the number of protons in an element is represented by which number

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet

1. Which number represents the number of protons in an element?

A. Atomic mass
B. Mass number
C. Atomic number
D. Proton number

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Atomic number. The atomic number corresponds to the number of protons in an element. Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Each element has a unique atomic number, which defines its identity based on the number of protons it contains. Choice A, Atomic mass, is incorrect as it refers to the average mass of an atom of an element. Choice B, Mass number, represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Choice D, Proton number, is not a commonly used term in chemistry to indicate the number of protons.

2. Which gas is released during photosynthesis?

A. Carbon dioxide
B. Oxygen
C. Nitrogen
D. Helium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During photosynthesis, plants utilize carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. Oxygen is released as a byproduct of this process, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms that depend on it for respiration. Therefore, the correct answer is oxygen. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Carbon dioxide is utilized in photosynthesis, nitrogen is not directly involved in the process, and helium is not a gas released during photosynthesis.

3. Which of the following can act as a catalyst in a chemical reaction?

A. Enzyme
B. Light
C. Water
D. Metal

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed. They lower the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, facilitating and accelerating the process. Choice B, Light, is not a catalyst but can sometimes trigger reactions by providing energy. Choice C, Water, and choice D, Metal, are not catalysts but can participate in reactions as reactants.

4. What type of reaction involves atoms attempting to achieve stable electron configurations?

A. Chemical
B. Nuclear
C. Physical
D. Mechanical

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a chemical reaction, atoms interact to achieve stable electron configurations through the formation of new chemical bonds or the breaking of existing ones. This process aims to reach a more stable state by filling or emptying electron orbitals, leading to the formation of new substances with more stable configurations. Choice B, nuclear reactions, involve changes in the atomic nucleus rather than electron configurations. Choice C, physical reactions, involve changes in physical state or appearance without changing the chemical makeup. Choice D, mechanical reactions, do not involve the rearrangement of electrons to achieve stable configurations.

5. Which substance forms hydroxide ions when placed in water?

A. Lemon juice
B. Battery acid
C. Vinegar
D. Lye

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, lye. Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is a strong base that forms hydroxide ions (OH-) when placed in water. When lye dissolves in water, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions, making it an alkaline substance. Lemon juice, battery acid, and vinegar do not form hydroxide ions when placed in water. Lemon juice contains citric acid, battery acid contains sulfuric acid, and vinegar contains acetic acid, none of which produce hydroxide ions when dissolved in water.