which of the following elements is a noble gas

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Questions

1. Which of the following elements is a noble gas?

A. Hydrogen
B. Fluorine
C. Argon
D. Nitrogen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Argon. Argon is a noble gas, part of Group 18 in the periodic table. Noble gases are colorless, odorless, and typically non-reactive under normal conditions. Other elements in this group include helium, neon, krypton, xenon, and radon. Argon finds wide applications in welding, lighting, and scientific research. Choices A, B, and D are not noble gases. Hydrogen is a non-metal, Fluorine is a halogen, and Nitrogen is a diatomic non-metal gas.

2. 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.

3. What type of chemical reaction is represented by AB → A + B?

A. Synthesis
B. Decomposition
C. Single replacement
D. Double replacement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The chemical equation AB → A + B represents a decomposition reaction. In a decomposition reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. In this specific reaction, compound AB is decomposed into its elements, A and B, making it a decomposition reaction. Choice A, Synthesis, involves the combination of two or more substances to form a more complex product, which is not the case here. Choices C and D, Single replacement and Double replacement, involve the exchange of ions between compounds or elements, which is not happening in the given reaction.

4. On the periodic table, where are atoms with the largest atomic radius located?

A. At the top of their group
B. In the middle of their group
C. At the bottom of their group
D. Along the right-hand side

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Atoms with the largest atomic radius are located at the bottom of their group on the periodic table. This is because atomic radius increases down a group due to the addition of more energy levels or shells of electrons. As you move down a group, the outermost electrons are further away from the nucleus, leading to an increase in atomic radius. Choice A 'At the top of their group' is incorrect because atomic radius decreases going up within a group. Choice B 'In the middle of their group' is incorrect as the atomic radius generally increases as you go down a group, not in the middle. Choice D 'Along the right-hand side' is incorrect because atomic radius tends to decrease from left to right across a period on the periodic table due to increased nuclear charge and effective nuclear charge.

5. What is a mole?

A. 6.02 x 10^23
B. 1.00 x 10^24
C. 6.02 x 10^22
D. 6.02 x 10^25

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A mole is a unit used in chemistry to represent Avogadro's number, which is approximately 6.02 x 10^23. This number corresponds to the number of particles (atoms, molecules, ions) in one mole of a substance. Choice A, 6.02 x 10^23, is the correct answer as it accurately defines a mole. Choices B, C, and D provide values that are not equivalent to Avogadro's number, making them incorrect answers.