how many protons does potassium have

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry

1. How many protons does Potassium have?

A. 18
B. 19
C. 20
D. 21

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Potassium, with the atomic symbol K, has 19 protons, which is equal to its atomic number. The number of protons determines the element's identity, and in the case of Potassium, it is 19. Choice A (18) is incorrect as it does not correspond to Potassium's proton number. Choice C (20) and Choice D (21) are also incorrect as they do not match the actual number of protons in Potassium.

2. What is the charge of a gamma ray?

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with no charge. They are neutral particles that do not possess any electric charge. This characteristic allows them to be unaffected by electric or magnetic fields. Additionally, gamma rays travel at the speed of light in a vacuum. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as gamma rays do not carry a charge of -1, +1, or +2; they are neutral entities.

3. Which element is considered a noble gas?

A. Oxygen
B. Neon
C. Hydrogen
D. Argon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Neon.' Noble gases are a group of elements with very low reactivity. Neon is one of these elements, known for its stable and unreactive nature. Oxygen, hydrogen, and argon do not belong to the noble gas group. Oxygen is a reactive non-metal, hydrogen is a non-metal and the first element in the periodic table, and argon is a noble gas like neon but not the correct answer in this case.

4. A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 20 years. How many grams of a 6-gram sample will remain after 40 years?

A. 8
B. 6
C. 3
D. 1.5

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the original sample to decay. After each half-life period, half of the initial sample remains. In this case, after the first 20 years, half of the 6-gram sample (3 grams) will remain. After another 20 years (total of 40 years), half of the remaining 3 grams will remain, which is 1.5 grams. Therefore, 3 grams will be left after 40 years. Choice A is incorrect as it doesn't consider the concept of half-life and incorrectly suggests an increase in the sample. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes no decay over time. Choice D is incorrect as it miscalculates the remaining amount after two half-life periods.

5. What is the simplest form of a substance that is represented by a letter or letters?

A. Compound
B. Mixture
C. Element
D. Molecule

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Element.' An element is the most basic form of a substance that cannot be broken down further by chemical reactions. Each element is represented by a unique symbol, typically consisting of one or two letters. Choice A, 'Compound,' is incorrect as compounds are formed by the combination of two or more elements. Choice B, 'Mixture,' is also incorrect as mixtures are composed of two or more substances physically combined. Choice D, 'Molecule,' refers to the smallest unit of a compound that retains the chemical properties of that compound, not the simplest form of a substance represented by a symbol.