BMST - Basic Math and Science Atomic Structure and Bonding Questions and Answers

Question 1

An atom of an element is defined by which fundamental quantity?

Accepted Answer

The number of protons in the nucleus

Answer

The number of neutrons in the nucleus

Answer

The total number of protons and neutrons

Answer

The number of electrons in the valence shell

Question 2

A scientist is studying two atoms. Atom A has 17 protons and 18 neutrons. Atom B has 17 protons and 20 neutrons. Which term best describes the relationship between Atom A and Atom B?

Accepted Answer

They are isotopes of the same element.

Answer

They are ions of the same element.

Answer

They are different elements.

Answer

They are allotropes of the same element.

Question 3

Which of the following describes the formation of an ionic bond?

Accepted Answer

A metal atom transferring one or more valence electrons to a nonmetal atom.

Answer

Two nonmetal atoms sharing a pair of electrons to achieve stability.

Answer

A lattice of positive ions immersed in a 'sea' of delocalized electrons.

Answer

Two atoms with identical electronegativity sharing electrons equally.

Question 4

Which subatomic particle has a positive charge and is located within the nucleus of an atom?

Accepted Answer

Proton

Answer

Electron

Answer

Positron

Answer

Neutron

Question 5

A magnesium atom (Mg) readily loses two electrons to form an ion, while a chlorine atom (Cl) readily gains one electron to form an ion. What is the chemical formula for the ionic compound magnesium chloride?

Accepted Answer

MgCl2

Answer

MgCl

Answer

Mg2Cl

Answer

Mg2Cl2

Question 6

The ability of metals to conduct electricity is a direct result of which type of bonding?

Accepted Answer

Metallic bonding

Answer

Ionic bonding

Answer

Nonpolar covalent bonding

Answer

Polar covalent bonding