beta radiation is the product of the decomposition of what particle

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet

1. Beta radiation is the product of the decomposition of which particle?

A. Proton
B. Neutron
C. Electron
D. Photon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Beta radiation is the result of the decomposition of a neutron. During beta decay, a neutron in an atom's nucleus is transformed into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and an antineutrino. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Neutron.' Choice A, 'Proton,' is incorrect because beta decay does not involve the decomposition of a proton. Choice C, 'Electron,' is incorrect because electrons are actually produced during beta decay. Choice D, 'Photon,' is incorrect as beta radiation does not involve the decomposition of photons.

2. What is the number of protons in the atomic nucleus of an alkali metal?

A. 9
B. 10
C. 11
D. 12

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The number of protons in the atomic nucleus of an alkali metal is 11. Alkali metals, belonging to group 1 of the periodic table, have 1 electron in their outer shell, which corresponds to 1 proton in their nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is option C: 11. Choice A (9) is incorrect because it does not match the number of protons in an alkali metal. Choice B (10) is incorrect as it is also not the correct number of protons for an alkali metal. Choice D (12) is incorrect as it is not the typical number of protons found in the nucleus of an alkali metal.

3. Which statement is true of a saturated solution?

A. It has more solute than can dissolve in the solvent.
B. It has less solute that can dissolve in the solvent.
C. It has the maximum concentration of the solute dissolved in the solvent.
D. It contains a precipitate that lowers the concentration of the solute in the solvent.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A saturated solution contains the maximum concentration of solute that can be dissolved in a specific amount of solvent at a particular temperature. Once a solution is saturated, adding more solute will not increase its concentration since the excess solute will not dissolve and will instead form a precipitate, indicating that the solution is at its maximum capacity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a saturated solution has reached its limit in dissolving solute, so it cannot contain more solute than it can dissolve (choice A), less solute than it can dissolve (choice B), or a precipitate that lowers the concentration of the solute in the solvent (choice D).

4. Which one does not name a polar molecule?

A. NH₃
B. H₂S
C. SO₂
D. CO₂

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is NH₃. The molecule NH₃ does not represent a polar molecule because nitrogen and hydrogen in this molecule have a small difference in electronegativity that does not result in a significant polar covalent bond. In contrast, molecules H₂S, SO₂, and CO₂ have polar covalent bonds due to larger electronegativity differences, making them polar molecules. Therefore, options B, C, and D are polar molecules, unlike option A.

5. What does the term amphoteric mean?

A. A substance that only acts as a base
B. A substance that can act as both a base and an acid
C. A substance that only acts as an acid
D. A substance that acts as neither a base nor an acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term 'amphoteric' refers to substances that have the ability to act as both acids and bases depending on the surrounding conditions. This dual nature allows amphoteric substances to donate or accept protons, making them versatile in various chemical reactions. Choice A is incorrect because amphoteric substances can also act as acids. Choice C is incorrect as amphoteric substances can also act as bases. Choice D is incorrect as amphoteric substances can act as either a base or an acid.