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. What creates a dipole in a covalent bond?

A. Unequal sharing of electrons
B. Equal sharing of electrons
C. Exchange of electrons
D. Transfer of electrons

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A dipole is created in a covalent bond when there is an unequal sharing of electrons between the atoms involved. This results in a partial positive charge on one atom and a partial negative charge on the other, leading to a separation of charges and the formation of a dipole. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a dipole is specifically formed due to unequal sharing of electrons, not equal sharing, exchange, or transfer of electrons in a covalent bond.

3. What can stop the penetration of beta radiation particles?

A. Plastic
B. Glass
C. Aluminum foil
D. Concrete

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Beta radiation particles are high-energy, fast-moving electrons or positrons. Aluminum foil is effective in stopping beta radiation due to its ability to absorb and block these particles. When beta particles interact with the aluminum foil, they lose energy and are absorbed, preventing their penetration. Plastic and glass are not as effective as aluminum foil in stopping beta radiation. While concrete provides some shielding against beta particles, aluminum foil is a more suitable material for this purpose as it offers better absorption and blocking capabilities.

4. What term refers to the average of the masses of each of its isotopes as they occur in nature?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is atomic mass. Atomic mass is the weighted average of the masses of an element's isotopes. It takes into account the abundance of each isotope in nature to provide a more accurate representation of the element's overall mass. Choice A, atomic number, represents the number of protons in an atom. Choice B, mass number, refers to the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Choice D, neutron number, specifically focuses on the count of neutrons in an atom's nucleus. These choices do not directly relate to the average mass of isotopes as asked in the question.

5. Which one does not name a polar molecule?

A. NH₃
B. H₂S
C. SO₂
D. CO₂

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is NH₃. The molecule NH₃ does not represent a polar molecule because nitrogen and hydrogen in this molecule have a small difference in electronegativity that does not result in a significant polar covalent bond. In contrast, molecules H₂S, SO₂, and CO₂ have polar covalent bonds due to larger electronegativity differences, making them polar molecules. Therefore, options B, C, and D are polar molecules, unlike option A.