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HESI A2 Chemistry: periodic table practice questions

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These are original practice items written to the HESI A2 blueprint (4 options, no penalty for wrong answers), not actual exam questions. Try each one before you open the answer.

What this topic covers

Chemistry: periodic table sits inside the Chemistry section of the HESI A2. Our bank holds 38 verified items tagged to it, and the 4 below are a fixed sample so the page stays the same every time you open it. Each one shows the reasoning, not just the letter.

The topic tag comes from our own items rather than from a published syllabus, so treat it as a map of what we cover. For the official section breakdown see the HESI A2 page.

Chemistry: periodic table sample questions

Question 1

Which element in Period 3 has the highest first ionization energy?

  1. A P (phosphorus)
  2. B Na (sodium)
  3. C Al (aluminum)
  4. D Ar (argon)
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

First ionization energy generally rises from left to right across a period because nuclear charge increases while atomic radius shrinks. Argon, the noble gas at the end of Period 3, has a full valence shell and the highest first ionization energy in the period.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: Phosphorus (group 15) sits left of argon, so its outer electrons are held less tightly and are easier to remove.
B: Sodium has a single 3s valence electron that is easily removed, giving it the lowest first ionization energy in Period 3.
C: Aluminum loses its lone 3p electron easily, so its first ionization energy is among the lowest in Period 3.

Question 2

An element is located in Group 2 and Period 4 of the periodic table. Which element is this?

  1. A Potassium
  2. B Calcium
  3. C Magnesium
  4. D Strontium
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Group 2 elements are alkaline earth metals. Period 4 starts with potassium (Group 1) and then calcium (Group 2). Calcium is in Group 2, Period 4.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: Potassium is in Group 1, not Group 2, and Period 4.
C: Magnesium is in Group 2 but Period 3, not Period 4.
D: Strontium is in Group 2 but Period 5, not Period 4.

Question 3

The element with atomic number 17 is:

  1. A Chlorine
  2. B Fluorine
  3. C Iodine
  4. D Bromine
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A

Chlorine (Cl) has atomic number 17. It is a halogen in group 17.

Why the other options are wrong:
B: Fluorine has atomic number 9.
C: Iodine has atomic number 53.
D: Bromine has atomic number 35.

Question 4

Which element has the highest electronegativity?

  1. A Oxygen
  2. B Francium
  3. C Chlorine
  4. D Fluorine
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

Electronegativity increases across a period and decreases down a group. Fluorine, at the top right of the periodic table (excluding noble gases), has the highest electronegativity.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: Oxygen has high electronegativity but less than fluorine.
B: Francium is at the bottom left and has very low electronegativity.
C: Chlorine has high electronegativity but less than fluorine.

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