HESI A2 chemistry practice questions set 8

Correct answer:

The electron configuration for lithium is 1s²2s¹. Lithium has 3 electrons, and the configuration indicates that the first two electrons fill the 1s orbital, while the third electron fills the 2s orbital. Therefore, the correct electron configuration for lithium is 1s²2s¹. Choice B (1s²2s²) is incorrect as it represents the electron configuration for beryllium, not lithium. Choice C (1s²2s¹2p¹) includes the 2p orbital, which is not involved in lithium's electron configuration. Choice D (1s¹2s¹2p²) is incorrect as it does not accurately represent lithium's electron configuration.

Correct answer:

When an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is called an anion. An anion is formed when an atom gains one or more electrons, leading to an excess of negative charge. Choice A, 'Cation,' is incorrect because a cation is formed when an atom loses electrons, resulting in a positively charged ion. Choice C, 'Isotope,' refers to atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons and is not related to gaining electrons. Choice D, 'Electron,' is the particle that an atom gains to become an anion, not the term for the atom itself after gaining electrons.

Correct answer:

Alpha particles can be stopped by a piece of paper due to their low penetration power. The paper acts as a shield, effectively blocking the alpha particles from passing through. In contrast, materials like aluminum foil, glass, and plastic are not as effective as a simple piece of paper in stopping alpha particles. Aluminum foil is more effective against beta particles, gamma rays, and x-rays due to its higher density. Glass and plastic also provide some protection against beta particles and gamma rays, but they are less effective than a piece of paper against alpha particles.

Correct answer:

To find the moles of potassium bromide in 25 mL of a 4 M KBr solution, we first need to convert the volume from milliliters to liters. 25 mL is equal to 0.025 L. Then, we use the formula moles = molarity x volume in liters. Substituting the values, moles = 4 M x 0.025 L = 0.1 mol. Therefore, there are 0.1 moles of KBr in 25 mL of a 4 M solution. Choice A, 0.035 mol, is incorrect as it does not properly calculate the moles. Choice C, 0.18 mol, and choice D, 1.6 mol, are also incorrect as they are not the result of the correct calculation based on the given molarity and volume.

Correct answer:

The chemical equation AB → A + B represents a decomposition reaction. In a decomposition reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. In this specific reaction, compound AB is decomposed into its elements, A and B, making it a decomposition reaction. Choice A, Synthesis, involves the combination of two or more substances to form a more complex product, which is not the case here. Choices C and D, Single replacement and Double replacement, involve the exchange of ions between compounds or elements, which is not happening in the given reaction.

Correct answer:

In water solutions of bases, the dominant ion would be OH⁻ (hydroxide ion). Bases release OH⁻ ions when dissolved in water, increasing the concentration of hydroxide ions and leading to a higher pH. This is in contrast to acids, which release H⁺ ions. Therefore, in water solutions of bases, the presence of OH⁻ ions signifies the basic nature of the solution. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because MgCl₂ is a salt, 2HCl is a compound consisting of two hydrogen ions and one chloride ion, and H⁺ represents a hydrogen ion typically associated with acids, not bases.

Correct answer:

Time would not directly affect rates of reaction. The rate of a chemical reaction is determined by factors that affect the frequency of successful collisions between reactant molecules, leading to a reaction. Temperature, surface area, and pressure can influence reaction rates by impacting the kinetic energy of molecules, the exposed surface for collisions, and the concentration of reactants, respectively. However, time, in the context of this question, does not alter the rate of reaction but may affect the extent of the reaction or the amount of product formed over time.

Correct answer:

The production of gas is a characteristic of a chemical change. During a chemical change, new substances are formed, often with the release or absorption of energy. The production of gas is a significant indicator of a chemical change because it indicates the formation of new compounds through chemical reactions. Choices A, C, and D are not characteristics of chemical changes. Changes in shape, melting, and freezing are physical changes where the substance's identity remains the same, unlike in chemical changes where new substances with different properties are formed.

Correct answer:

The color of reactants is not a factor that affects the rate of a chemical reaction. Temperature, surface area, and concentration of reactants are known factors that influence the reaction rate. Temperature plays a significant role in altering the reaction rate by affecting the kinetic energy of molecules. Surface area impacts the rate by providing more area for collisions to occur. Concentration affects the frequency of effective collisions. On the other hand, the color of reactants is a physical property that does not directly affect the speed of a chemical reaction.

Correct answer:

The sum of protons and neutrons in an element is known as the mass number. The mass number is an important concept in chemistry as it represents the total number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) in an atom's nucleus. It is different from the atomic number, which represents the number of protons in an atom. The atomic mass is the average mass of an element's isotopes, taking into account the abundance of each isotope. Neutron number, on the other hand, specifically refers to the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is B, mass number.