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 atomic number (Z) of an element is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. This number uniquely identifies a chemical element and determines its chemical properties.

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

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. Since both atoms have 17 protons, they are both atoms of chlorine, but they have different numbers of neutrons (18 and 20), making them isotopes.

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

An ionic bond is a type of chemical bond formed through the electrostatic attraction between two oppositely charged ions. It is formed by the complete transfer of one or more valence electrons from a metal atom to a nonmetal atom.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Proton

Answer

A proton is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of every atom, carrying a positive electric charge. Electrons are negatively charged and orbit the nucleus, while neutrons are in the nucleus but have no charge.

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

Magnesium forms a Mg²+ ion by losing two electrons. Chlorine forms a Cl⁻ ion by gaining one electron. To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge. Therefore, two chloride ions are needed to balance the charge of one magnesium ion, resulting in the formula MgCl₂.

BMST - Basic Math and Science Test Practice Test

BMST - Basic Math and Science Test Practice Test

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