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. Which element has an atomic mass greater than that of sodium?

A. Boron
B. Oxygen
C. Fluorine
D. Silicon

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Silicon has an atomic mass greater than that of sodium. The atomic mass of silicon is approximately 28.0855 u, whereas the atomic mass of sodium is approximately 22.9898 u. Therefore, silicon has a greater atomic mass compared to sodium. Boron, Oxygen, and Fluorine have atomic masses lower than sodium, making them incorrect choices in this context.

3. Aluminum (Al) has 13 protons in its nucleus. What is the number of electrons in an Al3+ ion?

A. 16
B. 13
C. 10
D. 3

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Aluminum (Al) has an atomic number of 13, which indicates it normally has 13 electrons to balance the 13 protons in its nucleus. When Al forms an Al3+ ion, it loses 3 electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Therefore, the Al3+ ion will have 13 - 3 = 10 electrons. Choice A (16) is incorrect as it doesn't take into account the charge of the Al3+ ion. Choice B (13) is incorrect because the Al3+ ion has lost electrons. Choice D (3) is incorrect as it doesn't reflect the total number of electrons lost by the Al atom to form the Al3+ ion.

4. What color does phenolphthalein turn in the presence of an acid?

A. Clear
B. Blue
C. Pink
D. Red

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the presence of an acid, phenolphthalein turns pink. Phenolphthalein is a pH indicator that is colorless in acidic solutions but turns pink in basic solutions. Therefore, when added to an acidic solution, phenolphthalein will exhibit a pink coloration. Choice A, 'Clear,' is incorrect because phenolphthalein does not remain colorless in the presence of an acid. Choice B, 'Blue,' is incorrect as phenolphthalein does not turn blue in the presence of an acid. Choice D, 'Red,' is incorrect as phenolphthalein does not exhibit a red color in acidic solutions.

5. What are the horizontal rows of the periodic table called?

A. Periods
B. Families
C. Groups
D. Columns

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Periods. Rows in the periodic table are called periods. They are arranged horizontally from left to right and represent the energy levels of the elements. Each period starts a new energy level or shell, indicating the number of electron shells an element has. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Families and groups refer to vertical columns in the periodic table that share similar chemical properties, while columns are vertical arrangements of elements known as groups or families.