Baseline Assessment

Which of these is the smallest particle to retain the properties of an element?

•   an atom

• a proton

• a molecule

• an electron

What makes physical properties different from chemical properties?

• Physical properties relate to elements rather than compounds.

• Physical properties appear only after a chemical change occurs.

• Physical properties describe elements in the solid state rather than in the liquid or gas state.

• Physical properties can be observed without attempting to change the identity of the substance.

A water molecule is made up of one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms. Why is water considered a pure substance?

• Each water molecule is identical.

• Water can be broken down by physical means.

• Water molecules are made up of different types of atoms.

• Water can be combined with other substances by physical means.

Each element has a unique name. How else can an element be represented?

• by its mass

• by its state of matter

• by its chemical symbol

• by an identification number

The table lists the masses and volumes of four mineral samples. Which mineral has the greatest density?

• feldspar

• galena

• garnet

• quartz

All of these statements about elements, atoms, and compounds are true except

• compounds are smaller than atoms

• atoms cannot be broken down into smaller substances

• elements and compounds form the basis of all materials on Earth

• elements consist of one type of atom and can combine to form compounds

Models of different combinations of elements are shown. Which image is a molecule?

• Only the second image, water, is a molecule.

• Only the first image, oxygen gas, is a molecule.

• Only the third image, amino acid glycine, is a molecule.

• All three images, oxygen, water, and amino acid glycine, are molecules.

Which of these is a way in which elements and compounds are similar?

• Elements and compounds are both pure substances.

• Elements and compounds are both listed on the periodic table.

• Elements and compounds are both made up of different kinds of atoms.

• Elements and compounds can both be broken down by physical changes.

Which state of matter will take both the volume and shape of the container that holds it?

• ice

• gas

• solid

• liquid

A child is upset because his ice cream is melting. He thinks he now has less dessert. Which of these explanations correctly states why the child is incorrect?

• No mass is lost during a change of state.

• He actually has more, not less, ice cream.

• The mass will increase if he freezes the melted ice cream.

• Mass is lost only during certain changes of state, such as freezing.