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. Which of the following pH values is most likely for lemon juice?

A. 3
B. 5
C. 7
D. 9

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lemon juice is highly acidic with a pH around 2-3, making it more acidic than neutral substances. A pH of 5 is too high for lemon juice, indicating less acidity. Similarly, pH 7 is neutral, and pH 9 would be alkaline, which is not characteristic of lemon juice. Therefore, the correct answer is option A (pH 3).

3. Identify the type of reaction shown: 8Fe + S → 8FeS

A. Single displacement
B. Double displacement
C. Synthesis
D. Acid-base

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The reaction shown (8Fe + S → 8FeS) is a synthesis reaction. In a synthesis reaction, two or more substances combine to form a single compound. In this case, iron (Fe) and sulfur (S) combine to form iron sulfide (FeS). The key characteristic of a synthesis reaction is the formation of a single product from multiple reactants, which aligns with the given chemical equation. Choice A, single displacement, involves an element displacing another in a compound, which is not the case here. Choice B, double displacement, involves the exchange of ions between two compounds, which is also not happening in this reaction. Choice D, acid-base, refers to reactions between an acid and a base to form salt and water, which is not the case in the given equation.

4. What does the mass number minus the atomic number equal?

A. Number of electrons
B. Number of neutrons
C. Number of protons
D. Number of isotopes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The mass number of an atom represents the total number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. The atomic number indicates the number of protons in the nucleus. The difference between the mass number and the atomic number provides the number of neutrons present in the nucleus of an atom. Therefore, mass number minus atomic number equals the number of neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because the number of electrons is not determined by the mass number and atomic number. Choice C is incorrect as it represents the number of protons, not the difference between the mass number and atomic number. Choice D is incorrect as isotopes refer to atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, not the difference between mass number and atomic number.

5. What is the energy required to remove the outermost electron from an atom called?

A. covalent bonding
B. electronegativity
C. atomic radius
D. ionization energy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ionization energy is the energy needed to remove the outermost electron from an atom, resulting in the formation of a positively charged ion. The higher the ionization energy, the more difficult it is to extract an electron. Electronegativity, however, measures an atom's ability to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond. Atomic radius refers to the distance from the nucleus to the outermost electron. Covalent bonding involves sharing electron pairs between atoms to create a stable bond. Therefore, the correct answer is ionization energy as it specifically relates to the energy needed to remove an electron from an atom.