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. How are elements arranged in the periodic table?

A. By their atomic mass
B. By their chemical properties
C. By their physical state
D. By their charge

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Elements are arranged in the periodic table based on their chemical properties, making choice B the correct answer. The periodic table is organized so that elements with similar chemical properties are grouped together in columns, known as groups or families. This arrangement allows for the identification of trends in the behavior of elements and predicting their properties based on their position in the table. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the periodic table primarily focuses on the chemical properties of elements, not solely on atomic mass, physical state, or charge.

3. What is the term used when an atom gains one or more electrons?

A. Cation
B. Anion
C. Isotope
D. Electron

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is called an anion. An anion is formed when an atom gains one or more electrons, leading to an excess of negative charge. Choice A, 'Cation,' is incorrect because a cation is formed when an atom loses electrons, resulting in a positively charged ion. Choice C, 'Isotope,' refers to atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons and is not related to gaining electrons. Choice D, 'Electron,' is the particle that an atom gains to become an anion, not the term for the atom itself after gaining electrons.

4. What is the molarity of a solution containing 45 moles of NaCl in 4 liters?

A. 0.11 M NaCl
B. 0.45 M NaCl
C. 1.8 M NaCl
D. 8.9 M NaCl

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the molarity of a solution, you use the formula: Molarity (M) = moles of solute / liters of solution. In this case, M = 45 moles / 4 L = 11.25 M. The correct answer is 0.11 M NaCl. Choice B is incorrect as it doesn't match the calculated value. Choice C is also incorrect as it is significantly higher than the correct molarity. Choice D is incorrect as it is excessively high compared to the calculated value.

5. In which state of matter are particles packed tightly together in a fixed position?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a 'solid' state, particles are tightly packed in fixed positions, maintaining a definite shape and volume. This arrangement allows solids to maintain a rigid structure. Liquids have particles that are close together but can move past each other, giving them the ability to flow and take the shape of their container. Gases have particles that are far apart and move freely, leading to their ability to expand to fill any container. Plasma is an ionized gas where particles have high energy levels and are not packed tightly together, making it an uncommon state of matter on Earth.