mass number minus atomic number equals

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet

1. 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.

2. At what temperature does water boil in °F?

A. 210°F
B. 212°F
C. 215°F
D. 220°F

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Water boils at 212°F under standard atmospheric pressure. This is the point at which water changes from a liquid to a gas phase. Choice A (210°F) is incorrect as it is below the boiling point of water. Choice C (215°F) and Choice D (220°F) are also incorrect as they are above the boiling point of water.

3. What creates a dipole in a covalent bond?

A. Unequal sharing of electrons
B. Equal sharing of electrons
C. Exchange of electrons
D. Transfer of electrons

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A dipole is created in a covalent bond when there is an unequal sharing of electrons between the atoms involved. This results in a partial positive charge on one atom and a partial negative charge on the other, leading to a separation of charges and the formation of a dipole. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a dipole is specifically formed due to unequal sharing of electrons, not equal sharing, exchange, or transfer of electrons in a covalent bond.

4. What form of radiation is composed of electrons traveling at around 16,000 km/sec?

A. Alpha radiation
B. Beta radiation
C. Gamma radiation
D. Delta radiation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Beta radiation is composed of high-energy electrons (β- particles) or positrons (β+ particles) traveling at considerable speeds. In this case, the electrons traveling at around 16,000 km/sec align with the characteristics of beta radiation, making it the correct choice. Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, gamma radiation is electromagnetic radiation of high frequency, and delta radiation is not a recognized form of radiation, making them all incorrect choices.

5. What charge do Group VIA elements typically have?

A. -1
B. -2
C. -3
D. 0

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Group VIA elements, also known as Group 16 elements, typically have a charge of -2. This is because they have 6 valence electrons and tend to gain 2 electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration, resulting in a -2 charge. Choice A (-1) is incorrect as Group VIA elements need to gain 2 electrons for stability, not just 1. Choice C (-3) is incorrect because Group VIA elements do not need to gain 3 electrons to achieve stability. Choice D (0) is incorrect as Group VIA elements need to gain electrons to reach a stable configuration, resulting in a negative charge.