how many electrons are in a neutral atom of neon

HESI A2

Chemistry Hesi A2

1. How many electrons are in a neutral atom of neon?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The atomic number of neon is 10, which represents the number of protons in its nucleus. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons to maintain electrical neutrality. Therefore, a neutral atom of neon contains 10 electrons, matching the 10 protons within the nucleus. Choice A (9 electrons) is incorrect as it doesn't correspond to the atomic number of neon. Choices C (11 electrons) and D (12 electrons) are also incorrect as they do not align with the correct atomic number of neon.

2. How many neutrons are in an atom of uranium-235?

A. 92
B. 125
C. 143
D. 235

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: '92'. To determine the number of neutrons in an atom, you subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the atomic mass number. For uranium-235, the atomic number is 92, and the atomic mass number is 235. Subtracting 92 from 235 gives us 143 neutrons in an atom of uranium-235. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the correct number of neutrons in an atom of uranium-235.

3. What is the role of a catalyst in a chemical reaction?

A. Slows down the reaction
B. Has no effect
C. Speeds up the reaction
D. Stops the reaction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A catalyst speeds up a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. It does not get consumed in the reaction and remains unchanged at the end, allowing it to facilitate multiple reaction cycles. Choice A is incorrect because a catalyst actually speeds up the reaction. Choice B is incorrect because catalysts do have an effect by accelerating the reaction. Choice D is incorrect because catalysts do not stop the reaction, but rather increase the reaction rate.

4. What type of starch is glycogen?

A. Plant starch
B. Animal starch
C. Glucose
D. Cellulose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Glycogen is classified as animal starch, not plant starch. It is the storage form of glucose in animals, primarily found in the liver and muscles. Choice A (Plant starch) is incorrect because glycogen is not derived from plants. Choice C (Glucose) is incorrect as glucose is a monosaccharide and not a type of starch. Choice D (Cellulose) is incorrect as cellulose is a structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, not the same as glycogen.

5. Arsenic and silicon are examples of ___________.

A. metals
B. nonmetals
C. metalloids
D. heavy metals

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Arsenic and silicon are both examples of metalloids. Metalloids have properties that lie between those of metals and nonmetals. They exhibit characteristics of both groups, making them versatile elements with various applications in different industries. Choice A (metals) is incorrect as arsenic and silicon do not exhibit typical metallic properties. Choice B (nonmetals) is incorrect as they do not possess all the properties of nonmetals. Choice D (heavy metals) is incorrect as heavy metals refer to a different group of elements with high atomic weights, and arsenic and silicon are not categorized as heavy metals.