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 atomic mass?

A. Number of protons in an atom
B. Sum of protons and neutrons
C. Number of neutrons in an atom
D. Average weight of an element

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Atomic mass, also known as atomic weight, is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in an atom. It represents the average mass of an atom of an element, taking into account the different isotopes and their relative abundance. Neutrons contribute to the atomic mass alongside protons, while the number of neutrons alone is not the definition of atomic mass. Choice A is incorrect because it refers only to the number of protons, not the complete atomic mass. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses solely on the number of neutrons, excluding the contribution of protons. Choice D is incorrect as it mentions the 'average weight of an element,' which is related to atomic mass but does not encapsulate the specific definition of atomic mass as the sum of protons and neutrons.

3. Which type of chemical bond is the strongest?

A. Ionic
B. Hydrogen
C. Covalent
D. Metallic

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Covalent bonds, especially those formed between non-metals, are the strongest type of chemical bond. In covalent bonds, atoms share electrons, creating a strong bond that requires a significant amount of energy to break. Choice A, ionic bonds, are strong but generally weaker than covalent bonds as they involve the transfer of electrons rather than sharing. Choice B, hydrogen bonds, are relatively weak intermolecular forces, not true chemical bonds. Choice D, metallic bonds, are strong but typically not as strong as covalent bonds. Metallic bonds involve a 'sea of electrons' shared between metal atoms, providing strength but with less directional bonding compared to covalent bonds.

4. What is the chemical reaction that involves breaking down a compound into component parts?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Decomposition is the correct answer because in a decomposition reaction, a compound is broken down into simpler substances. This type of reaction involves the splitting of a compound into its component parts, often through the use of heat, light, or electricity. Synthesis (choice B) is the opposite process where simpler substances are combined to form a more complex compound. Combustion (choice C) is a reaction involving rapid oxidation often accompanied by heat and light. Single replacement (choice D) is a reaction where one element replaces another in a compound.

5. What are the products of the combustion of a hydrocarbon?

A. Water and carbon dioxide
B. Water and oxygen
C. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide
D. Carbon dioxide and oxygen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a hydrocarbon undergoes combustion, it reacts with oxygen to produce water and carbon dioxide as the main products. The general chemical equation for the combustion of a hydrocarbon is hydrocarbon + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Water and carbon dioxide.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because water and carbon dioxide are the primary products of hydrocarbon combustion, not water and oxygen, hydrogen and carbon monoxide, or carbon dioxide and oxygen.