Periodic Table & Atoms Quiz

Reviewed by Zohra Sattar Waxali
Zohra Sattar Waxali, PhD (Chemistry) |
Chemistry
Review Board Member
Dr. Zohra Sattar Waxali earned her doctorate in chemistry and biochemistry from Northwestern University, specializing in the metallomes of cardiac cells and stem cells, and their impact on biological function. Her research encompasses the development of arsenoplatin chemotherapeutics, stapled peptide estrogen receptor inhibitors, and antimicrobial natural products.
, PhD (Chemistry)
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Periodic Table & Atoms Quiz - Quiz

Discover the fascinating world of elements and atoms with our Periodic Table & Atoms Quiz! This comprehensive quiz will challenge your understanding of the periodic table, atomic theory, and how elements are organized based on their properties and atomic structures.
Do you know why some elements are highly reactive while others are stable? Can you identify trends like electronegativity and atomic radius across the periodic table? Our quiz explores these essential topics, guiding you through everything from the historical development of atomic theory to the modern arrangement of elements.
Perfect for students, chemistry enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Read morethe elements, this quiz will test your grasp of key concepts like atomic structure, periodic trends, and chemical properties. You'll explore the arrangement of subatomic particles, understand why groups share similar characteristics, and learn how electron configurations shape the behavior of elements.
Whether you're aiming to improve your chemistry skills or simply learn more about the periodic table, our Periodic Table & Atoms Quiz is the perfect challenge. Take it now and see how well you understand the elements!


Periodic Table & Atoms Questions and Answers

  • 1. 

    Aluminum has 3 shells and 3 valence electrons.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Aluminum has an atomic number of 13, which means it has 13 electrons. These electrons are arranged in three shells or energy levels. The first shell can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, the second shell can hold a maximum of 8 electrons, and the third shell can hold a maximum of 8 electrons as well. Since aluminum has 13 electrons, it means that the first two shells are filled with 2 and 8 electrons respectively, leaving 3 valence electrons in the third shell. Therefore, the statement that aluminum has 3 shells and 3 valence electrons is true.

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  • 2. 

    Sodium is in the 4th period and the 5th group in the periodic table.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because sodium is in the 3rd period and the 1st group (alkali metals) in the periodic table. The periodic table is organized based on the atomic number of elements, and sodium has an atomic number of 11, which places it in the 3rd period. Additionally, sodium belongs to the alkali metal group, which is the first group on the periodic table.

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  • 3. 

    Carbon is in the 2nd period and the 4th group in the periodic table.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Carbon is in the 2nd period and the 4th group in the periodic table. This statement is true. In the periodic table, elements are arranged in periods (rows) and groups (columns). Carbon is located in the 2nd period, which means it has 2 energy levels or shells. It is also in the 4th group, also known as Group 14 or the Carbon Group. This group consists of elements that have 4 valence electrons, including carbon.

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  • 4. 

    Sulfur has an atomic number of 16 and an atomic mass of 32.  Check the boxes that apply to the three subatomic particles of a Sulfur atom.

    • A.

      Protons= 16

    • B.

      Neutrons= 14

    • C.

      Electrons= 32

    • D.

      Neutrons= 16

    • E.

      Electrons= 16

    • F.

      Protons= 32

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Protons= 16
    D. Neutrons= 16
    E. Electrons= 16
    Explanation
    The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in its nucleus. Since sulfur has an atomic number of 16, it means that it has 16 protons. The atomic mass of an element is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. Given that sulfur has an atomic mass of 32, and we know that it has 16 protons, it can be inferred that it also has 16 neutrons. Lastly, the number of electrons in an atom is equal to the number of protons, so sulfur also has 16 electrons. Therefore, the correct answer is Protons= 16, Neutrons= 16, Electrons= 16.

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  • 5. 

    How many electrons can the second energy level hold?

    • A.

      2

    • B.

      3

    • C.

      4

    • D.

      8

    Correct Answer
    D. 8
    Explanation
    The second energy level can hold a maximum of 8 electrons. This is because the second energy level has 2 sublevels, the s and p sublevels. The s sublevel can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, while the p sublevel can hold a maximum of 6 electrons. Therefore, the total number of electrons that can be accommodated in the second energy level is 2 + 6 = 8.

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  • 6. 

    How many electrons can the first energy level hold?

    • A.

      2

    • B.

      3

    • C.

      4

    • D.

      8

    Correct Answer
    A. 2
    Explanation
    The first energy level, also known as the K shell, can hold a maximum of 2 electrons. This is because the K shell consists of only one subshell, the s subshell, which can accommodate a maximum of 2 electrons.

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  • 7. 

    A single proton has what type of charge?

    • A.

      Negative

    • B.

      Balanced

    • C.

      Positive

    • D.

      Neutral

    Correct Answer
    C. Positive
    Explanation
    A single proton has a positive charge because it contains one unit of positive electrical charge. Protons are one of the fundamental particles that make up an atom, along with neutrons and electrons. While electrons have a negative charge and neutrons have no charge, protons carry a positive charge. This positive charge of protons is balanced by the negative charge of electrons in an atom, resulting in an overall neutral charge for the atom.

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  • 8. 

    According to the Atomic Theory, electrons are found...

    • A.

      Anywhere in the atom

    • B.

      Inside the nucleus

    • C.

      Outside the nucleus

    • D.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    C. Outside the nucleus
    Explanation
    According to the Atomic Theory, electrons are found outside the nucleus. This is based on the understanding that electrons occupy specific energy levels or orbitals around the nucleus of an atom. These energy levels are often depicted as electron shells or electron clouds. The electrons in these shells are negatively charged and are attracted to the positively charged nucleus, but they are not located within the nucleus itself. Therefore, the correct answer is outside the nucleus.

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  • 9. 

    What is the term used for the electrons in the outermost shell or energy level?

    • A.

      Ions

    • B.

      Isotopes

    • C.

      Valence electrons

    • D.

      Subatomic particles

    Correct Answer
    C. Valence electrons
    Explanation
    Valence electrons are the electrons present in the outermost shell or energy level of an atom. These electrons are involved in chemical reactions and determine the atom's ability to form bonds with other atoms. The term "valence" refers to the combining capacity of an atom, and valence electrons play a crucial role in determining the chemical properties and reactivity of elements.

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  • 10. 

    Atoms that have gained or lost electrons are called

    • A.

      Ions

    • B.

      Compounds

    • C.

      Isotopes

    • D.

      Molecules

    Correct Answer
    A. Ions
    Explanation
    Atoms that have gained or lost electrons are called ions. When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes electrically charged. An atom that loses electrons becomes positively charged and is called a cation, while an atom that gains electrons becomes negatively charged and is called an anion. Ions play a crucial role in chemical reactions and the formation of compounds. They can combine with other ions or atoms to form stable compounds through the attraction between opposite charges.

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  • 11. 

    The nucleus of an atom consists of...

    • A.

      Electrons

    • B.

      Protons

    • C.

      Electrons and protons

    • D.

      Protons and neutrons

    Correct Answer
    D. Protons and neutrons
    Explanation
    The nucleus of an atom consists of protons and neutrons. Protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons have no charge. These particles are tightly packed together in the nucleus, which is located at the center of the atom. Electrons, on the other hand, are found outside the nucleus in electron shells. They carry a negative charge and orbit around the nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is protons and neutrons.

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  • 12. 

    Which subatomic particles have approximately the same size and mass as each other?

    • A.

      Neutrons and electrons

    • B.

      Electrons and protons

    • C.

      Protons and neutrons

    • D.

      None- they all have different sizes and masses

    Correct Answer
    C. Protons and neutrons
    Explanation
    Protons and neutrons have approximately the same size and mass as each other. They both reside in the nucleus of an atom and are collectively known as nucleons. Protons have a positive charge, while neutrons have no charge. The mass of both particles is similar, with protons having a slightly smaller mass than neutrons. Electrons, on the other hand, are much smaller and lighter compared to protons and neutrons. Therefore, the correct answer is protons and neutrons.

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  • 13. 

    An element is determined by the number of...

    • A.

      Protons

    • B.

      Neutrons

    • C.

      Ions

    • D.

      Isotopes

    Correct Answer
    A. Protons
    Explanation
    The number of protons in an atom determines its element. Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Each element has a unique number of protons, known as its atomic number. For example, hydrogen has one proton, while carbon has six protons. The number of protons determines the chemical properties and identity of an element. Therefore, the correct answer is protons.

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  • 14. 

    The organization of the periodic table is based on__________________.

    • A.

      The number of protons in an atom

    • B.

      The mass number of an atom

    • C.

      The number of neutrons in an atom

    • D.

      The average atomic mass of an element

    Correct Answer
    A. The number of protons in an atom
    Explanation
    The organization of the periodic table is based on the number of protons in an atom. This is because the number of protons determines the element's atomic number, which is used to arrange the elements in increasing order. The periodic table is structured in such a way that elements with similar properties are grouped together in columns, known as groups or families. This arrangement allows for easy identification and comparison of elements based on their atomic number and properties.

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  • 15. 

    Argon has 3 shells and 8 valence electrons.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Argon, with the atomic number 18, has three electron shells. The first shell can hold up to 2 electrons, the second shell can hold up to 8 electrons, and the third shell can hold up to 8 electrons. Therefore, Argon has a total of 3 shells. Additionally, Argon has 8 valence electrons, which are the electrons in the outermost shell. Hence, the statement "Argon has 3 shells and 8 valence electrons" is true.

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  • 16. 

    The element Calcium has how many shells and valence electrons?  Check only the box(es) that apply.

    • A.

      3 shells

    • B.

      3 valence electrons

    • C.

      4 shells

    • D.

      4 valence electrons

    • E.

      2 shells

    • F.

      2 valence electrons

    Correct Answer(s)
    C. 4 shells
    F. 2 valence electrons
    Explanation
    Calcium has 4 shells because it is in the fourth period of the periodic table. It has 2 valence electrons because it is in Group 2 of the periodic table, and elements in Group 2 have 2 valence electrons.

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  • 17. 

    The element Nitrogen has how many shells and how many valence electrons?  Check only the box(es) that apply.

    • A.

      2 shells

    • B.

      2 valence electrons

    • C.

      1 shell

    • D.

      1 valence electron

    • E.

      5 shells

    • F.

      5 valence electrons

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. 2 shells
    F. 5 valence electrons
    Explanation
    Nitrogen has 2 shells and 5 valence electrons. The atomic number of Nitrogen is 7, which means it has 7 electrons. The electron configuration of Nitrogen is 1s2 2s2 2p3. This configuration shows that Nitrogen has 2 shells, with 2 electrons in the first shell and 5 electrons in the second shell. The outermost shell, which is the second shell, is called the valence shell, and it contains 5 valence electrons. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 shells, 5 valence electrons.

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  • 18. 

    This element (in a perfect world) has 13 electrons and 14 neutrons.  What element is this?

    • A.

      Silicon

    • B.

      Aluminum

    • C.

      Nitrogen

    • D.

      Magnesium

    Correct Answer
    B. Aluminum
    Explanation
    Aluminum is the correct answer because it has an atomic number of 13, which indicates that it has 13 electrons. Additionally, it has an atomic mass of approximately 27, which means it has 14 neutrons (atomic mass minus atomic number). Therefore, aluminum fits the description of having 13 electrons and 14 neutrons.

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  • 19. 

    Potassium's oxidation number is...

    • A.

      +1

    • B.

      -1

    • C.

      +2

    • D.

      -2

    Correct Answer
    A. +1
    Explanation
    Potassium's oxidation number is +1 because it belongs to Group 1 of the periodic table, which means it has one valence electron. In chemical reactions, potassium tends to lose this electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, resulting in a +1 oxidation state.

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  • 20. 

    Check only the box(es) that apply for the characteristics of the element Aluminum.

    • A.

      4 shells

    • B.

      3 valence electrons

    • C.

      Oxidation number is +3

    • D.

      3 shells

    • E.

      2 valence electrons

    • F.

      Oxidation number is -2

    Correct Answer(s)
    B. 3 valence electrons
    C. Oxidation number is +3
    D. 3 shells
    Explanation
    Aluminum has 3 valence electrons, which means it can easily lose these electrons to form a positive charge of +3. It also has 3 shells, indicating that it has 3 energy levels or electron orbits. Therefore, the characteristics that apply to the element Aluminum are 3 valence electrons, an oxidation number of +3, and 3 shells.

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  • 21. 

    Check only the box(es) that apply for the characteristics of the element Argon.

    • A.

      1 valence electron

    • B.

      3 shells

    • C.

      Oxidation number is -1

    • D.

      2 valence electrons

    • E.

      2 shells

    • F.

      Oxidation number is +1

    Correct Answer
    B. 3 shells
    Explanation
    The given answer is correct because Argon has 3 shells. The number of shells in an atom is determined by the period it belongs to on the periodic table, and Argon is in period 3.

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  • 22. 

    Choose only the box(es) that apply for the element Lithium.

    • A.

      2 shells

    • B.

      1 valence electron

    • C.

      Oxidation number +1

    • D.

      1 shell

    • E.

      2 valence electrons

    • F.

      Oxidation number -2

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. 2 shells
    B. 1 valence electron
    C. Oxidation number +1
    Explanation
    Lithium has 2 shells and 1 valence electron. Its oxidation number is +1.

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  • 23. 

    In a chemical bond between Potassium and Iodine... 

    • A.

      Iodine will receive 1 electron

    • B.

      Potassium will receive 1 electron

    • C.

      Iodine will give 1 electron

    • D.

      Potassium will give 1 electron

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Iodine will receive 1 electron
    D. Potassium will give 1 electron
    Explanation
    In a chemical bond between Potassium and Iodine, Iodine will receive 1 electron from Potassium while Potassium will give 1 electron to Iodine.

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  • 24. 

    In a chemical bond between Lithium and Nitrogen....

    • A.

      3 nitrogen atoms will each give 1 electron

    • B.

      3 lithium atoms will each give 1 electron

    • C.

      1 nitrogen atom will receive 3 electrons

    • D.

      1 lithium atom will receive 3 electrons

    Correct Answer(s)
    B. 3 lithium atoms will each give 1 electron
    C. 1 nitrogen atom will receive 3 electrons
    Explanation
    In a chemical bond between Lithium and Nitrogen, the Lithium atoms will each give 1 electron, while the Nitrogen atom will receive 3 electrons. This is because Lithium has 3 valence electrons and Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. In order to achieve a stable electron configuration, Lithium will lose 1 electron and Nitrogen will gain 3 electrons. This transfer of electrons allows both atoms to achieve a full outer electron shell, resulting in a stable bond between them.

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  • 25. 

    Atoms that have different numbers of neutrons but the same atomic number are called _______.

    • A.

      Ions

    • B.

      Cations

    • C.

      Isotopes

    • D.

      Molecules

    Correct Answer
    C. Isotopes
    Explanation
    Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Ions, on the other hand, are atoms that have gained or lost electrons, not neutrons. Cations are a type of ion that has lost electrons and has a positive charge. Molecules are formed when atoms bond together through chemical bonds. Therefore, the correct answer is isotopes.

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  • 26. 

    A horizontal row of the periodic table is called a 

    • A.

      Period

    • B.

      Family

    • C.

      Group

    • D.

      Noble gas

    Correct Answer
    A. Period
    Explanation
    A horizontal row of the periodic table is called a period because it represents the number of energy levels or shells that the elements in that row have. Each period starts with a new energy level and elements in the same period have similar properties.

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  • 27. 

    Group 8 in the periodic table are the most likely to gain electrons.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    Group 8 in the periodic table, also known as the noble gasses, are actually the least likely to gain electrons. This is because they have a full outer electron shell, making them stable and unreactive. They already have the maximum number of electrons in their outermost energy level, so they do not need to gain anymore.

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  • 28. 

    Fluorine is very likely to lose electrons.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    Fluorine is actually very likely to gain electrons rather than lose them. This is because fluorine is a highly electronegative element, meaning it has a strong attraction for electrons. It only needs one more electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, so it tends to gain an electron to form a negatively charged ion. Therefore, the statement that fluorine is very likely to lose electrons is false.

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  • 29. 

    Choose the correct subatomic particles for Oxygen-16.  Check only the box(es) that apply

    • A.

      5 protons

    • B.

      8 electrons

    • C.

      3 neutrons

    • D.

      8 protons

    • E.

      4 electrons

    • F.

      5 neutrons

    • G.

      8 neutrons

    Correct Answer(s)
    B. 8 electrons
    D. 8 protons
    G. 8 neutrons
    Explanation
    Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, which means it has 8 protons. It also has a neutral charge, so it must have 8 electrons to balance out the positive charge of the protons. The atomic mass of oxygen is around 16, which means it has 8 neutrons to make up the rest of the mass. Therefore, the correct subatomic particles for oxygen are 8 electrons, 8 protons, and 8 neutrons.

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Zohra Sattar Waxali |PhD (Chemistry) |
Chemistry
Dr. Zohra Sattar Waxali earned her doctorate in chemistry and biochemistry from Northwestern University, specializing in the metallomes of cardiac cells and stem cells, and their impact on biological function. Her research encompasses the development of arsenoplatin chemotherapeutics, stapled peptide estrogen receptor inhibitors, and antimicrobial natural products.

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