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. How can water be boiled at room temperature?

A. By lowering the pressure
B. By increasing the pressure
C. By decreasing the volume
D. By raising the boiling point

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The boiling point of water is directly affected by pressure. By lowering the pressure, water can boil at a lower temperature, even at room temperature. This occurs because at lower pressures, the molecules of water have less resistance to escaping into the vapor phase, thus enabling boiling to occur at lower temperatures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increasing the pressure, decreasing the volume, or raising the boiling point would actually require higher temperatures to boil water rather than achieving boiling at room temperature.

3. 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.

4. What type of radiation is high-energy electromagnetic radiation that lacks charge and mass?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Gamma radiation is a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation that does not possess charge or mass. This type of radiation is commonly used in various fields due to its penetrating ability and lack of charge or mass, making it different from alpha and beta radiation, which consist of charged particles. Therefore, the correct answer is C - Gamma. Choices A and B are incorrect as they refer to alpha and beta radiation, which are composed of charged particles. Choice D, Delta, is not a type of radiation.

5. What is 119 K in degrees Celsius?

A. 32°C
B. -154°C
C. 154°C
D. 0°C

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To convert Kelvin (K) to Celsius (°C), you subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin value. Therefore, 119 K - 273.15 = -154.15°C. The negative sign indicates that the temperature is below freezing. When rounded to the nearest whole number, -154.15°C is approximately -154°C. Choice A and Choice C are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct conversion from Kelvin to Celsius. Choice D is incorrect as it corresponds to the freezing point of water in Celsius, not the conversion of 119 K.