Physical Science Quiz 1

Which element has the chemical symbol "Na"?

• Oxygen

• Sodium

• Hydrogen

• Iron

Answer explanation

What is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element?

• Molecule

• Proton

• Compound

• Atom

Answer explanation

Which of the following statements best describes the structure of an atom?

• Atoms consist of a central nucleus made up of electrons, with protons and neutrons moving in energy shells.

• Atoms are composed of protons and electrons, with electrons arranged in energy levels around the nucleus.

• Atoms are composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons, with electrons orbiting the nucleus in fixed paths.

• Atoms are made up of tiny, indivisible particles called electrons, which are arranged in energy levels.

In a neutral atom of oxygen, which subatomic particles are present and correctly represented?

• 6 protons, 6 electrons, 6 neutrons

• 8 protons, 6 electrons, 6 neutrons

• 8 protons, 8 electrons, 8 neutrons

• 6 protons, 6 electrons, 8 neutrons

Which of the following best describes the primary source of elements heavier than iron in the universe, as understood through the process of nucleosynthesis?

• These elements are primarily created through the fusion of hydrogen in main-sequence stars.

• These elements are primarily generated through cosmic ray interactions with interstellar gas.

• These elements are primarily formed during the Big Bang.

• These elements are primarily produced during the core collapse of massive stars (supernovae).

Which of the following statements represents a key implication of nucleosynthesis for our understanding of the universe?

• Nucleosynthesis in stars is responsible for the production of elements essential for the formation of planets, life, and diverse chemical compounds.

• Nucleosynthesis only occurs in laboratory settings and has no relevance to astrophysics.

• Nucleosynthesis occurs primarily in black holes and contributes to the formation of galaxies.

• Nucleosynthesis processes are purely theoretical and have no experimental evidence to support them.

Which of the following best describes the relationship between protons and electrons in a neutral atom?

• Protons and electrons have the same mass, resulting in a neutral charge.

• Protons and electrons are located in the nucleus of an atom, balancing each other’s charges.

• Protons are positively charged and electrons are negatively charged, with equal numbers balancing the atom's overall charge.

• Protons and electrons are positively charged, neutralizing each other in a neutral atom.

What is the electrical charge of an ion that has gained one electron?

• +1

• -1

• 0

• +2

What is the chemical symbol for the element with the atomic number 1?

• Li

• Be

• H

• He

Which of the following best represents how the particles in an atom are arranged in the nucleus?

• Electrons are in the nucleus, while protons and neutrons orbit around the nucleus.

• Neutrons and electrons are in the nucleus, while protons orbit around the nucleus.

• Protons and electrons are in the nucleus, while neutrons orbit around the nucleus.

• Protons and neutrons are in the nucleus, while electrons orbit around the nucleus.