Atoms and Elements Quiz

What is the smallest particle of an element that retains its chemical properties?

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Which subatomic particle has a positive charge?

• proton

• electron

• neutron

• photon

Answer explanation

The question asks about the subatomic particle with a positive charge. Among the given options, the proton is the correct choice because it carries a positive charge. Electrons have a negative charge, neutrons have no charge, and photons are particles of light and do not carry a charge.

What is the atomic number of carbon?

• 6

• 2

• 8

• 12

Answer explanation

The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in its nucleus. In the case of carbon, its atomic number is 6, which means it has 6 protons in its nucleus. This is why the correct answer to the question 'What is the atomic number of carbon?' is 6.

Which element has the symbol Na on the periodic table?

• neon

• nickel

• nitrogen

• sodium

Answer explanation

The question asks about the element with the symbol 'Na' on the periodic table. The correct answer is 'sodium'. The symbol 'Na' comes from the Latin name for sodium, 'natrium'. The other options, 'neon', 'nickel', and 'nitrogen', have the symbols 'Ne', 'Ni', and 'N' respectively.

What is the name given to the outermost shell of an atom?

• core shell

• nucleus shell

• inner shell

• valence shell

Answer explanation

The outermost shell of an atom is called the valence shell. This is where the atom's highest energy electrons exist and participate in chemical reactions. The other options, such as the core shell, nucleus shell, and inner shell, are not terms typically used to describe parts of an atom.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

What is the charge of an ion that has gained electrons?

• +

• -

• 0

• ++

Answer explanation

An ion that has gained electrons has a negative charge. This is because electrons are negatively charged. When an atom gains electrons, it has more electrons than protons, resulting in a negative charge. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is '-'.

What type of bond is formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another?

• ionic bond

• covalent bond

• metallic bond

• hydrogen bond

Answer explanation

An ionic bond is formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another. This transfer results in a positive ion and a negative ion. The positive ion is attracted to the negative ion, forming an ionic bond. This is why the correct answer to the question is 'ionic bond'.

What is the chemical formula for water?

• HO

• O2

• H2O2

• H2O

Answer explanation

The question asks for the chemical formula of water. The correct answer is H2O. This is because water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, which is represented by the formula H2O. The other options, HO, O2, and H2O2, are not correct as they represent different compounds, not water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Which element has the atomic number 8?

• carbon

• helium

• sodium

• oxygen

Answer explanation

The question asks about the element with the atomic number 8. The atomic number of an element corresponds to the number of protons in its nucleus. In this case, the element with atomic number 8 is oxygen. Therefore, the correct answer is oxygen, not carbon, helium, or sodium.

What is the name given to a bond formed by the sharing of electrons?

• hydrogen bond

• metallic bond

• ionic bond

• covalent bond

Answer explanation

A covalent bond is the name given to a bond formed by the sharing of electrons. This type of bond occurs when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, creating a strong bond. This is different from ionic bonds, which involve the transfer of electrons, and hydrogen and metallic bonds, which have different bonding mechanisms.