GRADE 9 CHEMISTRY – QUESTION BANK – ATOMS AND MOLECULES
1. Define the Law of Conservation of Mass. Name the scientist who proposed it?
o Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
o Proposed by Antoine Lavoisier.
2. Define the Law of Constant Proportion. Give one example.
o In a chemical compound, elements are always present in a fixed ratio by mass.
o E.g., H2O has H and O in 1:8 ratio by mass.
3. Differentiate between atoms and molecules with examples.
Point of
Atoms Molecules
Difference
The smallest unit of an element A group of two or more atoms
Definition
that retains its identity. chemically bonded together.
May or may not exist freely in Usually exist as independent, stable
Existence
nature. units.
Consists of two or more atoms, same or
Composition Consists of only one atom.
different.
H (Hydrogen), O (Oxygen), Na H₂ (Hydrogen molecule), H₂O (Water),
Examples
(Sodium) CO₂ (Carbon dioxide)
4. Write the symbols and atomic masses of the following: Hydrogen, Oxygen,
Carbon.
o H (1 u), O (16 u), C (12 u)
5. What is the significance of a chemical symbol?
o Represents an element.
o Denotes one atom.
o Helps in writing formulae easily.
6. Write the atomicity of CO2, NH3, and H2SO4.
• CO2: Atomicity = 3
• NH3: Atomicity = 4
• H2SO4: Atomicity = 7
7. Give reasons: Water is always H2O and not HO or H3O.
• Due to the fixed ratio of combination by mass and valency (Law of Constant
Proportion).
8. Write a short note on Berzelius’ system of symbols. Why is it superior?
1. He used one or two letters from the Latin or English name of the element.
2. The first letter is always a capital, and if a second letter is used, it is lowercase.
o Example:
▪ Hydrogen → H
▪ Calcium → Ca
▪ Iron (Ferrum) → Fe
Berzelius’ system of symbols are
1. Simple and systematic – Easy to learn and remember.
2. Universal acceptance – Used by scientists all over the world.
3. Avoids confusion – Clearly distinguishes one element from another, even if names are
similar.
4. Useful in formulas – Makes writing chemical equations easier and more accurate.
9. What is meant by a molecule of an element and a molecule of a compound? Give
two examples each.
A molecule is the smallest particle of a substance that retains its chemical properties.
Molecules can be of two types:
1. Molecule of an Element
A molecule of an element is made up of two or more atoms of the same element
chemically combined.
• These atoms are identical.
• Such molecules exist in elements that are not found as single atoms in nature.
Examples:
O₂ – a molecule of oxygen gas (2 oxygen atoms)
H₂ – a molecule of hydrogen gas (2 hydrogen atoms)
2. Molecule of a Compound
A molecule of a compound is made up of atoms of different elements chemically
combined in a fixed ratio.
• These atoms are different.
• Compounds have properties different from the elements they are made.
Examples:
H₂O – a molecule of water (2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom)
CO₂ – a molecule of carbon dioxide (1 carbon atom and 2 oxygen atoms)
10. Write chemical symbols and atomic masses of the following elements: Na, Mg,
Al, Cl.
• Na (23 u), Mg (24 u), Al (27 u), Cl (35.5 u)
11. Why are chemical symbols important in chemistry? Write the rules for writing
symbols.
Chemical symbols are short notations used to represent elements. They are important
because:
1. They make writing chemical equations easier and faster.
2. They are universally understood, regardless of language.
3. Scientists around the world use the same symbols.
4. They help avoid confusion in naming elements, especially those with long or similar
names.
• Rules for writing symbols.
1. First letter capitalized, second (if any) in lowercase.
2. Use Latin names if needed (e.g., Fe for iron).
12. Compare Dalton’s atomic theory with modern atomic theory (3 differences).
Dalton’s Atomic Theory Modern Atomic Theory
1. Atoms are indivisible and 1. Atoms are divisible into subatomic
indestructible. particles (protons, neutrons, electrons).
2. All atoms of an element are 2. Atoms of the same element can have
identical in mass and properties. different masses (called isotopes).
3. Atoms of different elements can
3. Atoms of different elements are sometimes be similar in mass (called
different. isobars).
13. Explain the significance of atomicity and write the atomicity of the 5 elements.
Atomicity is the number of atoms present in one molecule of a substance.
It is important because:
• It helps us understand how atoms combine to form molecules.
• It tells us the chemical formula of elements and how they behave in reactions.
• It helps in calculating the molecular mass of elements.
Element Formula Atomicity
Hydrogen H₂ 2 (Diatomic)
Oxygen O₂ 2 (Diatomic)
Ozone O₃ 3 (Triatomic)
Phosphorus P₄ 4 (Polyatomic)
Sulphur S₈ 8 (Polyatomic)
14. Define symbols, write the origin of five element symbols from Latin names.
Symbols are short forms used to represent elements.
1. Each element is denoted by one or two letters.
2. The first letter is always capital, and the second (if present) is lowercase.
Example: H for Hydrogen, Ca for Calcium
Element Symbol Latin Name
Sodium Na Natrium
Potassium K Kalium
Element Symbol Latin Name
Sodium Na Natrium
Iron Fe Ferrum
Copper Cu Cuprum
Gold Au Aurum
15. Why is understanding the laws of chemical combination important in chemistry?
Give examples to support your answer.
Understanding the laws of chemical combination is important because:
• They explain how substances react and combine:
• These laws help chemists predict the outcome of chemical reactions.
• They ensure chemical reactions follow natural rules
• Reactions always follow certain patterns based on mass and proportion.
• They help in writing correct chemical formulas and equations:
• Knowing how elements combine helps in creating balanced chemical equations and
understanding compound formation.
Eg: Law of Conservation of Mass
Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
Example:
2H2+O2→2H2O
Mass of reactants = Mass of products
Law of Constant Proportion
A compound always has elements in a fixed ratio by mass.
Example:
In water (H₂O), hydrogen and oxygen always combine in the mass ratio of 1:8 (2g H : 16g O),
no matter the source.
