how many neutrons are in an atom of uranium 235

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. 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.

2. Balance this equation: Fe + Cl2 → FeCl3

A. 2Fe + 2Cl2 → 2FeCl3
B. 2Fe + 3Cl2 → 2FeCl3
C. 3Fe + 2Cl2 → 3FeCl3
D. 3Fe + 3Cl2 → 6FeCl3

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the given equation, Fe combines with Cl to form FeCl3. To balance the equation, we need to have the same number of each element on both sides. Since Cl is represented as Cl2 in the equation, we need 3 Cl2 molecules to balance Fe, resulting in 2Fe + 3Cl2 → 2FeCl3. Choice A is incorrect because it only balances Fe but not Cl2. Choice C is incorrect as it balances Fe but not Cl2. Choice D is incorrect as it balances Fe but overbalances Cl2.

3. Which state of matter has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container?

A. Gas
B. Liquid
C. Solid
D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The state of matter that has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container is a 'Liquid.' Liquids have a fixed volume but can change their shape to fit the container they are in. This property distinguishes liquids from solids, which have both a definite shape and volume, and gases, which do not have a fixed volume or shape. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Liquid.' Choice A, 'Gas,' is incorrect because gases do not have a definite volume or shape. Choice C, 'Solid,' is incorrect as solids have a definite shape and volume. Choice D, 'Plasma,' is incorrect because plasma is a state of matter where atoms have been ionized and do not have a fixed volume or shape.

4. The three important allotropic forms of phosphorus are red, white, and ___________.

A. green
B. gray
C. black
D. silver

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The three important allotropic forms of phosphorus are red, white, and black. These forms indicate the different physical properties and reactivity of phosphorus under various conditions. Red phosphorus is more stable and less reactive than white phosphorus, while black phosphorus is the least reactive form. Choice C, 'black,' is the correct answer as it completes the sequence of allotropic forms of phosphorus. Choices A, 'green,' B, 'gray,' and D, 'silver,' are incorrect as they do not represent recognized forms of phosphorus.

5. Cobalt-60 has a half-life of 5 years. If you start with 20 g of cobalt-60, how much is left after 10 years?

A. 15 g
B. 10 g
C. 5 g
D. 2.5 g

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cobalt-60's half-life of 5 years means that after 5 years, half of the initial amount remains. Therefore, after 10 years, a quarter (half of a half) of the initial amount will remain. Starting with 20 g, after 10 years, 5 g of cobalt-60 will be left. Choice A (15 g) is incorrect because it assumes a linear decrease, not considering the exponential decay characteristic of radioactive substances. Choice B (10 g) is incorrect as it overlooks that after 10 years, more decay has occurred. Choice D (2.5 g) is incorrect as it represents only an eighth of the initial amount after 10 years, not a quarter.