Physical Science SPS1 vocabulary

What is the definition of the Periodic Table?

• A systematic arrangement of elements based on their atomic number, grouped by similar properties.

• The organization of subatomic particles within an atom.

• Atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons.

• Variants of a chemical element with different numbers of neutrons.

Answer explanation

The Periodic Table is defined as a systematic arrangement of elements based on their atomic number, which groups them by similar properties, making it a fundamental tool in chemistry.

Which of the following is an example of a metal?

• Oxygen (O)

• Sodium (Na)

• Iron (Fe)

• Carbon-12

Answer explanation

Iron (Fe) is a metal, known for its strength and conductivity. In contrast, Oxygen (O) and Carbon-12 are nonmetals, while Sodium (Na) is an alkali metal but not the best example compared to Iron.

What are valence electrons?

• Electrons located in the innermost shell of an atom.

• Electrons located in the outermost shell of an atom.

• Protons in the nucleus of an atom.

• Neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Answer explanation

Valence electrons are the electrons located in the outermost shell of an atom. They play a crucial role in chemical bonding and determine how an atom interacts with others.

What is the atomic number of an element?

• The number of neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

• The number of electrons in the outermost shell.

• The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

• The weighted average mass of an element's isotopes.

Answer explanation

The atomic number of an element is defined as the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. This number determines the element's identity and its position in the periodic table.

Which of the following is an example of a nonmetal?

• Gold (Au)

• Sulfur (S)

• Boron (B)

• Sodium (Na)

Answer explanation

Sulfur (S) is a nonmetal, known for its lack of metallic properties. In contrast, Gold (Au) is a metal, Boron (B) is a metalloid, and Sodium (Na) is an alkali metal. Therefore, the correct answer is Sulfur (S).

What is the tendency of a substance to undergo a chemical reaction, either by itself or with other materials, called?

• Phases

• Groups

• Reactivity

• Trends

Answer explanation

The tendency of a substance to undergo a chemical reaction is known as reactivity. This term specifically describes how readily a substance reacts with others, making 'reactivity' the correct choice.

Which of the following describes the distinct states of matter that elements can exist in at room temperature?

• Trends

• Phases

• Groups

• Periods

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Phases' as it refers to the distinct states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) that elements can exist in at room temperature, unlike 'Trends', 'Groups', and 'Periods', which relate to the periodic table.

What are the vertical columns in the Periodic Table that contain elements with similar chemical properties called?

• Periods

• Trends

• Groups

• Phases

Answer explanation

The vertical columns in the Periodic Table are called Groups. Elements in the same group share similar chemical properties due to their similar electron configurations.

What are the horizontal rows in the Periodic Table that reflect the increasing atomic number of elements called?

• Groups

• Periods

• Trends

• Phases

Answer explanation

The horizontal rows in the Periodic Table are called 'Periods'. They represent elements arranged by increasing atomic number, distinguishing them from 'Groups', which are vertical columns.

What term describes patterns observed in the properties of elements across the Periodic Table, such as electronegativity and ionization energy?

• Reactivity

• Phases

• Trends

• Groups

Answer explanation

The term 'Trends' describes the patterns in properties like electronegativity and ionization energy across the Periodic Table, indicating how these properties change systematically across periods and groups.