Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What can the Atomic Theory be applied to analyze?

1. Composition of compounds

2. Properties of gases

3. Properties of hydrogen

4. Energy calculations

The correct answer is: Properties of hydrogen

The Atomic Theory fundamentally centers on the idea that matter is composed of discrete units called atoms, and this theory can be applied to a wide range of phenomena in chemistry and physics. While the option regarding the properties of hydrogen is indeed a consideration, the primary strength of Atomic Theory lies in its ability to explain various aspects of compounds, such as their composition and the interactions between different elements. By applying Atomic Theory, one can analyze how atoms combine to form compounds, understand the ratios in which different elements join together, and derive the molecular formulas based on the arrangement and type of atoms present. This principle similarly extends to the properties of gases, as gases consist of atoms and molecules that behave according to the laws derived from Atomic Theory. Although the properties of hydrogen are specific to that element, analyzing them in isolation does not fully encompass the broader implications of Atomic Theory, which is applicable to a wide range of substances and interactions in chemistry. This broader application, such as the analysis of the composition of compounds and the properties of various states of matter, showcases the versatility and foundational nature of the Atomic Theory in understanding the material world.