how elements are arranged in the periodic table

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet

1. How are elements arranged in the periodic table?

A. By their atomic mass
B. By their chemical properties
C. By their physical state
D. By their charge

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Elements are arranged in the periodic table based on their chemical properties, making choice B the correct answer. The periodic table is organized so that elements with similar chemical properties are grouped together in columns, known as groups or families. This arrangement allows for the identification of trends in the behavior of elements and predicting their properties based on their position in the table. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the periodic table primarily focuses on the chemical properties of elements, not solely on atomic mass, physical state, or charge.

2. What is the correct electron configuration for magnesium?

A. 1s² 2s²
B. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶
C. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s²
D. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p¹

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The electron configuration of an element is determined by following the Aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level. Magnesium has an atomic number of 12, meaning it has 12 electrons. The electron configuration of magnesium fills the 1s, 2s, 2p, and 3s orbitals to accommodate all 12 electrons. Therefore, the correct electron configuration for magnesium is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s². Choice A is incorrect as it only includes 4 electrons and stops at the 2s orbital. Choice B is incorrect as it includes 8 electrons and stops at the 2p orbital. Choice D is incorrect as it includes 13 electrons and extends to the 3p orbital, which is beyond the actual electron configuration of magnesium.

3. 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.

4. Which compound is a Hydrogen or proton donor, corrosive to metals, causes blue litmus paper to become red, and becomes less acidic when mixed with a base?

A. Base
B. Acid
C. Salt
D. Hydroxide

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Acid.' An acid is a compound that donates protons (H+), is corrosive to metals, and turns blue litmus paper red. When an acid is mixed with a base, they react to form salts and water, resulting in a decrease in acidity. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because bases accept protons rather than donate them, salts are the products of acid-base reactions, and hydroxides are typically bases, not acids.

5. Which type of radiation involves the emission of helium ions?

A. Beta
B. Alpha
C. Gamma
D. Delta

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Alpha radiation involves the emission of helium ions. Helium ions are composed of two protons and two neutrons, which is the same as the nucleus of a helium atom. This type of radiation has low penetration power and can be stopped by a piece of paper or human skin, making it less harmful compared to other forms of radiation like beta or gamma radiation. Beta radiation involves the emission of high-speed electrons, while gamma radiation involves electromagnetic waves with high energy. Delta radiation is not a recognized form of radiation in this context, making it an incorrect choice.