Content Benchmark P.8.A.6
Students know that matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms. E/S
Sample Test Questions
1st Item Specification: Identify that atoms are the smallest units of elements.
Depth Of Knowledge Level 1
1. Elements exist of only one kind of
A. molecule
B. electron
C. atom
D. proton
2. Which of the following is NOT one of the basic ideas of the atomic theory?
A. Compounds are formed by the joining of atoms of two or more elements.
B. Atoms of the same element contain the same number of protons and electrons.
C. Atoms of different elements have eight electrons.
D. All elements are composed of atoms.
3. Which of the following is a true of all elements?
A. They break down into a new element when reacting with acids.
B. They can be changed into a new element with an electric current.
C. They are all classified as metals and react with water to form a base.
D. They cannot be divided into smaller parts by normal physical or chemical
methods.
4. Which of the following is the BEST description of an atom’s structure?
A. Protons and electrons are grouped together in a random pattern.
B. Protons and electrons are grouped together in an alternating pattern.
C. A core of protons and neutrons are surrounded by electrons.
D. A core of electrons and neutrons are surrounded by protons.
5. Because zinc can combine with other substances, but cannot be changed into a
simpler substance by an ordinary chemical process, zinc is classified as a (an)
A. compound.
B. element.
C. acid.
D. mixture.
Depth Of Knowledge Level 2
6. Plants are made up of many atoms. Which is the BEST explanation of what happens
to the atoms after a plant has died?
A. The atoms stop moving until they are reanimated.
B. The atoms recycle back into the surrounding environment.
C. The atoms split into simpler parts and then combine to form other atoms.
D. The atoms no longer exist once the animal has decomposed.
7. When sulfuric acid, H2SO4, is broken down into separate elements, how many
different atoms result?
A. Two
B. Three
C. Six
D. Seven
8. Use the drawing below to answer the next question.
(From: http://www.chemthink.com)
Which statement is true about the chemical sample shown in the drawing above?
A. There are individual atoms present.
B. There are three different elements present.
C. All molecules are identical.
D. It is a pure substance.
9. Use the drawing below to answer the next question.
Drawing 1
Drawing 2
Drawing 3
Drawing 4
(From: http://www.chemthink.com)
Which drawing represents a substance that is made up of atoms of different elements?
A. Drawing 1
B. Drawing 2
C. Drawing 3
D. Drawing 4
10. Use the drawing below to answer the next question.
Drawing 1
Drawing 2
Drawing 3
Drawing 4
(From: http://www.chemthink.com)
Which drawing represents a substance that is made up of atoms of different elements?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Drawing 1
Drawing 2
Drawing 3
Drawing 4
Constructed Response P.8.A.6
11. In the early 1900's many scientists had turned their attention to investigating the
structure of the atom and many models were proposed. (A model is a simplified
representation of an object.) One early simple model of the atom is very similar to
the model of the Solar System.
6
C
Use this information, taken from
the periodic table, to determine the
correct number of each of the
components.
12.01
A. Draw a sketch of a simple model of a carbon atom AND labeling its
components.
B. If all atoms of different elements contain the same kind of components, why
do elements have different chemical and physical properties? Justify your
answer with a complete statement.
Content Benchmark P.8.A.6
Students know that matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms. E/S
Answers to Sample Test Questions
1. C, DOK level 1
2. C, DOK level 1
3. D, DOK level 1
4. C, DOK level 1
5. B, DOK level 1
6. B, DOK level 2
7. D, DOK level 2
8. B, DOK level 2
9. A, DOK level 2
10. D, DOK level 2
Constructed Response 3-point Answer and Score Rubric:
(From: http://www.hk-phy.org/articles/laser/c-atom_e.gif)
3 points
Response addresses all parts of the question clearly and correctly.
Student demonstrates a complete understanding of the structure of an
atom by sketching a diagram that shows all of the following: (a) The
nucleus or proton/neutron cluster, labeled as "nucleus" or “protons
and neutrons" or “proton". (b) 6 labeled “electrons”. (c) An indication
that the 6 electron(s) orbits around the nucleus (by showing 2-4
electron arrangement in two circles around the nucleus). (d) Indicates
that the model of the carbon atom has 6 protons, 6 neutrons and 6
electrons. Explains in a complete sentence that the chemical and
physical properties are due to the number and position of the protons
and electrons.
2 points
Response addresses all parts of the question and includes only minor
errors.
1 point
Response does not address all parts of the question.
0 points
Response is totally incorrect or no response provided.