number that represents the number of protons an element has

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet

1. What number represents the number of protons an element has?

A. Atomic mass
B. Mass number
C. Atomic number
D. Neutron number

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, atomic number. The atomic number corresponds to the number of protons in an element. This number is unique to each element and determines its placement on the periodic table. It is equal to the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom of that element. Choice A, atomic mass, represents the average mass of an element's isotopes. Choice B, mass number, is the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom. Choice D, neutron number, specifically refers to the count of neutrons in an atom and not protons.

2. Which of the following is a characteristic property of acids?

A. Sour taste
B. Bitter taste
C. Reacts with bases
D. Slippery feel

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Sour taste.' Acids are known to have a sour taste, which is a fundamental characteristic property of acids. This taste distinguishes acids from bases, which are more likely to have a bitter taste. The sour taste of acids is due to the presence of hydrogen ions in them. Therefore, when identifying an acid based on taste, the sour taste serves as a key indicator. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Bitter taste is associated with bases, not acids. While acids do react with bases (Choice C), this is not a characteristic property of acids but rather a chemical behavior. Slippery feel (Choice D) is a property of bases, not acids.

3. Which type of change occurs when no change is made to the chemical composition of a substance?

A. Chemical
B. Physical
C. Nuclear
D. Mechanical

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A physical change refers to alterations in the state of matter without modifying the chemical composition of the substance. Examples of physical changes include changes in state (solid, liquid, gas), shape, size, or phase. In a physical change, the substance may look different or behave differently, but its chemical structure remains the same. On the other hand, chemical changes involve the breaking and forming of chemical bonds, resulting in the creation of entirely new substances with different chemical properties. Nuclear changes involve alterations in the nucleus of an atom, such as radioactive decay. Mechanical changes refer to changes in the position or motion of an object caused by applied forces, like pushing, pulling, or twisting.

4. What is the charge of noble gases?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 0. Noble gases have a charge of 0 because they have full valence shells and are inert. This makes them stable and unreactive, resulting in a charge of 0 as they do not readily gain or lose electrons. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because noble gases do not typically form ions by gaining or losing electrons, so they do not carry a charge of -1, 1, or 2.

5. What is the SI unit of energy?

A. ohm
B. joule
C. henry
D. newton

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The SI unit of energy is the 'joule'. The joule is defined as the work done when a force of one newton acts over a distance of one meter. It is the standard unit used to measure energy in the International System of Units (SI). Therefore, the correct answer is 'joule.' Choice A, 'ohm,' is the SI unit of electrical resistance, not energy. Choice C, 'henry,' is the SI unit of inductance, not energy. Choice D, 'newton,' is the SI unit of force, not energy. Hence, they are all incorrect in the context of measuring energy.