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. Al(NO3)3 + H2SO4 → Al2(SO4)3 + HNO3 is an example of which kind of reaction?

A. Decomposition reaction
B. Synthesis reaction
C. Single replacement reaction
D. Double replacement reaction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The given chemical equation represents a single replacement reaction. In this reaction, aluminum (Al) displaces hydrogen in sulfuric acid (H2SO4), forming aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3) and releasing nitric acid (HNO3). Single replacement reactions involve an element replacing another element in a compound, which is evident in this reaction. Choice A, Decomposition reaction, is incorrect because decomposition reactions involve a single compound breaking down into two or more substances. Choice B, Synthesis reaction, is incorrect as it involves the combination of two or more substances to form a more complex compound. Choice D, Double replacement reaction, is also incorrect as it involves an exchange of ions between two compounds to form two new compounds.

3. Which type of chemical reaction involves an active metal reacting with an ionic compound to create a new compound?

A. Combustion
B. Single replacement
C. Synthesis
D. Decomposition

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Single replacement.' In a single replacement reaction, an active metal replaces another element in an ionic compound, resulting in the formation of a new compound. Option A, 'Combustion,' involves a substance rapidly reacting with oxygen to release energy in the form of heat and light. Option C, 'Synthesis,' involves the combination of two or more substances to form a more complex product. Option D, 'Decomposition,' involves the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances.

4. What is the oxidation state of the sulfur atom in sulfuric acid H2SO4?

A. 4
B. 6
C. 8
D. 10

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In sulfuric acid (H2SO4), sulfur has an oxidation state of +6. The oxidation state is determined by considering the overall charge of the compound and the known oxidation states of other elements. In this case, hydrogen is typically +1, and oxygen is -2. To balance the charges and match the compound's overall charge of 0, sulfur must have an oxidation state of +6. Choice A (4) is incorrect because it doesn't balance the charges in the compound. Choices C (8) and D (10) are also incorrect as they are not valid oxidation states for sulfur in this compound.

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.