what does the sum of protons and neutrons in an element represent

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet

1. What does the sum of protons and neutrons in an element represent?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The sum of protons and neutrons in an element is known as the mass number. The mass number is an important concept in chemistry as it represents the total number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) in an atom's nucleus. It is different from the atomic number, which represents the number of protons in an atom. The atomic mass is the average mass of an element's isotopes, taking into account the abundance of each isotope. Neutron number, on the other hand, specifically refers to the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is B, mass number.

2. How many electron pairs are shared to form a double covalent bond?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In a double covalent bond, two pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms. This sharing of two electron pairs results in a stronger bond compared to a single covalent bond where only one pair of electrons is shared. Choice A is incorrect because a single covalent bond involves the sharing of one pair of electrons. Choices C and D are incorrect as they do not represent the correct number of electron pairs shared in a double covalent bond.

3. Balance this equation: Fe + Cl2 → FeCl3

A. 2Fe + 2Cl2 → 2FeCl3
B. 2Fe + 3Cl2 → 2FeCl3
C. 3Fe + 2Cl2 → 3FeCl3
D. 3Fe + 3Cl2 → 6FeCl3

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the given equation, Fe combines with Cl to form FeCl3. To balance the equation, we need to have the same number of each element on both sides. Since Cl is represented as Cl2 in the equation, we need 3 Cl2 molecules to balance Fe, resulting in 2Fe + 3Cl2 → 2FeCl3. Choice A is incorrect because it only balances Fe but not Cl2. Choice C is incorrect as it balances Fe but not Cl2. Choice D is incorrect as it balances Fe but overbalances Cl2.

4. How many protons does Potassium have?

A. 18
B. 19
C. 20
D. 21

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Potassium, with the atomic symbol K, has 19 protons, which is equal to its atomic number. The number of protons determines the element's identity, and in the case of Potassium, it is 19. Choice A (18) is incorrect as it does not correspond to Potassium's proton number. Choice C (20) and Choice D (21) are also incorrect as they do not match the actual number of protons in Potassium.

5. Which of these types of intermolecular force is the strongest?

A. Dipole-dipole interaction
B. London dispersion force
C. Keesom interaction
D. Hydrogen bonding

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hydrogen bonding is the strongest type of intermolecular force among the options provided. It occurs when a hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (such as nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine) and forms a strong electrostatic attraction with an unshared pair of electrons on another electronegative atom. This type of bond is stronger than dipole-dipole interactions, London dispersion forces, and Keesom interactions due to the significant electronegativity difference between the hydrogen and the electronegative atom involved in the bond. The presence of hydrogen bonding contributes to unique properties in substances, such as high boiling and melting points, making it a crucial force in various biological and chemical processes.