which element is a metalloid

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Questions

1. Which element is a metalloid?

A. Silicon
B. Lead
C. Helium
D. Aluminum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Silicon.' Silicon is a metalloid, which means it has properties of both metals and nonmetals. It is commonly used in electronic devices due to its semiconductor properties. Lead (Choice B) is a metal, Helium (Choice C) is a noble gas, and Aluminum (Choice D) is a metal.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. What are the columns of the periodic table called?

A. Periods
B. Families
C. Groups
D. Rows

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the periodic table, columns are referred to as groups, not periods, families, or rows. These groups share similar chemical properties due to the arrangement of elements within each group, which is based on the number of valence electrons. The vertical columns help classify elements with similar characteristics. Periods refer to the rows of the periodic table, while families or groups are the vertical columns.

5. Among the following elements, which is a nonmetal?

A. Mercury
B. Magnesium
C. Sulfur
D. Potassium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sulfur is a nonmetal as it is located on the right side of the periodic table. Nonmetals generally exhibit properties such as being brittle, poor conductors of heat and electricity, and having lower melting points compared to metals. Mercury (A), Magnesium (B), and Potassium (D) are all metals due to their metallic properties. Mercury is a liquid metal at room temperature, Magnesium is a solid metal, and Potassium is a solid metal as well. Therefore, the correct answer is C, Sulfur.