Final answer:
Atoms of the same element are identical in several properties and cannot be subdivided, created, or destroyed. They have the same atomic number and mass number, which are conserved in chemical reactions. All atoms of a given element share these identical attributes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Similarities Between Atoms
When comparing atoms and ignoring the electrons, several key features are consistent. Firstly, all matter is made up of atoms, which are the smallest unit of matter that can partake in a chemical reaction. Atoms within the same element are identical in many properties, such as size, mass, and the number of protons, which is reflected in the atomic number (Z). Under normal circumstances, atoms cannot be subdivided, created, or destroyed, illustrating the conservation of matter.
Additionally, the atoms of a given element have the same atomic number, which is equal to the number of protons in each atom, and it defines the element. The atomic number remains unchanged in chemical reactions. For neutral atoms, the number of protons is balanced by an equal number of electrons, contributing to the overall neutrality of the atom. Even though we are to ignore electrons in this case, the balance of protons and electrons typically illustrates an atom's stable state.
In a chemical equation, the sum of atomic numbers and the sum of mass numbers (total number of protons and neutrons) is preserved on both sides, demonstrating the principle of conservation of mass and charge. The mass number provides an approximation of an atom's mass, as protons and neutrons contribute significantly to an atom's mass, whereas electrons have a negligible mass.