how many neutrons are in an atom of uranium 235

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. 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.

2. What is the charge of a beta particle?

A. -1
B. +1
C. +2
D. No charge

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A beta particle has a charge of -1. Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons emitted during radioactive decay processes. Since electrons carry a charge of -1, beta particles also carry a charge of -1. This negative charge indicates that beta particles are negatively charged. Option B is incorrect as it suggests a positive charge, which is not the case for beta particles. Option C is incorrect as it indicates a higher positive charge, which is not true for beta particles. Option D is incorrect as beta particles do have a charge, which is negative.

3. How can water be boiled at room temperature?

A. By lowering the pressure
B. By increasing the pressure
C. By decreasing the volume
D. By raising the boiling point

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The boiling point of water is directly affected by pressure. By lowering the pressure, water can boil at a lower temperature, even at room temperature. This occurs because at lower pressures, the molecules of water have less resistance to escaping into the vapor phase, thus enabling boiling to occur at lower temperatures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increasing the pressure, decreasing the volume, or raising the boiling point would actually require higher temperatures to boil water rather than achieving boiling at room temperature.

4. What is the net charge of an ionic compound?

A. 0
B. -1
C. +1
D. Variable

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 0. Ionic compounds have a net charge of 0 because they are formed by the combination of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) in a way that neutralizes their charges. This balanced combination results in an electrically neutral compound. Therefore, the net charge of an ionic compound is typically 0. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because ionic compounds are designed to have a total neutral charge, with the positive charges balancing out the negative charges.

5. What is the name of the negatively charged subatomic particles?

A. Protons
B. Neutrons
C. Electrons
D. Isotopes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Electrons. Electrons are the negatively charged subatomic particles. They are found outside the atomic nucleus and carry a negative charge. Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus, neutrons have no charge, and isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, not subatomic particles.