Size and Scale of Atoms and Molecules Flashcards

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What is the approximate diameter of a typical atom in metres?

About 1 × 10^-10 metres.

What does 1 nanometre (1 nm) equal in metres?

1 nanometre is 1 × 10^-9 metres.

What is a molecule in terms of atoms and size?

A molecule is two or more atoms joined together. Molecules are only a little bigger than single atoms, still about 10^-9 to 10^-10 metres across.

How does the size of the nucleus compare to the size of the whole atom?

The nucleus is tiny compared with the atom. Its diameter is about 1 × 10^-14 metres, around 10,000 times smaller than the atom.

What is meant by 'order of magnitude' when talking about size?

It means the size written as a power of ten, such as 10^-10 metres. Each step in order of magnitude is about ten times bigger or smaller.

Why can we not see atoms with a light microscope?

Atoms are far too small for a light microscope to show. Even very powerful school microscopes cannot see single atoms.

Why are diagrams of atoms not drawn to scale?

Because the nucleus is so small and the atom is mostly empty space. If they were to scale, the nucleus would be almost invisible and the atom would not fit on the page.

About how many atoms lined up would fit across 1 millimetre?

About 10 million atoms (1 × 10^7 atoms) would line up across 1 millimetre.