1.
An allotrope of carbon that is soft and can be used as a lubricant is _____.
Correct Answer
D. GrapHite
Explanation
Graphite is the correct answer because it is an allotrope of carbon that has a soft and slippery texture. It is commonly used as a lubricant due to its low friction properties. Unlike diamond, which is a hard and transparent allotrope of carbon, graphite has a layered structure that allows its layers to slide over each other easily, making it an ideal lubricant. Silicon and sand are not allotropes of carbon and do not possess the soft and lubricating properties mentioned in the question.
2.
The process by which a solid changes directly to a gas without first becoming a liquid is called _____.
Correct Answer
C. Sublimation
Explanation
Sublimation is the correct answer because it refers to the process in which a solid substance transforms directly into a gas without passing through the liquid state. This occurs when the substance's vapor pressure exceeds its melting point or when the surrounding pressure is very low. Examples of substances that undergo sublimation include dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) and mothballs (solid naphthalene).
3.
In the gaseous state ______ form diatomic covalent molecules.
Correct Answer
D. Halogens
Explanation
Halogens are the only group of elements in the periodic table that exist as diatomic covalent molecules in their gaseous state. This is because halogens have seven valence electrons and need one more electron to complete their octet. By sharing one electron with another halogen atom, they can achieve a stable electron configuration, forming diatomic molecules such as Cl2, Br2, and I2. Noble gases, alkali metals, and alkaline earth metals do not form diatomic covalent molecules in their gaseous state.
4.
When hydrogen reacts with the active metals, it ______.
Correct Answer
B. Gains one electron
Explanation
When hydrogen reacts with active metals, it gains one electron. This is because hydrogen has one electron in its outermost shell and tends to achieve a stable electron configuration by gaining one electron. Active metals, such as alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, readily donate electrons, making it easier for hydrogen to gain an electron and form a stable compound.
5.
At room temperature, most metals are _____.
Correct Answer
B. Solids
Explanation
Most metals are solids at room temperature because they have a high melting point. The atoms in metals are closely packed together in a regular pattern, which gives them a solid structure. This allows metals to have high strength and conductivity.
6.
An allotrope of carbon that is hard and is often used in jewelry is _____.
Correct Answer
B. Diamond
Explanation
Diamond is an allotrope of carbon that is known for its hardness and is commonly used in jewelry. It is formed under high pressure and temperature conditions deep within the Earth's mantle. Due to its strong covalent bonds, diamond has a rigid crystal lattice structure, making it the hardest known naturally occurring substance. Its exceptional clarity, brilliance, and durability make it a popular choice for jewelry, as it can withstand daily wear and tear without easily scratching or losing its shine.
7.
Metals can be used as wire because they are ______.
Correct Answer
A. Ductile
Explanation
Metals can be used as wire because they are ductile. Ductility is the property of a material that allows it to be stretched into thin wires without breaking. This property is essential for wires as they need to be flexible and able to carry electrical current or transmit signals. Metals have strong metallic bonds that allow their atoms to easily slide past each other, making them highly ductile.
8.
The ______ often occur in nature as uncombined elements.
Correct Answer
D. Transition elements
Explanation
Transition elements often occur in nature as uncombined elements. This is because transition elements have the ability to form stable complexes with other elements, which makes them less likely to occur in their pure form. Alkaline earth metals, alkali metals, and actinide series elements, on the other hand, are more reactive and tend to form compounds with other elements rather than existing as uncombined elements in nature.
9.
Substances that conduct an electrict current only under certain conditions are most likely to be ______.
Correct Answer
C. Metalloids
Explanation
Substances that conduct an electric current only under certain conditions are most likely to be metalloids. Metalloids, also known as semimetals, have properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals. They can conduct electricity under specific conditions, such as high temperatures or when impurities are present, but not as well as metals. This characteristic makes them ideal for applications where controlled conductivity is required, such as in semiconductors used in electronics.
10.
The elements in Groups 3 through 12 of the periodic table are the _______.
Correct Answer
C. Transition elements
Explanation
The elements in Groups 3 through 12 of the periodic table are known as transition elements. These elements have partially filled d orbitals and exhibit characteristics of both metals and nonmetals. They are known for their variable oxidation states, colorful compounds, and ability to form complex ions. Transition elements are important in various industrial applications, such as catalysis, electronics, and materials science.
11.
A group of elements that has two electrons in its outer energy level is the ________.
Correct Answer
A. Alkaline earth metals
Explanation
Alkaline earth metals are a group of elements in the periodic table that have two electrons in their outer energy level. This group includes elements such as beryllium, magnesium, calcium, and strontium. These elements are known for their high reactivity and ability to form ionic compounds. Therefore, the correct answer is alkaline earth metals.
12.
Hydrogen is grouped with the alkali metals because it ______.
Correct Answer
B. Has one electron in its outer energy level
Explanation
Hydrogen is grouped with the alkali metals because it has one electron in its outer energy level. This characteristic is similar to the alkali metals, which also have one electron in their outermost energy level. This similarity in electron configuration allows hydrogen to exhibit similar chemical properties to the alkali metals, such as forming positive ions and readily losing that outer electron. Therefore, hydrogen is classified with the alkali metals despite being a gas at room temperature and not exhibiting all the properties of typical metals.
13.
Synthetic elements are found in which of the following groups?
Correct Answer
A. Actinides
Explanation
Synthetic elements are artificially created elements that do not occur naturally on Earth. They are usually created in a laboratory through nuclear reactions. Actinides are a group of elements that are located in the periodic table below the lanthanides. They are known for their radioactive properties and are often used in nuclear reactors and weapons. Therefore, synthetic elements are found in the actinides group.
14.
The bonding that occurs when positively charged ions are surrounded by a cloud of electrons is called _______ bonding.
Correct Answer
D. Metallic
Explanation
Metallic bonding occurs when positively charged metal ions are surrounded by a "sea" of delocalized electrons. These electrons are free to move throughout the structure, creating a strong bond between the metal ions. This type of bonding is characteristic of metals and gives them their unique properties such as conductivity and malleability.
15.
All synthetic elements ______.
Correct Answer
C. Are not typically found on Earth
Explanation
Synthetic elements are artificially created in laboratories and are not naturally occurring on Earth. They are produced through nuclear reactions and have properties that are not typically found in naturally occurring elements. Therefore, it can be concluded that all synthetic elements are not typically found on Earth.
16.
The only metal that is liquid at room temperature is _____.
Correct Answer
C. Mercury
Explanation
Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature. This is because it has a low melting point of -38.83°C (-37.89°F) and a low boiling point of 356.73°C (674.11°F). This unique property is due to the weak metallic bonding in mercury, which allows its atoms to move more freely and remain in a liquid state at typical room temperatures. Silver, zinc, and sodium are all solid metals at room temperature.
17.
A synthetic element that is used in smoke detectors is _____.
Correct Answer
A. Americium
Explanation
Americium is a synthetic element that is commonly used in smoke detectors. It is chosen for this purpose because it emits alpha particles, which can ionize the air and create an electric current. This current is disrupted when smoke particles enter the detector, triggering the alarm. Sodium, technetium, and aluminum are not synthetic elements commonly used in smoke detectors.
18.
Bromine is the only halogen and nonmetal that is a ____ at room temperature.
Correct Answer
B. Liquid
Explanation
Bromine is the only halogen and nonmetal that is a liquid at room temperature. Unlike the other halogens (fluorine, chlorine, iodine, and astatine) which are either gases or solids, bromine exists as a reddish-brown liquid. This unique property is due to its relatively low boiling point and vapor pressure, allowing it to remain in liquid form at typical room temperatures.
19.
The iron triad of transition metals includes _____.
Correct Answer
B. Cobalt, iron, and nickel
Explanation
The iron triad of transition metals includes cobalt, iron, and nickel. These three elements are grouped together because they have similar properties and are located in the same group (group 8) of the periodic table. They are known for their high melting points, ability to form multiple oxidation states, and their use in various industrial applications such as steel production and catalysis.
20.
The ability of metals to reflect light is referred to as ______.
Correct Answer
A. Luster
Explanation
Luster refers to the ability of metals to reflect light. When light hits a metal surface, it is reflected back, giving the metal a shiny and reflective appearance. This property is due to the arrangement of the metal atoms and the way they interact with light waves. Luster is an important characteristic of metals and is often used to distinguish them from non-metals, which generally do not have this reflective property.
21.
Any element with an atomic number greater than 92 is a _____.
Correct Answer
A. Transuranium element
Explanation
Any element with an atomic number greater than 92 is considered a transuranium element. Transuranium elements are those that have atomic numbers higher than uranium (atomic number 92) on the periodic table. These elements are all synthetic or man-made and are typically produced through nuclear reactions. Examples of transuranium elements include plutonium, americium, and curium.
22.
Copper, silver, and gold are ____ metals.
Correct Answer
D. Coinage
Explanation
Copper, silver, and gold are considered "coinage" metals because historically they have been widely used to mint coins. These metals possess properties such as durability, malleability, and resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for coin production. Additionally, they have been valued for their rarity and aesthetic appeal, further enhancing their suitability for use in currency.
23.
Elements that lie along the stair-step line of the periodic table are _____.
Correct Answer
C. Metalloids
Explanation
Elements that lie along the stair-step line of the periodic table are metalloids. Metalloids are elements that have properties of both metals and nonmetals. They are located along the zigzag line on the periodic table, separating the metals from the nonmetals. Metalloids have characteristics that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals, such as being semi-conductors of electricity and having varying degrees of metallic and nonmetallic properties. Examples of metalloids include boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium.
24.
Three transition elements in Group 12 of the periodic table are _____. Use this link to help you.
Correct Answer
B. Mercury, zinc, and cadmium
Explanation
The transition elements in Group 12 of the periodic table are mercury, zinc, and cadmium. These elements are located in the d-block of the periodic table and have similar chemical properties. They are all metals and have multiple oxidation states. Mercury is a liquid at room temperature, while zinc and cadmium are solid. These elements are commonly used in various industrial applications, such as batteries, alloys, and electrical components.