Geology 101 Ch. 2
The X ion has 2 more electrons than protons.
A hypothetical ion X has an electrical charge of -2. Which of the following statements best describes the relative number of electrons and protons in the atom?
Isotopes
Atoms with the same atomic number but different mass numbers are called
ice and quartz
Based on the definition of a mineral, being a naturally occurring solid, formed by inorganic processes, with a characteristic crystal structure and s specific chemical composition, which materials will be classified as minerals?
the number of protons in the nucleus.
The atomic number of an atom is ___
the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
The mass number of an atom is___
the principle of atomic substitution
The natural samples of corundum show variations of color from red (ruby) to blue (sapphire). The differences in color is best explained by
density
The property of a mineral that relates how heavy it is for its size is referred to as___
hardness
The property of a mineral to resist scratching is referred to as___
Molecule
The smallest chemical unit that has all the properties of a particular compound is called a(n)
Atom
The smallest particle that retains all of the chemical properties of an element is called a(n) ____
the silicates and the oxides
The two most common mineral families in Earth's crust are___
Silicates
To which of the following groups do most minerals in the Earth's crust belong?
Positive
What charge does the silicate ion contribute to form the silicate tetrahedron?
Oxygen
What element bonds with a silicon atom to form the "silicate" tetrahedron?
covalent bond
What type of bond forms from the sharing of electrons between atoms?
covalent bond
What type of bond forms the strongest chemical bonds and compounds that tend to be strong with great hardness?
Van der Waals bond
What type of weak bond results from asymmetry in charge distribution?
Oxygen
Which element is the most abundant in Earth's crust?
Hexagonal Ring
Which of the following is the hardest silicate structure?
Sheet
Which of the following is the weakest silicate structure?
It is man made
Why is steel not considered a mineral?