1.
Correct Answer
B. 196.97
Explanation
The atomic mass of gold (symbol Au) is 196.97 atomic mass units (amu). This value represents the weighted average of the masses of all naturally occurring isotopes of gold, primarily gold-197, which has a relative abundance of nearly 100%. The atomic mass is based on the standard atomic weight scale, where the carbon-12 isotope is assigned a value of exactly 12 amu.
2.
Correct Answer
D. Neutron
Explanation
Neutrons are neutral subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They have no electric charge, distinguishing them from protons, which are positively charged, and electrons, which are negatively charged. Neutrons have a mass slightly greater than that of protons, approximately 1.675 × 10⁻²⁷ kilograms (or 1 atomic mass unit, amu). Their presence in the nucleus provides stability by mitigating the electrostatic repulsion between protons due to like charges.
3.
Correct Answer
B. Electron
Explanation
Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. They have a charge of -1 (relative to protons) and an elementary charge of approximately -1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ coulombs. Electrons are extremely small, with a mass of about 9.109 × 10⁻³¹ kilograms, which is roughly 1/1836 the mass of a proton.
4.
Correct Answer
C. Periodic Table
Explanation
The periodic table lists the elements in the order of increasing atomic number (number of protons in the nucleus) and allows the elements to be arranged in such a way that elements with similar properties fall into the same groups (columns). This arrangement, known as the periodic law, was first observed by Dmitri Mendeleev and is a fundamental concept in chemistry. The periodic table reveals repeating or periodic trends in properties such as atomic radius, ionization energy, electronegativity, and electron affinity.
5.
Correct Answer
B. Groups
Explanation
Groups run vertically in the periodic table and represent columns of elements that share similar chemical and physical properties. This similarity arises because elements within the same group have the same number of valence electrons, which are responsible for an element's chemical reactivity.
6.
Correct Answer
C. Electrons that are in the outermost orbital
Explanation
Valence electrons are the electrons present in the outermost energy level (shell) of an atom. They are crucial in determining an element's chemical properties and its ability to bond with other elements. The number of valence electrons dictates how an element will interact in chemical reactions, influencing its reactivity and the types of bonds it can form.
7.
Correct Answer
A. Valence electrons
8.
Correct Answer
C. Proton
Explanation
Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found within the nucleus of an atom. They, along with neutrons, form the nucleus at the center of the atom, while electrons orbit the nucleus.
9.
Correct Answer
A. Protons & Electrons
Explanation
Neutral atoms have an equal number of protons and electrons, ensuring a balance of positive and negative charges and resulting in an overall electric charge of zero. For instance, a carbon atom with 6 protons also has 6 electrons, making it electrically neutral.
10.
Correct Answer
D. Both A & B
Explanation
Energy levels, also known as electron shells, are composed of orbitals. An orbital is a region of space around the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found. Each energy level can contain multiple orbitals of different shapes and energies.
11.
Correct Answer
B. Electrons
Explanation
Excess electrons make an atom negatively charged, resulting in the formation of an anion. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, leading to an overall neutral charge. However, when an atom gains extra electrons, the number of negatively charged electrons exceeds the number of positively charged protons, giving the atom a net negative charge.
12.
Correct Answer
B. Atomic Number
Explanation
The periodic table is arranged by atomic number, which is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Elements are placed in ascending order of their atomic numbers, starting with hydrogen (atomic number 1) and continuing to the heaviest known elements.
13.
Correct Answer
B. Periods
Explanation
Periods, or rows, run horizontally across the periodic table. Each period represents a series of elements that have the same principal quantum number (n) for their outermost electron shell. Moving from left to right across a period, the atomic number increases, meaning each subsequent element has one more proton in its nucleus and one more electron in its electron shell. There are seven periods on the modern periodic table.
14.
Correct Answer
A. Protons
Explanation
The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom and uniquely identifies an element. For instance, carbon has an atomic number of 6, which means every carbon atom has 6 protons. The atomic number determines an element's position in the periodic table and defines its chemical properties. In a neutral atom, the atomic number also indicates the number of electrons.
15.
Correct Answer
A. Iron
Explanation
Fe is the chemical symbol for iron, derived from its Latin name, Ferrum. Iron is a transition metal with the atomic number 26 and is essential in various biological and industrial applications. It's known for its magnetic properties and is a crucial component in hemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen in red blood cells.
16.
Correct Answer
C. Lead
Explanation
Pb is the chemical symbol for lead, derived from its Latin name, Plumbum. Lead is a heavy metal with the atomic number 82. It has been used historically in pipes, paints, and gasoline additives but is now recognized for its toxicity. Lead poisoning can cause severe health problems, especially in children.
17.
Correct Answer
D. 72.37 a.m.u
Explanation
The mass of magnesium sulfate (MgSO) can be calculated by summing the atomic masses of its constituent elements:
Magnesium (Mg): 24.3 amu
Sulfur (S): 32.07 amu
Oxygen (O): 16 amu
Total mass of MgSO₄:
24.3+32.07+16=72.37 amu
18.
Correct Answer
B. Mercury
Explanation
Mercury, with the chemical symbol Hg, has an atomic mass of approximately 201 atomic mass units (amu). This value represents the weighted average mass of mercury's naturally occurring isotopes, primarily mercury-202 (29.86% abundance) and mercury-200 (23.1% abundance). Mercury has the atomic number 80, meaning each atom contains 80 protons.
19.
Correct Answer
B. Atom
Explanation
Atoms are the smallest units of matter that maintain the elemental characteristics of an element. Each atom consists of a nucleus containing positively charged protons and neutral neutrons, surrounded by negatively charged electrons in orbitals or energy levels. The number of protons in the nucleus, known as the atomic number, defines the element and its properties.
20.
Correct Answer
C. Protons, electrons, & neutrons
Explanation
Protons, neutrons, and electrons are the three main subatomic particles that make up an atom. Each of these particles has distinct properties and plays a specific role in defining the characteristics and behavior of an element.
21.
Correct Answer
B. Neutrons & protons
Explanation
Protons and neutrons together make up the mass number, which represents the total number of these particles in an atom's nucleus. The mass number is a whole number that provides insight into the isotope of an element.
22.
Correct Answer
A. Atomic Number
Explanation
The atomic number is equal to the number of electrons in a neutral atom. The atomic number, denoted as 𝑍Z, represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. In a neutral atom, the positive charge of the protons is balanced by an equal number of negatively charged electrons.
23.
Correct Answer
B. 3
Explanation
Atoms in Group 15 (Group V of the old IUPAC system) can gain three electrons to form a stable octet. This group includes elements like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), and bismuth (Bi).
24.
Correct Answer
A. 1
Explanation
This atom has 1 outermost electron.
25.
Correct Answer
B. Two or more atoms bonded together
Explanation
Atoms bonded together form a molecule, even if they are of the same element. A molecule is defined as two or more atoms chemically bonded together, and this can include atoms of the same element or different elements.
26.
Correct Answer
C. Negative particles
Explanation
Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. They possess a relative charge of -1 and an absolute charge of approximately -1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ coulombs. Electrons play a vital role in chemical bonding and the electrical properties of materials.
27.
Correct Answer
C. Compound
Explanation
Each element on the periodic table is a different compound.
28.
Correct Answer
C. Molecule
Explanation
Molecules are the smallest units of compounds that retain the chemical properties of those compounds. A molecule is formed when two or more atoms of the same or different elements are chemically bonded together. For instance, a water molecule (H₂O) is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom covalently bonded. Regardless of the source, each water molecule exhibits the same chemical properties, such as polarity and the ability to dissolve ionic compounds, that are characteristic of water as a compound.
29.
Correct Answer
B. Carbon
Explanation
Carbon, with the atomic number 6, has 6 protons in its nucleus and is a fundamental element in all living organisms. Its ability to form stable bonds with many elements, including itself, makes it unique in the chemistry of life. Carbon can form chains, rings, and complex structures that constitute the backbone of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. It is a key component in processes like cellular respiration and photosynthesis, and is central to organic chemistry.
30.
Correct Answer
D. Argon
Explanation
An atom with 18 electrons is electrically neutral if it also has 18 protons, which makes it an atom of argon (symbol Ar), the noble gas with atomic number 18. Argon belongs to Group 18 on the periodic table, meaning it has a complete outer electron shell with 8 valence electrons. This electron configuration makes argon chemically inert, or unreactive, under normal conditions.
31.
Correct Answer
C. Valence Electrons
Explanation
Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom and play a key role in chemical bonding and reactions. Atoms strive to have a full outer shell, often resembling the electron configuration of noble gases. They achieve this stability by sharing, gaining, or losing electrons. For instance, sodium (Na) has one valence electron that it readily loses to form a positive ion (Na⁺), while chlorine (Cl) has seven valence electrons and tends to gain one electron to form a negative ion (Cl⁻). When Na and Cl combine, they form sodium chloride (NaCl) through ionic bonding.
32.
Correct Answer
B. 16
Explanation
Sulfur, with an atomic number of 16, has 16 protons in its nucleus and is the 16th element on the periodic table. It typically has 16 electrons as well, making it electrically neutral. Sulfur is a nonmetal found in Group 16 (chalcogens) and often occurs in nature as elemental sulfur or in compounds like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). It is essential for life, forming part of amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, vitamins, and coenzymes.
33.
Correct Answer
A. Compounds
Explanation
Compounds are chemical substances formed when atoms of two or more different elements chemically bond together in fixed proportions. The type of bonding can vary, with common forms including ionic bonds (e.g., sodium chloride, NaCl) and covalent bonds (e.g., water, H₂O). For instance, in carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon and oxygen atoms are bonded together covalently to form a molecule. Compounds have unique properties that differ from the elements that compose them.
34.
Correct Answer
C. Atom
Explanation
Atoms are the smallest units of an element that retain the chemical properties of that element. They consist of a nucleus containing positively charged protons and neutral neutrons, surrounded by negatively charged electrons in energy levels or shells. The number of protons (atomic number) defines the element, while the arrangement of electrons determines the element's chemical behavior. For example, a gold atom (Au) with 79 protons remains gold even if divided down to a single atom, but breaking it further would reveal subatomic particles that no longer possess the properties of gold.