What does the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom determine?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is referred to as the atomic number. This atomic number is crucial as it uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. The mass number, on the other hand, represents the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Isotopes are variants of elements with the same number of protons but differing numbers of neutrons. Valence electron count pertains to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, which influences its chemical behavior.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Ionization energy is defined as the energy required to remove an electron from an atom in the gaseous state. This process typically involves removing an electron from the outermost shell of the atom. Therefore, option A accurately describes the concept of ionization energy. The other choices do not accurately describe ionization energy; option B refers to bond formation energy, option C is about the total energy of electrons in an atom, and option D relates to nuclear energy changes, not ionization energy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: - The atomic number (Z) represents the number of protons in an atom. In this case, the atomic number is 20. - The mass number (A) represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom. In this case, the mass number is 40. - To find the number of neutrons, you subtract the atomic number from the mass number: Neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number. - Neutrons = 40 - 20 = 20. - Therefore, the element with atomic number 20 and mass number 40 has 20 neutrons.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is graphite. Graphite is a non-metal that is a good conductor of electricity due to its unique electronic structure. While metals are typically known for their conductivity, graphite is an exception to this rule. Copper (choice A), silver (choice B), and gold (choice D) are all metals and are known for their excellent conductivity. Therefore, they do not fit the criteria of the question, which specifically asks for an element that is a good conductor of electricity but is not a metal.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Mercury is the correct element used in fluorescent lamps to emit ultraviolet light when excited. When an electric current passes through the mercury vapor inside the lamp, it generates ultraviolet (UV) light. This UV light then excites the phosphors coated on the inner surface of the lamp, causing them to emit visible light. Neon, argon, and krypton are not commonly used in fluorescent lamps for this purpose. Neon is primarily used in neon signs, argon is used in incandescent and fluorescent bulbs for inertia gas, and krypton is mainly used in certain types of specialized light bulbs for its specific properties.