share Your Results Atom Quiz You got: % Correct. Atom Superhero Scientists are atom superheros.. Sadeugra, Getty Images Where atoms are concerned, you're a superhero! You understand how this key building block of matter is constructed and how it works. If you felt this quiz was too easy, see whether you know the nitty gritty details about atomic structure. Share Your Results