The Precise Weight of a Mole of Some Pure Elements

question 45

Multiple Choice

The precise weight of a mole of some pure elements like silicon (Si) can vary slightly from the standard atomic mass, or even from sample to sample. Why?

• A) The element may undergo radioactive decay.
• B) The element may react with itself and gain or lose subatomic particles.
• C) The atoms of the element form chemical bonds with each other, and that changes the weight of the element.
• D) The element may have multiple stable isotopes, and the isotopic composition may vary from sample to sample.
• E) The amount of energy absorbed by the element affects the mass of its electrons, and thus the atomic mass can vary slightly.

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Definitions:

Prospective Memory

The aspect of memory that involves remembering to perform a planned action or intention at the appropriate future time.

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A process in cognitive psychology that explains how information is retrieved in the brain, where activation of one concept triggers the activation of related concepts.

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A conceptual model used in artificial intelligence, cognitive psychology, and psycholinguistics that represents semantic relations between concepts in networks.

Semantic

Relating to meaning in language or logic, especially the analysis of word meanings and relationships.