which element is a metalloid

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Questions

1. Which element is a metalloid?

A. Silicon
B. Lead
C. Helium
D. Aluminum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Silicon.' Silicon is a metalloid, which means it has properties of both metals and nonmetals. It is commonly used in electronic devices due to its semiconductor properties. Lead (Choice B) is a metal, Helium (Choice C) is a noble gas, and Aluminum (Choice D) is a metal.

2. What defines a balanced chemical equation?

A. An equation where the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides
B. An equation where there are more products than reactants
C. An equation where the number of molecules is balanced
D. An equation with equal masses on both sides

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A balanced chemical equation is one in which the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. This balance ensures the law of conservation of mass is upheld, where the total mass of the reactants equals the total mass of the products. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B is incorrect as a balanced equation has an equal number of products and reactants. Option C is incorrect as balancing refers to the number of atoms, not molecules. Option D is incorrect as balancing is based on the number of atoms, not masses. Therefore, option A is the correct choice as it accurately describes a balanced chemical equation.

3. 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.

4. What are neutral particles called?

A. Neutrons
B. Protons
C. Electrons
D. Cations

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Neutral particles, which have no electric charge, are known as neutrons. Neutrons are found in the nucleus of an atom along with protons. Electrons carry a negative charge and orbit the nucleus. Cations are positively charged ions formed by losing electrons. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Neutrons' as they are the neutral particles in an atom, unlike protons, electrons, or cations.

5. What is the correct formula for calcium carbonate?

A. CaSO₃
B. CaCO₃
C. Ca(OH)₂
D. CH₃OH

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct formula for calcium carbonate is CaCO₃, which consists of one calcium (Ca) atom, one carbon (C) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms. Therefore, choice B, CaCO₃, is the accurate formula for calcium carbonate. Choices A, C, and D do not represent the correct formula for calcium carbonate. Choice A, CaSO₃, is calcium sulfite, not calcium carbonate. Choice C, Ca(OH)₂, is calcium hydroxide, and choice D, CH₃OH, is methanol, none of which are correct formulas for calcium carbonate.