What is the mass number of an element?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The mass number of an element represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. It specifically focuses on the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus, which contributes to the overall mass of the atom. Therefore, the mass number is not solely determined by the number of protons, electrons, or isotopes. Choice A is incorrect because it refers to the atomic number, which is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Choice C is incorrect as the number of electrons in the valence shell is related to the atom's reactivity and bonding behavior, not the mass number. Choice D is incorrect because the mass number does not represent the number of isotopes of an element, but rather the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Thus, option B, the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus, is the correct choice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Ionic bond. Ionic bond involves the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of cations and anions. This transfer leads to the creation of strong electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions. Covalent bonds, on the other hand, involve the sharing of electrons between atoms to achieve stability. Metallic bonds are formed in metals, where a sea of delocalized electrons surrounds positively charged metal ions, contributing to the metal's properties. Hydrogen bonds are intermolecular forces that occur between a hydrogen atom and a highly electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen, not involving the complete transfer of electrons.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: - The atomic number (Z) of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus. In this case, the element has an atomic number of 11. - The mass number (A) of an element is the sum of its protons and neutrons. Given that the mass number is 23 and the atomic number is 11, we can calculate the number of neutrons by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number: Neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number = 23 - 11 = 12. - Therefore, the element with atomic number 11 and mass number 23 has 12 neutrons.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a crucial factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, causing an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. On the contrary, stable nuclei are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they possess a balanced number of protons and neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because stable nuclei can still undergo radioactive decay, albeit less frequently. Choice C is incorrect as decay does not make stable nuclei more prone to it; rather, it stabilizes them. Choice D is incorrect because an element's decay rate is primarily determined by the nucleus's stability, not its position on the periodic table.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. This number determines the element's unique identity and its position on the periodic table. The atomic mass (option A) is not directly determined by the atomic number but is a weighted average of the isotopes of an element. The number of neutrons (option C) is not directly provided by the atomic number but can be calculated by subtracting the atomic number from the atomic mass. The position on the periodic table (option B) is directly related to the atomic number, as elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number. The chemical properties of an element (option D) are influenced by the number of protons in the nucleus, which is determined by the atomic number.