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 is 0 K equal to in °C?

A. -300°C
B. -273°C
C. -250°C
D. -200°C

Correct answer: B

Rationale: 0 Kelvin, also known as absolute zero, is equal to -273°C. This is the point at which all molecular motion stops, making it the lowest possible temperature on the Kelvin scale. Choice A (-300°C) is incorrect as it is not the correct conversion of 0 K to °C. Choice C (-250°C) and Choice D (-200°C) are also incorrect as they do not correspond to the accurate conversion of 0 K to °C.

3. What type of chemical reaction involves the combination of two elements to form a product?

A. Decomposition
B. Combustion
C. Synthesis
D. Double replacement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A synthesis reaction involves the combination of two or more substances to form a single, more complex product. In the context of chemical reactions, it specifically refers to the combination of two elements to form a compound. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Decomposition reactions involve the breakdown of a single compound into simpler substances (opposite of synthesis). Combustion reactions involve a substance reacting with oxygen to produce heat and light, not the combination of elements. Double replacement reactions involve the exchange of ions between two compounds, leading to the formation of two new compounds, not the combination of two elements.

4. Which type of radiation involves the emission of helium ions?

A. Beta
B. Alpha
C. Gamma
D. Delta

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Alpha radiation involves the emission of helium ions. Helium ions are composed of two protons and two neutrons, which is the same as the nucleus of a helium atom. This type of radiation has low penetration power and can be stopped by a piece of paper or human skin, making it less harmful compared to other forms of radiation like beta or gamma radiation. Beta radiation involves the emission of high-speed electrons, while gamma radiation involves electromagnetic waves with high energy. Delta radiation is not a recognized form of radiation in this context, making it an incorrect choice.

5. Which of the following compounds is ionic?

A. NaCl
B. H₂O
C. HCl
D. NH₃

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is NaCl (sodium chloride). Ionic compounds are formed by the transfer of electrons between a metal and a nonmetal. In NaCl, sodium (Na) is a metal, and chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal. Sodium donates an electron to chlorine, leading to the formation of the ionic bond between them. This results in the formation of an ionic compound, where positively charged sodium ions are attracted to negatively charged chloride ions, creating a crystal lattice structure. Choices B, C, and D are not ionic compounds. H₂O (water) is a covalent compound formed by the sharing of electrons between two nonmetals (oxygen and hydrogen). HCl (hydrogen chloride) and NH₃ (ammonia) are also covalent compounds involving nonmetals sharing electrons, not transferring them.