which gives the number of protons in the atomic nucleus of an alkali metal

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What is the number of protons in the atomic nucleus of an alkali metal?

A. 9
B. 10
C. 11
D. 12

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The number of protons in the atomic nucleus of an alkali metal is 11. Alkali metals, belonging to group 1 of the periodic table, have 1 electron in their outer shell, which corresponds to 1 proton in their nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is option C: 11. Choice A (9) is incorrect because it does not match the number of protons in an alkali metal. Choice B (10) is incorrect as it is also not the correct number of protons for an alkali metal. Choice D (12) is incorrect as it is not the typical number of protons found in the nucleus of an alkali metal.

2. What type of bond is present in sodium chloride?

A. Covalent
B. Ionic
C. Metallic
D. Hydrogen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ionic bonds are found in sodium chloride. In an ionic bond, one atom donates an electron to another atom, resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions that are held together by electrostatic forces of attraction. Sodium chloride is a classic example of an ionic compound, where sodium (Na) donates an electron to chlorine (Cl), forming Na+ and Cl- ions that are attracted to each other, creating a crystal lattice structure. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, which is not the case in sodium chloride. Metallic bonds occur in metals where electrons are delocalized and shared across a lattice, unlike the specific transfer seen in ionic bonds. Hydrogen bonds are a type of intermolecular force, not the primary bond type present in sodium chloride.

3. What can stop the penetration of beta radiation particles?

A. Plastic
B. Glass
C. Aluminum foil
D. Concrete

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Beta radiation particles are high-energy, fast-moving electrons or positrons. Aluminum foil is effective in stopping beta radiation due to its ability to absorb and block these particles. When beta particles interact with the aluminum foil, they lose energy and are absorbed, preventing their penetration. Plastic and glass are not as effective as aluminum foil in stopping beta radiation. While concrete provides some shielding against beta particles, aluminum foil is a more suitable material for this purpose as it offers better absorption and blocking capabilities.

4. How many neutrons are in an atom of uranium-235?

A. 92
B. 125
C. 143
D. 235

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: '92'. To determine the number of neutrons in an atom, you subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the atomic mass number. For uranium-235, the atomic number is 92, and the atomic mass number is 235. Subtracting 92 from 235 gives us 143 neutrons in an atom of uranium-235. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the correct number of neutrons in an atom of uranium-235.

5. What are the products of the combustion of a hydrocarbon?

A. Water and carbon dioxide
B. Water and oxygen
C. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide
D. Carbon dioxide and oxygen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a hydrocarbon undergoes combustion, it reacts with oxygen to produce water and carbon dioxide as the main products. The general chemical equation for the combustion of a hydrocarbon is hydrocarbon + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Water and carbon dioxide.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because water and carbon dioxide are the primary products of hydrocarbon combustion, not water and oxygen, hydrogen and carbon monoxide, or carbon dioxide and oxygen.