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.
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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.
What term refers to the average of the masses of each of its isotopes as they occur in nature?
- A. Atomic number
- B. Mass number
- C. Atomic mass
- D. Neutron number
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is atomic mass. Atomic mass is the weighted average of the masses of an element's isotopes. It takes into account the abundance of each isotope in nature to provide a more accurate representation of the element's overall mass.
Choice A, atomic number, represents the number of protons in an atom. Choice B, mass number, refers to the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Choice D, neutron number, specifically focuses on the count of neutrons in an atom's nucleus. These choices do not directly relate to the average mass of isotopes as asked in the question.
How many pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms in a single bond?
- A. 1
- B. 2
- C. 3
- D. 4
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a single bond, two atoms share one pair of electrons. This shared pair of electrons is what holds the atoms together in the bond. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 1. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the number of electron pairs shared in a single bond.
What type of intermolecular force is a dipole attraction?
- A. Strong
- B. Weak
- C. Medium
- D. Very strong
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A dipole attraction is considered a weak intermolecular force. It occurs between molecules with permanent dipoles, where the positive end of one molecule is attracted to the negative end of another molecule. While dipole-dipole interactions are stronger than dispersion forces, they are weaker than hydrogen bonding or ion-dipole interactions. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Weak.' Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because dipole attractions are not classified as strong, medium, or very strong intermolecular forces, but rather fall into the category of weak intermolecular forces.
What are positively charged ions called?
- A. Neutrons
- B. Protons
- C. Cations
- D. Electrons
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Positively charged ions are called cations. When an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged and is referred to as a cation. Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom, not charged. Protons are positively charged particles in the nucleus. Electrons are negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus, not positively charged ions.