HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Questions Related

Review HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Questions related questions and content

What distinguishes one allotrope from another?

  • A. Arrangement of atoms
  • B. Gram atomic mass
  • C. Physical state
  • D. Stability
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Allotropes are different forms of the same element that exist in the same physical state but have different structures. The arrangement of atoms is what distinguishes one allotrope from another, determining their unique properties and characteristics. Gram atomic mass (Choice B) is a constant value for a specific element and does not change between different allotropes. Physical state (Choice C) refers to whether a substance is a solid, liquid, or gas, which can be the same for different allotropes of an element. Stability (Choice D) can vary between different allotropes, but it is not what always differentiates one allotrope from another. Therefore, the correct answer is the arrangement of atoms, as it is the key factor that varies across different allotropes.