on the periodic table where are atoms with the largest atomic radius located

HESI A2

Chemistry Hesi A2

1. On the periodic table, where are atoms with the largest atomic radius located?

A. At the top of their group
B. In the middle of their group
C. At the bottom of their group
D. Along the right-hand side

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Atoms with the largest atomic radius are located at the bottom of their group on the periodic table. This is because atomic radius increases down a group due to the addition of more energy levels or shells of electrons. As you move down a group, the outermost electrons are further away from the nucleus, leading to an increase in atomic radius. Choice A 'At the top of their group' is incorrect because atomic radius decreases going up within a group. Choice B 'In the middle of their group' is incorrect as the atomic radius generally increases as you go down a group, not in the middle. Choice D 'Along the right-hand side' is incorrect because atomic radius tends to decrease from left to right across a period on the periodic table due to increased nuclear charge and effective nuclear charge.

2. What charge do Group IA elements have?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Group IA elements, also known as alkali metals, have a +1 charge. They readily lose one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, forming ions with a single positive charge. This makes +1 the correct choice. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because alkali metals in Group IA typically lose one electron, so they do not have a +2, +3, or 0 charge.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. How many neutrons are in an atom of helium-4?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 6

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The atomic number of helium is 2, indicating it has 2 protons. Helium-4, the most common isotope of helium, has 2 neutrons in addition to its 2 protons. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 neutrons in an atom of helium-4. Choice B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not match the correct composition of helium-4, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.