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. Which elements are typically involved in hydrogen bonding?

A. Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
B. Fluorine, chlorine, oxygen
C. Fluorine, chlorine, nitrogen
D. Fluorine, oxygen, nitrogen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hydrogen bonding occurs between hydrogen and highly electronegative atoms such as fluorine, oxygen, and nitrogen. These atoms have a strong pull on the shared electrons, leading to a partial negative charge on them, which allows them to form hydrogen bonds with hydrogen or other electronegative atoms. Choice A is incorrect because carbon is not typically involved in hydrogen bonding. Choice B is incorrect because chlorine is not as electronegative as nitrogen, and choice C is incorrect because nitrogen is more electronegative than chlorine.

3. What is the pH of acids?

A. 7.5
B. < 7
C. > 7
D. 7

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: < 7. Acids have a pH lower than 7, indicating higher acidity. A pH below 7 signifies an acidic solution, with lower values indicating stronger acids. Choice A (7.5) is incorrect as it is greater than 7, which is alkaline. Choice C (> 7) is incorrect as values greater than 7 represent alkaline/basic solutions. Choice D (7) is incorrect because a pH of 7 is neutral, not acidic.

4. What type of reaction occurs when an acid and a base react to form water and salt?

A. Neutralization reaction
B. Decomposition reaction
C. Combustion reaction
D. Redox reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A neutralization reaction is the correct answer. In this type of reaction, an acid and a base combine to form water and salt. The acid donates a proton (H+) to the base, forming water, while the remaining ions combine to form a salt. This reaction results in the neutralization of both the acid and the base, hence the name 'neutralization reaction.' Choice B, decomposition reaction, is incorrect because it refers to a reaction where a compound breaks down into simpler substances. Choice C, combustion reaction, is incorrect as it involves a substance reacting with oxygen to produce heat and light. Choice D, redox reaction, is incorrect because it involves the transfer of electrons between reactants.

5. What is the coefficient of O after the following equation is balanced?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a balanced chemical equation, the coefficient of oxygen (O) in O2 is already 2, so there is no need to adjust its coefficient further. Therefore, the coefficient of O remains as 1. Since the coefficient of O2 is 2, each O atom is represented by the coefficient of 1, and it does not change during the balancing process. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they suggest changing the coefficient of oxygen, which is not necessary for O2 in a balanced equation.