Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the solid state, you would expect a nonmetal to be brittle. Nonmetals generally lack the malleability and ductility of metals, which makes them prone to being brittle and easily fractured under stress. This property is due to the lack of metallic bonding in nonmetals, which results in a more rigid and less flexible structure. Choice B, 'lustrous,' is incorrect because nonmetals typically do not exhibit a shiny or reflective surface like metals do. Choice C, 'malleable,' is also incorrect as nonmetals lack the ability to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets like metals. Choice D, 'conductive,' is incorrect since nonmetals are generally poor conductors of electricity compared to metals.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct electron configuration for carbon is 1s²2s²2p². This configuration indicates that there are 2 electrons in the first energy level (1s²), 2 electrons in the second energy level (2s²), and 2 electrons in the second energy level (2p²). It adheres to the aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level, and the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that each electron in an atom must have a unique set of quantum numbers. Choice A is incorrect because it does not fill the 2p orbital correctly. Choice C is incorrect as it exceeds the number of possible electrons in the 2p orbital. Choice D is incorrect as it includes an electron in the 3s orbital, which is not part of the electron configuration for carbon.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The atomic number of neon is 10, which represents the number of protons in its nucleus. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons to maintain electrical neutrality. Therefore, a neutral atom of neon contains 10 electrons, matching the 10 protons within the nucleus. Choice A (9 electrons) is incorrect as it doesn't correspond to the atomic number of neon. Choices C (11 electrons) and D (12 electrons) are also incorrect as they do not align with the correct atomic number of neon.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct formula for sodium nitrate is NaNO₃. In this formula, 'Na' represents sodium, 'N' represents nitrogen, and 'O₃' represents three oxygen atoms. Sodium nitrate consists of one sodium ion (Na⁺) and one nitrate ion (NO₃⁻), which means the correct formula is NaNO₃. Choice A (NaNO) is incorrect as it lacks the subscript indicating the presence of three oxygen atoms. Choice B (Na NO) is incorrect as it includes a space between 'Na' and 'NO', which is not part of the standard chemical formula notation. Choice D (Na NO₂) is incorrect as it indicates a different compound with a nitrite ion (NO₂⁻) instead of nitrate ion.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with no charge. They are neutral particles that do not possess any electric charge. This characteristic allows them to be unaffected by electric or magnetic fields. Additionally, gamma rays travel at the speed of light in a vacuum. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as gamma rays do not carry a charge of -1, +1, or +2; they are neutral entities.