HESI A2 Chemistry

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 19 protons. Potassium's atomic number is 19, which represents the number of protons in its nucleus. Protons are positively charged particles in an atom. Option A (18) is incorrect as it does not match the atomic number of Potassium. Options C (20) and D (21) are also incorrect as they do not correspond to Potassium's atomic number. Thus, the correct answer is B (19) based on the periodic table.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: London dispersion force. This is because London dispersion forces are the weakest intermolecular force, resulting in lower boiling points compared to the other options. London dispersion forces are temporary, induced forces caused by momentary fluctuations in electron distribution within molecules. Dipole-dipole interactions (A), Keesom interactions (C), and hydrogen bonding (D) are stronger intermolecular forces that require specific molecular properties such as permanent dipoles or hydrogen bonding, leading to higher boiling points. Therefore, London dispersion forces would result in the lowest boiling point among the options provided.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Nonmetals are elements that lack metallic properties. 2. Sulfur is a nonmetal as it exists in a gaseous form at room temperature, lacks luster, and is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. 3. Mercury (A) is a metal as it is a liquid at room temperature. 4. Magnesium (B) and Potassium (D) are both metals as they are solid at room temperature and exhibit typical metallic properties. Summary: - A: Mercury is a metal. - B: Magnesium is a metal. - C: Sulfur is the correct answer as a nonmetal. - D: Potassium is a metal.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 6. In an atom of carbon-12, the atomic number (number of protons) is 6. Since the atomic number represents the number of protons, to find the number of neutrons, we subtract the atomic number from the mass number. Carbon-12 has a mass number of 12, so 12 - 6 = 6 neutrons. Other choices are incorrect because: A: 2 - This is not correct because the number of neutrons is not equal to the atomic number in carbon-12. B: 4 - This is incorrect as it does not consider the correct calculation based on the atomic number and mass number. D: 24 - This answer is incorrect as it is not related to the atomic structure of carbon-12.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct formula for potassium chloride is KCl. "K" represents potassium and "Cl" represents chloride. Potassium is a metal with a +1 charge, while chloride is a non-metal with a -1 charge. When these two ions combine, they form a neutral compound with a 1:1 ratio, resulting in the formula KCl. Choice A (NaCl) is incorrect because "Na" represents sodium, not potassium. Choice C (KCl) is also incorrect because it is the same as the correct answer. Choice D (ClK) is incorrect as the order of elements in a chemical formula matters, and in this case, it should be KCl to represent potassium chloride accurately.