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1. Which number represents the number of protons in an element?

• A. Atomic mass
• B. Mass number
• C. Atomic number
• D. Proton number

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Atomic number. The atomic number corresponds to the number of protons in an element. Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Each element has a unique atomic number, which defines its identity based on the number of protons it contains. Choice A, Atomic mass, is incorrect as it refers to the average mass of an atom of an element. Choice B, Mass number, represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Choice D, Proton number, is not a commonly used term in chemistry to indicate the number of protons.

2. What is the typical oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds?

• A. -1
• B. -2
• C. 0
• D. -3

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "-2". Oxygen usually exhibits an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. This is due to oxygen's high electronegativity, which causes it to attract electrons, leading to the gain of two electrons in chemical reactions. Choice A (-1) is incorrect because oxygen rarely has an oxidation state of -1 in compounds. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen does not usually have an oxidation state of zero in compounds. Choice D (-3) is incorrect as oxygen does not commonly have an oxidation state of -3 in compounds.

3. What can stop the penetration of alpha particles?

• A. Aluminum foil
• B. Glass
• C. Piece of paper
• D. Plastic

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Alpha particles can be stopped by a piece of paper due to their low penetration power. The paper acts as a shield, effectively blocking the alpha particles from passing through. In contrast, materials like aluminum foil, glass, and plastic are not as effective as a simple piece of paper in stopping alpha particles. Aluminum foil is more effective against beta particles, gamma rays, and x-rays due to its higher density. Glass and plastic also provide some protection against beta particles and gamma rays, but they are less effective than a piece of paper against alpha particles.

4. 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.

5. What is the correct electron configuration for carbon?

• A. 1s²2s²2p¹
• B. 1s²2s²2p²
• C. 1s²2s²2p³
• D. 1s²2s²2p⁶3s¹

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct electron configuration for carbon is 1s²2s²2p². This configuration indicates that there are 2 electrons in the first energy level (1s²), 2 electrons in the second energy level (2s²), and 2 electrons in the second energy level (2p²). It adheres to the aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level, and the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that each electron in an atom must have a unique set of quantum numbers. Choice A is incorrect because it does not fill the 2p orbital correctly. Choice C is incorrect as it exceeds the number of possible electrons in the 2p orbital. Choice D is incorrect as it includes an electron in the 3s orbital, which is not part of the electron configuration for carbon.

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