Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a proton and a neutron in an atom?

Accepted Answer

Protons have a positive charge, while neutrons have no charge.

Question 2

Which statement about electron shells is correct?

Accepted Answer

Electrons in the outermost shell are called valence electrons and are involved in chemical bonding.

Question 3

A neutral atom of carbon has 6 protons. How many electrons does it have?

Accepted Answer

6

Question 4

Which of the following equations represents the chemical reaction for cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 6\mathrm{CO_2} + 6\mathrm{H_2O}$

Question 5

Which of the following is true about isotopes?

Accepted Answer

Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Question 6

Which of the following elements is most likely to form ionic bonds due to its electron configuration?

Accepted Answer

Sodium (Na)

Question 7

If an atom has 11 protons, 12 neutrons, and 11 electrons, what element is it and what is its mass number?

Accepted Answer

Sodium (Na), mass number 23

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why atoms form chemical bonds?

Accepted Answer

Atoms form bonds to achieve a full outer electron shell and become more stable.

Question 9

Which of the following is a trace element essential for human health?

Accepted Answer

Magnesium (Mg)

Question 10

An atom of oxygen typically has 8 protons and 8 neutrons. What is the atomic number and mass number of this atom?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number: 8, Mass number: 16

Question 11

Which statement about energy is most accurate according to modern physics?

Accepted Answer

Energy is defined as the capacity to do work or supply heat.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a molecule?

Accepted Answer

A molecule is a group of atoms bonded together.

Question 13

Which of the following elements has a full outer electron shell in its neutral state?

Accepted Answer

Helium (He)

Question 14

If an atom has a valence of 3, how many unpaired electrons does it have in its outer shell?

Accepted Answer

3

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a main group element?

Accepted Answer

Iron (Fe)

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why most of an atom's volume is empty space?

Accepted Answer

Electrons occupy orbitals that are spread out around the nucleus, leaving most of the atom as empty space.

Question 17

A newly discovered element has 2 protons, 2 neutrons, and 2 electrons. Which element is it?

Accepted Answer

Helium (He)

Question 18

Which of the following is the best definition of a chemical element?

Accepted Answer

A substance that cannot be broken down into other substances by chemical means.

Question 19

Which of the following is true about the stability of atoms?

Accepted Answer

Atoms are most stable when their outermost electron shell is full.

Question 20

A scientist wants to test whether a newly discovered plant is carnivorous. Which of the following is the best first step in designing an experiment?

Accepted Answer

Formulate a hypothesis and design a controlled experiment to test if the plant digests animal material.

Introduction to Energy, Matter, and Atomic Structure in Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions