Atomic Structure and Periodic Table Practice Questions
GCSE · GCSE Chemistry · 131 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.
131
Total
36
Easy
68
Medium
27
Hard
Start Practicing Atomic Structure and Periodic Table
Take a timed quiz or customize your practice session
Sample Questions from Atomic Structure and Periodic Table
Here are 10 sample questions. Start a quiz to get randomized questions with scoring.
Q1
Easy
What is the atomic number of an element?
A.
The number of protons in the nucleus
B.
The total number of electrons
C.
The total number of neutrons
D.
The average mass of an atom
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The atomic number is defined as the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom. This number determines the identity of the element.
Q2
Easy
Which of the following is a property of metals?
A.
Brittleness
B.
Dull surface
C.
Good conductors of heat and electricity
D.
Low density
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Metals are known for being good conductors of heat and electricity due to the presence of free-moving electrons that facilitate the flow of energy.
Q3
Easy
In the periodic table, elements are arranged according to which property?
A.
Atomic mass
B.
Atomic number
C.
Number of neutrons
D.
Chemical reactivity
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Elements in the periodic table are arranged by increasing atomic number, which reflects the number of protons in the nucleus, providing a systematic organization of elements.
Q4
Medium
Which of the following statements about isotopes is correct?
A.
Isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
B.
Isotopes have different numbers of protons and electrons.
C.
Isotopes have the same atomic mass.
D.
Isotopes cannot exist in nature.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Isotopes are variants of a chemical element that have the same number of protons (hence the same atomic number) but differ in the number of neutrons, which gives them different atomic masses.
Q5
Medium
What is the electronic configuration of a neutral oxygen atom?
A.
1sĀ² 2sĀ² 2pā“
B.
1sĀ² 2sĀ² 2pĀ³
C.
1sĀ² 2sĀ² 2pĀ²
D.
1sĀ² 2sĀ² 2pāµ
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
A neutral oxygen atom has 8 electrons. The electronic configuration is filled first in the 1s and 2s subshells and then fills the 2p subshell with 4 electrons, which is represented as 1sĀ² 2sĀ² 2pā“.
Q6
Medium
In which group of the periodic table would you find the alkali metals?
A.
Group 1
B.
Group 2
C.
Group 3
D.
Group 0
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Alkali metals are found in Group 1 of the periodic table. They are characterized by having one electron in their outermost shell, which makes them highly reactive.
Q7
Medium
What is the effect of increasing atomic number on the properties of elements in a period?
A.
Properties become more metallic.
B.
Properties become less metallic.
C.
Properties do not change.
D.
Properties alternate between metallic and non-metallic.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
As atomic number increases across a period, elements become less metallic and more non-metallic due to the increase in nuclear charge, which attracts electrons more strongly.
Q8
Hard
An element has an atomic number of 15 and an atomic mass of 31. How many neutrons does this element have?
A.
15
B.
16
C.
31
D.
46
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the atomic mass. Here, 31 - 15 = 16 neutrons.
Q9
Hard
Which statement correctly describes the relationship between the atomic number and mass number of an element?
A.
The atomic number is the sum of protons and neutrons.
B.
The atomic number is equal to the number of neutrons in an atom.
C.
The mass number is the total number of protons and electrons.
D.
The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: D
The mass number of an atom is defined as the total number of protons and neutrons within the nucleus. Option D correctly describes this relationship, while the other options provide incorrect information about atomic structure.
Q10
Hard
An element has an atomic number of 12 and a mass number of 24. How many neutrons does this element have?
A.
12
B.
24
C.
36
D.
18
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
To find the number of neutrons, you subtract the atomic number from the mass number. For this element, the calculation is 24 (mass number) - 12 (atomic number) = 12 neutrons. Thus, option A is correct.
Showing 10 of 131 questions. Start a quiz to practice all questions with scoring and timer.
Practice All 131 Questions →More GCSE Chemistry Chapters
Other GCSE Subjects
Atomic Structure and Periodic Table ā GCSE GCSE Chemistry Practice Questions Online
This page contains 131 practice MCQs for the chapter Atomic Structure and Periodic Table in GCSE GCSE Chemistry. The questions are organized by difficulty ā 36 easy, 68 medium, 27 hard ā so you can choose the right level for your preparation.
Every question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the concept, not just memorize answers. Take a timed quiz to simulate exam conditions, or practice at your own pace with no time limit.