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IB DP Chemistry Questions

2.1 The Nuclear Atom

Question 1

Which subatomic particle determines the identity of an atom?

A. Neutron

B. Electron

C. Proton

D. Positron

Question 2

Which of the following statements about isotopes is true?

A. Isotopes of an element have different numbers of protons.

B. Isotopes of an element have different atomic numbers.

C. Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

D. Isotopes of an element have different electron configurations.

Question 3

Which subatomic particle has a negative charge?

A. Proton

B. Neutron

C. Electron

D. Positron

Question 4

In which field are isotopes commonly used to determine the age of ancient artefacts?

A. Geology

B. Astronomy

C. Archaeology

D. Biology

Question 5

The atomic number of an element represents the number of:

A. Neutrons in the nucleus

B. Electrons in the atom

C. Protons in the nucleus

D. Isotopes of the element

Question 6

a) Describe the charge, mass, and location of protons within an atom. [2]

b) How does the number of protons in an atom determine its atomic number? [2]

Question 7

a) Define isotopes and provide an example. [2]

b) How do isotopes of the same element differ in terms of their atomic and mass numbers? [2]

Question 8

a) Explain the significance of isotopes in the field of medicine. [2]

b) How do isotopes play a crucial role in archaeological studies? [2]

Question 9

a) Describe the role of neutrons in determining the mass number of an atom. [2]

b) If an atom has 15 protons and 16 neutrons, what is its atomic and mass number? [2]

c) How does the number of neutrons affect the stability of an atom? [3]

Question 10

a) Define the term "isotope" in relation to both atomic and mass numbers. [3]

b) Give an example of an element that has multiple isotopes and state their mass numbers. [2]

c) How do isotopes of the same element differ chemically? [2]

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a role of neutrons in the atom?

A. Contributing to the mass of the atom

B. Determining the chemical properties of the atom

C. Stabilising the nucleus

D. Determining the identity of the atom

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the mass number of an atom is true?

A. It represents the number of electrons in the atom.

B. It is the sum of the number of protons and electrons.

C. It is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons.

D. It represents the number of neutrons in the atom.

Question 13

In which field are isotopes commonly used for medical imaging and cancer treatment?

A. Geology

B. Medicine

C. Archaeology

D. Astronomy

Question 14

Which subatomic particle plays a key role in chemical reactions and bonding?

A. Proton

B. Neutron

C. Electron

D. Positron

Question 15

What is the charge of the nucleus of an atom?

A. Neutral

B. Negative

C. Positive

D. It varies depending on the element

Question 16

a) How are isotopes used in the field of archaeology to date ancient artefacts? [3]

b) Explain the principle behind carbon dating. [3]

c) Why is carbon-14 dating not effective for artefacts that are millions of years old? [3]

Question 17

a) What is the significance of isotopes in the medical field, specifically in imaging and diagnosis? [3]

b) Provide an example of a radioactive isotope used in medical treatments. [2]

c) How do isotopes aid in understanding metabolic pathways in medical research? [3]

Question 18

a) Describe the location and charge of electrons within an atom. [2]

b) How does the number of electrons in an atom relate to its atomic number? [2]

c) Define the term "ion" and explain how it differs from a neutral atom. [3]

d) If an atom has 17 protons and 18 electrons, what is its charge and how is it represented? [3]

Question 19

a) What are isotopes and how do they differ in terms of their atomic structure? [3]

b) Explain the importance of isotopes in the field of medicine, giving a specific example. [3]

c) How do isotopes contribute to our understanding of ancient climates and environments? [3]

d) Describe the application of isotopes in determining the age of ancient rocks and fossils. [3]

Question 20

a) How does the number of neutrons in an atom affect its atomic mass? [2]

b) Define and explain the term "radioactive decay" in relation to unstable isotopes. [3]

c) How can the half-life of a radioactive isotope be used to determine the age of an object? [3]

d) Provide an example of an isotope used in archaeological studies and explain its significance. [4]

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