Nursing Elites

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. Which of the following elements is the most electronegative?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Fluorine
• C. Nitrogen
• D. Sodium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fluorine is the most electronegative element on the periodic table. It has the highest electronegativity value, indicating its strong ability to attract electrons in a chemical bond. This property makes it highly reactive, explaining why it is the correct answer in this question. Oxygen and Nitrogen are also electronegative elements, but they are not as electronegative as Fluorine. Sodium, on the other hand, is not electronegative; it is an electropositive element.

3. Which is a triatomic allotrope of oxygen?

• A. Ozone
• B. Water
• C. Acidic oxide
• D. Carbon dioxide

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Ozone (O3) is a triatomic allotrope of oxygen. It differs from the common diatomic oxygen molecule (O2) by having three oxygen atoms bonded together. Ozone is known for its protective role in the Earth's atmosphere, absorbing most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Water (H2O) is a compound composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Acidic oxide and carbon dioxide are not triatomic allotropes of oxygen. Carbon dioxide consists of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms, while acidic oxides refer to compounds where oxygen is bonded with other elements to form oxides, and they are not allotropes of oxygen.

4. What is the correct electron configuration for nitrogen?

• A. 1s² 2s²
• B. 1s² 2s² 2p²
• C. 1s² 2s² 2p³
• D. 1s² 2s² 2p⁴

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The electron configuration of nitrogen is determined by its atomic number, which is 7. Nitrogen has 7 electrons. Following the order of filling orbitals, the electron configuration for nitrogen is 1s² 2s² 2p³. This means the first energy level is filled with 2 electrons in the 1s orbital, the second energy level is filled with 2 electrons in the 2s orbital, and 3 electrons in the 2p orbital. Each orbital can hold a specific number of electrons, and nitrogen, with its 7 electrons, fits this configuration. Choice A is incorrect because it does not account for all the electrons in the nitrogen atom. Choice B is incorrect as it only represents 6 electrons, not the 7 electrons in nitrogen. Choice D is incorrect as it represents 8 electrons, which is not the correct electron configuration for nitrogen.

5. What is the oxidation state of the oxygen atom in the compound NaOH?

• A. -2
• B. -1
• C. 0
• D. +2

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the compound NaOH (sodium hydroxide), the oxidation state of the sodium ion (Na) is +1 as it commonly has a +1 charge in ionic compounds. Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. Since the compound is electrically neutral and the overall charge is zero, the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in the compound must be zero. Therefore, considering that sodium has an oxidation state of +1, the oxygen atom in NaOH must have an oxidation state of -1 to balance the charges and overall neutrality of the compound. Choice A (-2) is incorrect as this is not the oxidation state of oxygen in this compound. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen in NaOH does not have an oxidation state of 0. Choice D (+2) is incorrect as oxygen typically has a negative oxidation state in compounds, not a positive one.

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