how many protons does potassium have

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry

1. How many protons does Potassium have?

A. 18
B. 19
C. 20
D. 21

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Potassium, with the atomic symbol K, has 19 protons, which is equal to its atomic number. The number of protons determines the element's identity, and in the case of Potassium, it is 19. Choice A (18) is incorrect as it does not correspond to Potassium's proton number. Choice C (20) and Choice D (21) are also incorrect as they do not match the actual number of protons in Potassium.

2. What charge do Group VIA elements typically have?

A. -1
B. -2
C. -3
D. 0

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Group VIA elements, also known as Group 16 elements, typically have a charge of -2. This is because they have 6 valence electrons and tend to gain 2 electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration, resulting in a -2 charge. Choice A (-1) is incorrect as Group VIA elements need to gain 2 electrons for stability, not just 1. Choice C (-3) is incorrect because Group VIA elements do not need to gain 3 electrons to achieve stability. Choice D (0) is incorrect as Group VIA elements need to gain electrons to reach a stable configuration, resulting in a negative charge.

3. Which of the following elements does not exist as a diatomic molecule?

A. boron
B. fluorine
C. oxygen
D. nitrogen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'boron.' Diatomic molecules consist of two atoms of the same element bonded together. Boron is an exception and does not exist naturally as a diatomic molecule. On the other hand, fluorine, oxygen, and nitrogen commonly exist as diatomic molecules in their natural states. Fluorine, for example, exists as F2, oxygen exists as O2, and nitrogen exists as N2.

4. At what temperature does water boil in °F?

A. 210°F
B. 212°F
C. 215°F
D. 220°F

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Water boils at 212°F under standard atmospheric pressure. This is the point at which water changes from a liquid to a gas phase. Choice A (210°F) is incorrect as it is below the boiling point of water. Choice C (215°F) and Choice D (220°F) are also incorrect as they are above the boiling point of water.

5. A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 20 years. How many grams of a 6-gram sample will remain after 40 years?

A. 8
B. 6
C. 3
D. 1.5

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the original sample to decay. After each half-life period, half of the initial sample remains. In this case, after the first 20 years, half of the 6-gram sample (3 grams) will remain. After another 20 years (total of 40 years), half of the remaining 3 grams will remain, which is 1.5 grams. Therefore, 3 grams will be left after 40 years. Choice A is incorrect as it doesn't consider the concept of half-life and incorrectly suggests an increase in the sample. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes no decay over time. Choice D is incorrect as it miscalculates the remaining amount after two half-life periods.