what is atomic mass

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry

1. 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.

2. What charge do alpha radiation particles have?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: +2. Alpha radiation particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, giving them a net charge of +2. This positive charge is due to the presence of the two protons in the nucleus of the alpha particle. Choice A (-2) is incorrect as alpha particles have a positive charge. Choice B (0) is incorrect as alpha particles carry a charge. Choice D (+1) is incorrect as alpha particles have a higher positive charge due to the presence of two protons.

3. Which elements are typically involved in hydrogen bonding?

A. Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
B. Fluorine, chlorine, oxygen
C. Fluorine, chlorine, nitrogen
D. Fluorine, oxygen, nitrogen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hydrogen bonding occurs between hydrogen and highly electronegative atoms such as fluorine, oxygen, and nitrogen. These atoms have a strong pull on the shared electrons, leading to a partial negative charge on them, which allows them to form hydrogen bonds with hydrogen or other electronegative atoms. Choice A is incorrect because carbon is not typically involved in hydrogen bonding. Choice B is incorrect because chlorine is not as electronegative as nitrogen, and choice C is incorrect because nitrogen is more electronegative than chlorine.

4. Which intermolecular force is the strongest?

A. Dipole interactions
B. Dispersion forces
C. Hydrogen bonding
D. Van der Waals forces

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hydrogen bonding is the strongest intermolecular force due to its specific interaction between a hydrogen atom and a highly electronegative atom like nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine. This type of bonding results in a very strong attraction between molecules, making it the strongest intermolecular force among the options provided. Dipole interactions (choice A) are weaker than hydrogen bonding as they occur between polar molecules. Dispersion forces (choice B) are the weakest intermolecular forces and are caused by temporary fluctuations in electron distribution. Van der Waals forces (choice D) are a broader term that encompasses dipole interactions and dispersion forces, making them weaker than hydrogen bonding.

5. What is the SI unit of energy?

A. ohm
B. joule
C. henry
D. newton

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The SI unit of energy is the 'joule'. The joule is defined as the work done when a force of one newton acts over a distance of one meter. It is the standard unit used to measure energy in the International System of Units (SI). Therefore, the correct answer is 'joule.' Choice A, 'ohm,' is the SI unit of electrical resistance, not energy. Choice C, 'henry,' is the SI unit of inductance, not energy. Choice D, 'newton,' is the SI unit of force, not energy. Hence, they are all incorrect in the context of measuring energy.