how many neutrons does carbon 14 have

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. How many neutrons does carbon-14 have?

A. 10
B. 8
C. 6
D. 12

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 8. Carbon-14 is an isotope of carbon with 6 protons and 8 neutrons. To determine the number of neutrons in an atom, subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number. In this case, the mass number of carbon-14 is 14, and the atomic number of carbon is 6. Therefore, 14 (mass number) - 6 (atomic number) = 8 neutrons. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct number of neutrons in a carbon-14 atom.

2. What distinguishes one allotrope from another?

A. Arrangement of atoms
B. Gram atomic mass
C. Physical state
D. Stability

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Allotropes are different forms of the same element that exist in the same physical state but have different structures. The arrangement of atoms is what distinguishes one allotrope from another, determining their unique properties and characteristics. Gram atomic mass (Choice B) is a constant value for a specific element and does not change between different allotropes. Physical state (Choice C) refers to whether a substance is a solid, liquid, or gas, which can be the same for different allotropes of an element. Stability (Choice D) can vary between different allotropes, but it is not what always differentiates one allotrope from another. Therefore, the correct answer is the arrangement of atoms, as it is the key factor that varies across different allotropes.

3. What is the process of breaking bonds and forming new bonds to create new chemical compounds?

A. Physical reaction
B. Chemical reaction
C. Nuclear reaction
D. Mechanical reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A chemical reaction involves the breaking and forming of bonds to create new substances. During a chemical reaction, the original chemical bonds are broken, and new bonds are formed to produce one or more new substances with different properties from the reactants. This transformation is a fundamental concept in chemistry and distinguishes chemical reactions from physical, nuclear, or mechanical reactions. Choice A, 'Physical reaction,' does not involve the breaking and forming of chemical bonds but rather changes in physical state or appearance. Choice C, 'Nuclear reaction,' involves changes in the nuclei of atoms, not the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. Choice D, 'Mechanical reaction,' refers to reactions involving physical forces or movements, not the breaking and forming of chemical bonds as in a chemical reaction.

4. What are the two types of chemical bonding?

A. Covalent & hydrogen
B. Ionic & covalent
C. Ionic & hydrogen
D. Covalent & metallic

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ionic & covalent. Ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons between atoms, resulting in the formation of positive and negative ions attracted to each other. Covalent bonding involves the sharing of electrons between atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration. Choice A is incorrect as hydrogen bonding is a type of intermolecular force, not a primary type of chemical bonding. Choice C is incorrect as hydrogen bonding is not a primary type of chemical bonding. Choice D is incorrect as metallic bonding involves the sharing of electrons in a 'sea of electrons' within a metal lattice, not covalent bonding.

5. How many electron pairs are shared to form a double covalent bond?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In a double covalent bond, two pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms. This sharing of two electron pairs results in a stronger bond compared to a single covalent bond where only one pair of electrons is shared. Choice A is incorrect because a single covalent bond involves the sharing of one pair of electrons. Choices C and D are incorrect as they do not represent the correct number of electron pairs shared in a double covalent bond.