What is the periodic table?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of the chemical elements, organized based on their atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. Elements are placed in rows (periods) and columns (groups) with similar properties. The elements are listed in order of increasing atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. This arrangement reveals a periodic repetition of chemical properties, forming the basis of the periodic law. Choice B, which suggests arranging elements based on increasing atomic mass, is incorrect because the periodic table is primarily organized by atomic number, not atomic mass. Choices C and D are also incorrect as the periodic table is not based on reactivity or color of elements, but rather on atomic number and properties.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Helium (He). Helium has an atomic number of 2, meaning it has 2 protons. It also has 2 neutrons, which gives it a total mass number of 4. Therefore, Helium is an example of an element with an equal number of protons and neutrons. Choice A (Carbon) has 6 protons and usually has more neutrons than protons. Choice B (Oxygen) has 8 protons and 8 neutrons, so the numbers are not equal. Choice C (Lithium) has 3 protons and usually has more neutrons than protons, so it does not fit the criteria of having the same number of protons and neutrons.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion. Gaining or losing electrons alters the atom's electron count and charge, creating a positively or negatively charged ion. A molecule is formed when two or more atoms are chemically bonded. An isotope is a variation of an element with a different number of neutrons. A compound consists of two or more different elements chemically bonded together.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Noble gas elements are generally unreactive because they have already achieved stable electron configurations by having a full outer electron shell. This full shell makes them very stable and unlikely to gain, lose, or share electrons with other elements. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because noble gases are not unreactive due to being too large to form bonds easily (A), lacking valence electrons in their outermost shell (B), or having strong bonds within their own molecules (C).

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Elements within the same group share similar electron configurations in their outermost shells, resulting in comparable chemical properties. Helium and Neon both belong to Group 18 (Noble Gases), explaining their similarities. Boron, Carbon, and Oxygen are not in the same group as Helium on the periodic table. Boron is in Group 13, Carbon is in Group 14, and Oxygen is in Group 16, which are different from Helium's Group 18.