aan is a description of a that gives the chemical formulas of the reactants and the of the reaction with coefficients introduced so that the n

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test

1. What is a balanced equation?

A. A description where reactants and products are not equal
B. An equation where the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides
C. A chemical formula showing only reactants
D. An equation without coefficients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A balanced equation is one where the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides, fulfilling the law of conservation of mass. This principle ensures that the total number of atoms of each element is equal in both reactants and products, signifying that no atoms are created or destroyed, but rather rearranged. Choice A is incorrect because a balanced equation has equal numbers of atoms in the reactants and products. Choice C is incorrect as a balanced equation includes both reactants and products. Choice D is incorrect because coefficients are essential in balancing equations by adjusting the number of atoms present.

2. Which type of chemical reaction involves two ionic compounds where the reactants yield 'switched partners'?

A. Single replacement
B. Double replacement
C. Synthesis
D. Decomposition

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Double replacement.' In a double replacement reaction, two ionic compounds react by exchanging ions, resulting in the formation of two new compounds where the positive and negative ions have 'switched partners.' This type of reaction is characterized by the exchange of ions between the reactants. Choice A, 'Single replacement,' involves an element replacing another in a compound, not the exchange of partners like in the given scenario. Choice C, 'Synthesis,' is the combination of two or more substances to form a more complex product, not involving the exchange of partners. Choice D, 'Decomposition,' is the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances, which is different from the scenario described in the question.

3. Which is a triatomic allotrope of oxygen?

A. Ozone
B. Water
C. Acidic oxide
D. Carbon dioxide

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Ozone (O3) is a triatomic allotrope of oxygen. It differs from the common diatomic oxygen molecule (O2) by having three oxygen atoms bonded together. Ozone is known for its protective role in the Earth's atmosphere, absorbing most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Water (H2O) is a compound composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Acidic oxide and carbon dioxide are not triatomic allotropes of oxygen. Carbon dioxide consists of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms, while acidic oxides refer to compounds where oxygen is bonded with other elements to form oxides, and they are not allotropes of oxygen.

4. When an acid is added to a base, water and a salt form. What kinds of bonds form in these two compounds?

A. Liquid and metallic
B. Polar and nonpolar covalent
C. Polar covalent and ionic
D. Ionic only

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In water, the bond formed between the oxygen atom and the hydrogen atoms is a polar covalent bond. The oxygen atom attracts the shared electrons more strongly, creating a partial negative charge on the oxygen and a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms. In the salt formed, the bond between the metal cation and the nonmetal anion is predominantly an ionic bond. The metal cation donates electrons to the nonmetal anion, resulting in the formation of oppositely charged ions that are held together by electrostatic attractions. Choices A and B are incorrect because water and salts do not form bonds that are liquid and metallic, or polar and nonpolar covalent. Choice D is incorrect as it oversimplifies the types of bonds present in water and salts, failing to differentiate between the covalent bond in water and the ionic bond in the salt.

5. What is the name for the horizontal rows of the periodic table?

A. groups
B. periods
C. families
D. sets

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the periodic table, 'periods' are the horizontal rows. Each period corresponds to the energy level occupied by the elements in that row. The other terms mentioned, such as groups, families, and sets, are not used to describe the horizontal rows but rather refer to different aspects of the periodic table organization. 'Groups' are the vertical columns, 'families' are groups of elements with similar properties, and 'sets' is a more generic term not specifically used in the context of the periodic table.