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. Which two elements are most alike in reactivity?

A. He and H
B. K and Ar
C. Cl and P
D. Ba and Mg

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chlorine (Cl) and Phosphorus (P) are most alike in reactivity among the given pairs. Both elements are nonmetals and belong to Group 7 (halogens) and Group 15 (nitrogen group), respectively. They have similar electronic configurations and can form compounds by gaining or sharing electrons. Chlorine is highly reactive and can easily form ionic compounds, while phosphorus also shows a range of reactivity in its compounds. Choice A (He and H) is incorrect because helium (He) is a noble gas and hydrogen (H) is a nonmetal, so they are not similar in reactivity. Choice B (K and Ar) is incorrect as potassium (K) is a metal and argon (Ar) is a noble gas, having different reactivities. Choice D (Ba and Mg) is incorrect because barium (Ba) and magnesium (Mg) are both metals, but their reactivities differ due to their positions in the periodic table.

3. Which of the following is a colligative property of a solution?

A. Freezing point depression
B. Viscosity
C. Surface tension
D. Boiling point elevation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A colligative property is a property that depends on the number of solute particles in a solution, not on the identity of the solute particles. Freezing point depression is one such property, where adding a solute to a solvent lowers the freezing point of the solution compared to the pure solvent. This phenomenon occurs because the presence of solute particles disrupts the formation of the regular crystal lattice structure, requiring a lower temperature for solidification to occur. Choices B, C, and D are not colligative properties. Viscosity and surface tension are not dependent on the number of solute particles but on intermolecular forces and molecular interactions. Boiling point elevation is another colligative property, but in this case, the question asked for a colligative property of a solution, making freezing point depression the correct answer.

4. What term is used to describe the emission of particles from an unstable nucleus?

A. Radioactivity
B. Radiation
C. Decay
D. Fusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Radioactivity is the term used to describe the emission of particles from an unstable nucleus. When a nucleus is unstable, it undergoes radioactive decay by emitting particles such as alpha or beta particles. This process releases energy and transforms the unstable nucleus into a more stable configuration. Choice B, 'Radiation,' is a broad term that encompasses various forms of energy emitted from a source; it is not specific to the emission from an unstable nucleus. Choice C, 'Decay,' is closely related but doesn't specifically indicate the emission of particles from an unstable nucleus. Choice D, 'Fusion,' refers to the process of combining nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, not the emission of particles from an unstable nucleus.

5. What is the name for the horizontal rows of the periodic table?

A. groups
B. periods
C. families
D. sets

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the periodic table, 'periods' are the horizontal rows. Each period corresponds to the energy level occupied by the elements in that row. The other terms mentioned, such as groups, families, and sets, are not used to describe the horizontal rows but rather refer to different aspects of the periodic table organization. 'Groups' are the vertical columns, 'families' are groups of elements with similar properties, and 'sets' is a more generic term not specifically used in the context of the periodic table.