why does fluorine have a higher ionization energy than oxygen

HESI A2

Chemistry Hesi A2

1. Why does fluorine have a higher ionization energy than oxygen?

A. Fluorine has a smaller number of neutrons.
B. Fluorine has a larger number of neutrons.
C. Fluorine has a smaller nuclear charge.
D. Fluorine has a larger nuclear charge.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fluorine has a higher ionization energy than oxygen because fluorine has a larger nuclear charge. The greater number of protons in the nucleus of fluorine attracts its electrons more strongly, making it harder to remove an electron from a fluorine atom compared to an oxygen atom. Choice A is incorrect as the number of neutrons does not directly affect ionization energy. Choice B is also incorrect for the same reason. Choice C is incorrect because a smaller nuclear charge would result in lower ionization energy, not higher.

2. What is the pH of a neutral solution?

A. 7
B. 0
C. 14
D. 4

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 7. A neutral solution has a pH of 7. In the pH scale, values below 7 are acidic, 7 is neutral, and values above 7 are basic. Therefore, a solution with a pH of 7 is considered neutral as it is neither acidic nor basic. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a pH of 0 indicates a strong acid, a pH of 14 indicates a strong base, and a pH of 4 indicates an acidic solution. None of these values represent a neutral solution.

3. Which number represents the number of protons in an element?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Atomic number. The atomic number corresponds to the number of protons in an element. Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Each element has a unique atomic number, which defines its identity based on the number of protons it contains. Choice A, Atomic mass, is incorrect as it refers to the average mass of an atom of an element. Choice B, Mass number, represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Choice D, Proton number, is not a commonly used term in chemistry to indicate the number of protons.

4. What is the main component of air?

A. Oxygen
B. Nitrogen
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Argon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nitrogen is the main component of air, constituting approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and argon are also present in smaller amounts, but nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the air. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A, oxygen, is essential for respiration but makes up only about 21% of the atmosphere. Choice C, carbon dioxide, is vital for photosynthesis but exists in trace amounts in the air. Choice D, argon, is a noble gas found in relatively small quantities in the atmosphere.

5. What are the columns of the periodic table called?

A. Periods
B. Families
C. Groups
D. Rows

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the periodic table, columns are referred to as groups, not periods, families, or rows. These groups share similar chemical properties due to the arrangement of elements within each group, which is based on the number of valence electrons. The vertical columns help classify elements with similar characteristics. Periods refer to the rows of the periodic table, while families or groups are the vertical columns.