isotopes quiz

What is the chemical symbol for Sodium?

• Na

• S

• N

• So

Answer explanation

The chemical symbol for Sodium is 'Na', derived from its Latin name 'Natrium'. The other options, 'S', 'N', and 'So', do not represent Sodium.

Which element has the chemical symbol 'Hg'?

• A) Hydrogen

• B) Helium

• C) Mercury

• D) Magnesium

Answer explanation

The chemical symbol 'Hg' stands for Mercury, which is a heavy metal known for its liquid state at room temperature. The other options, Hydrogen, Helium, and Magnesium, have different symbols: H, He, and Mg respectively.

The element with atomic number 6 is:

• Carbon

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Helium

Answer explanation

The element with atomic number 6 is Carbon. Each element is defined by its atomic number, which represents the number of protons in its nucleus. Carbon, with 6 protons, is essential for life and forms the basis of organic chemistry.

The element with the chemical symbol 'O' is:

• Oxygen

• Hydrogen

• Nitrogen

• Carbon

Answer explanation

The chemical symbol 'O' represents Oxygen, which is essential for respiration in living organisms. Hydrogen (H), Nitrogen (N), and Carbon (C) have different symbols and are distinct elements.

What does the atomic number tell us about an element?

• The number of electrons

• The number of protons

• The number of neutrons

• The atomic mass

Answer explanation

The atomic number of an element indicates the number of protons in its nucleus. Since the number of protons determines the element's identity, the atomic number is fundamental in understanding the element's properties.

In an electrically neutral atom, the number of protons is equal to the total number of _______.

• electrons

• neutrons

• atoms

• molecules

Answer explanation

In an electrically neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons. This balance ensures that the positive charge from protons is offset by the negative charge from electrons, maintaining neutrality.

What is the symbol used for in the periodic table?

• To represent the atomic mass

• To identify the number of neutrons

• As an abbreviation for the name of the element

• To show the electron configuration

Answer explanation

The symbol in the periodic table serves as an abbreviation for the name of the element, making it easier to identify and reference each element quickly.

Find the mass number of the following atom: Carbon (C) with 6 protons and 6 neutrons.

• 10

• 11

• 12

• 13

Answer explanation

The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom. For Carbon (C), with 6 protons and 6 neutrons, the mass number is 6 + 6 = 12. Therefore, the correct answer is 12.

Find the mass number of the following atom: Fluorine (F) with 9 protons and 10 neutrons.

• 19

• 18

• 20

• 21

Answer explanation

The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons. Fluorine has 9 protons and 10 neutrons, so 9 + 10 = 19. Therefore, the mass number of the atom is 19.

Find the mass number of the following atom: Calcium (Ca) with 20 protons and 20 neutrons.

• 35

• 38

• 39

• 40

Answer explanation

The mass number of an atom is the sum of its protons and neutrons. For Calcium (Ca), with 20 protons and 20 neutrons, the mass number is 20 + 20 = 40. Therefore, the correct answer is 40.