b si as te at ge and sb form a staircase pattern on the right side of the periodic table how can these elements be classified

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which classification best describes B, Si, As, Te, At, Ge, and Sb that form a staircase pattern on the right side of the periodic table?

A. Metals
B. Semimetals
C. Nonmetals
D. Ultrametals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: B, Si, As, Te, At, Ge, and Sb are located in a staircase pattern on the periodic table's right side. Elements in this region are known as metalloids or semimetals because they exhibit properties of both metals and nonmetals. They possess characteristics of both metallic and non-metallic elements, making them valuable semiconductors with diverse applications in electronics. Choice A is incorrect because these elements are not considered true metals. Choice C is incorrect as these elements do not display typical nonmetal properties exclusively. Choice D, 'Ultrametals,' is not a recognized classification in chemistry and is therefore incorrect.

2. What does the mass of one mole of a substance represent?

A. Atomic mass
B. Mass number
C. Molecular weight
D. Molar mass

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The mass of one mole of a substance is represented by its molar mass. Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance and is expressed in grams per mole. It is calculated by summing the atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule. Therefore, the correct answer is D - 'Molar mass'. Choice A, 'Atomic mass', refers to the average mass of an atom of an element. Choice B, 'Mass number', is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Choice C, 'Molecular weight', is the average mass of a molecule relative to 1/12 of the mass of an atom of carbon-12.

3. Radioactive isotopes are frequently used in medicine. What kind of half-life would a medical isotope probably have?

A. Seconds-long
B. Days-long
C. Years-long
D. Many years long

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Medical isotopes used in diagnosis and treatment need to have a relatively short half-life to minimize radiation exposure to patients. If the half-life were too long (such as many years) or even years-long, the radiation would persist for too long and could be harmful to the patient. Seconds-long half-lives would not provide enough time for the isotope to be effective. Days-long half-lives strike a balance between providing enough time for the isotope to be used effectively and minimizing radiation exposure.

4. Which element has the chemical symbol 'Fe'?

A. Lead
B. Iron
C. Silver
D. Copper

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Iron' as it has the chemical symbol 'Fe'. Chemical symbols are used to represent elements in the periodic table, and 'Fe' specifically refers to Iron. Choice A, Lead, is incorrect as the chemical symbol for Lead is 'Pb'. Choice C, Silver, is incorrect as the chemical symbol for Silver is 'Ag'. Choice D, Copper, is incorrect as the chemical symbol for Copper is 'Cu'. Therefore, 'Iron' is the only element among the choices with the chemical symbol 'Fe'.

5. Which of the following elements is a halogen?

A. Oxygen
B. Fluorine
C. Sodium
D. Carbon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Fluorine' (Choice B) as it is a halogen. Halogens are a group of elements that include fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. They are highly reactive nonmetals located in Group 17 of the periodic table. Oxygen (Choice A) is a nonmetal but not a halogen. Sodium (Choice C) is a metal, and Carbon (Choice D) is a nonmetal, neither of which belong to the halogen group.