b si as te at ge and sb form a staircase pattern on the right side of the periodic table how can these elements be classified

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which classification best describes B, Si, As, Te, At, Ge, and Sb that form a staircase pattern on the right side of the periodic table?

A. Metals
B. Semimetals
C. Nonmetals
D. Ultrametals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: B, Si, As, Te, At, Ge, and Sb are located in a staircase pattern on the periodic table's right side. Elements in this region are known as metalloids or semimetals because they exhibit properties of both metals and nonmetals. They possess characteristics of both metallic and non-metallic elements, making them valuable semiconductors with diverse applications in electronics. Choice A is incorrect because these elements are not considered true metals. Choice C is incorrect as these elements do not display typical nonmetal properties exclusively. Choice D, 'Ultrametals,' is not a recognized classification in chemistry and is therefore incorrect.

2. Which gas is produced when an acid reacts with a carbonate?

A. Carbon dioxide
B. Oxygen
C. Hydrogen
D. Nitrogen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When an acid reacts with a carbonate, the chemical reaction typically yields carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide is formed due to the chemical reaction between the acid and the carbonate, releasing this gas as a product. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Carbon dioxide.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen are not the gases produced in this specific acid-carbonate reaction.

3. How many neutrons are in an atom of carbon-12?

A. 2
B. 4
C. 6
D. 24

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An atom of carbon-12 has 6 neutrons. The atomic number of carbon is 6, representing the number of protons. The atomic mass of carbon-12 is 12. To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass: 12 - 6 = 6 neutrons. Choice A, 2, is incorrect as it does not reflect the correct calculation for neutrons in carbon-12. Choice B, 4, is incorrect as it does not match the correct number of neutrons in carbon-12. Choice D, 24, is incorrect as it is significantly higher than the actual number of neutrons in carbon-12.

4. What are the three types of radiation?

A. Alpha, beta, gamma
B. Alpha, beta, delta
C. Gamma, delta, epsilon
D. Beta, gamma, epsilon

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Alpha, beta, gamma. Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, beta radiation comprises electrons or positrons, and gamma radiation is high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Choice B, delta, is incorrect as delta is not a type of radiation. Choice C, gamma, delta, epsilon, and Choice D, beta, gamma, epsilon, are incorrect as they do not include the three standard types of radiation.

5. Radioactive isotopes are frequently used in medicine. What kind of half-life would a medical isotope probably have?

A. Seconds-long
B. Days-long
C. Years-long
D. Many years long

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Medical isotopes used in diagnosis and treatment need to have a relatively short half-life to minimize radiation exposure to patients. If the half-life were too long (such as many years) or even years-long, the radiation would persist for too long and could be harmful to the patient. Seconds-long half-lives would not provide enough time for the isotope to be effective. Days-long half-lives strike a balance between providing enough time for the isotope to be used effectively and minimizing radiation exposure.