Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2012, High School Chemistry

Question 44: Open-Response

Reporting Category: Atomic Structure and Periodicity
Standard: 3.1 - Explain the relationship of an element's position on the periodic table to its atomic number. Identify families (groups) and periods on the periodic table.

The elements helium, neon, and xenon are located in group 18 (8A) in the periodic table.

Explain why the atomic number increases from helium to neon to xenon.
Explain why helium, neon, and xenon are located in different periods in the periodic table.
Describe the chemical reactivity of helium, neon, and xenon and explain how the location of these elements in the periodic table relates to their chemical reactivity.

Scoring Guide and Sample Student Work

Select a score point in the table below to view the sample student response.

Score	Description
4	The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of the relationship of an element’s position in the periodic table to its atomic number and of identifying families and periods in the periodic table. The response explains why the atomic number increases from helium to neon to xenon and why helium, neon, and xenon are located in different periods in the periodic table. The response also describes the chemical reactivity of helium, neon, and xenon and explains how the location of these elements in the periodic table is related to their chemical reactivity.
4
3	The response demonstrates a general understanding of the relationship of an element’s position in the periodic table to its atomic number and of identifying families and periods in the periodic table.
2	The response demonstrates a limited understanding of the relationship of an element’s position in the periodic table to its atomic number and of identifying families and periods in the periodic table.
1	The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of the relationship of an element’s position in the periodic table to its atomic number and of identifying families and periods in the periodic table.
0	The response is incorrect or contains some correct work that is irrelevant to the skill or concept being measured.

Note: There are 2 sample student responses for Score Point 4.

High School Chemistry

Question 11: Solutions, Equilibrium, and Acid-Base Theory

Question 23: Properties of Matter and Thermochemistry

Question 33: Bonding and Reactions

Question 44: Atomic Structure and Periodicity

Question 45: Bonding and Reactions

Return to the 2012 MCAS Sample Student Work: High School Chemistry

Last Updated: October 13, 2017