Periodic Table and Atomic Structure Quiz

What fundamental particle determines an element's atomic number?

• Neutron

• Electron

• Proton

• Positron

Two isotopes of the same element have the same ________ but different __________.

• mass number; atomic number

• atomic number; number of electrons

• atomic number; mass number

• number of neutrons; number of protons

The periodic table organizes elements primarily based on their:

• mass

• density

• atomic number

• reactivity

Which of the following best describes how scientists synthesize new elements?

• Combining elements with similar chemical properties.

• Bombarding existing nuclei with particles to create heavier nuclei.

• Separating isotopes of existing elements.

• Altering the number of electrons in an atom.

What is a major challenge in synthesizing new, heavy elements?

• Obtaining sufficient quantities of starting materials.

• The extreme instability and short half-lives of the synthesized elements.

• The high cost of the necessary equipment.

• Predicting the chemical properties of the new elements.

The synthesis of new elements often involves the use of:

• Low-energy particle accelerators.

• High-energy particle accelerators.

• Chemical reactions at room temperature.

• Simple mixing of elements.

How does knowing the atomic number help in identifying a newly synthesized element?

• It determines the element's color.

• It allows prediction of its chemical behavior and properties.

• It determines its melting point.

• It determines its density.

What is the significance of the 'island of stability' in the context of element synthesis?

• It's a region where synthesized elements are particularly colorful.

• It's a region where synthesized elements are predicted to have longer half-lives.

• It's a region where synthesized elements are especially reactive.

• It's a region where synthesized elements are particularly dense.

The element with atomic number 118, Oganesson (Og), is:

• A naturally occurring element.

• A synthetic element.

• An element found only in outer space.

• An element that exists only in theory.

Besides particle accelerators, what other technology is crucial in the detection and characterization of newly synthesized elements?

• Powerful microscopes.

• Advanced mass spectrometers.

• High-resolution cameras.

• Sensitive thermometers.