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. How many times more acidic is a substance with a pH of 3 compared to a substance with a pH of 5?

A. 8
B. 2
C. 100
D. 1,000

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The pH scale is logarithmic, indicating that each pH unit change reflects a 10-fold difference in acidity level. Going from pH 5 to pH 3 involves a difference of 2 units, which translates to a 100-fold increase in acidity level (10^2 = 100 for each unit). Therefore, a substance with a pH of 3 is 1,000 times more acidic than a substance with a pH of 5 (100 * 10 = 1,000). Choice A (8) is incorrect as it does not consider the logarithmic nature of the pH scale. Choice B (2) is incorrect because it represents the difference in pH units, not the increase in acidity level. Choice C (100) is incorrect as it miscalculates the increase in acidity level, which is 1,000 times and not 100 times.

3. What determines polarity in a molecule?

A. Bond length
B. Bond strength
C. Electronegativity
D. Molecular weight

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Polarity in a molecule is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the atoms forming the bond. The greater the difference in electronegativity, the more polar the bond and molecule become. This difference leads to an uneven distribution of electron density within the bond, creating partial positive and negative charges on the atoms involved. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Bond length and strength do not determine polarity, and molecular weight is not directly related to the polarity of a molecule.

4. In what type of covalent compounds are dispersion forces typically found?

A. Polar
B. Non-polar
C. Ionic
D. Hydrogen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dispersion forces, also known as London dispersion forces, are the weakest intermolecular forces that occur in non-polar covalent compounds. These forces result from temporary shifts in electron density within molecules, creating temporary dipoles. As a result, non-polar molecules, which lack a permanent dipole moment, can experience these dispersion forces. Polar compounds exhibit stronger intermolecular forces such as dipole-dipole interactions or hydrogen bonding, while ionic compounds involve electrostatic interactions between ions. Therefore, the correct answer is non-polar (choice B). Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because dispersion forces are typically found in non-polar covalent compounds, not polar, ionic, or hydrogen-bonded compounds.

5. Which element has an atomic mass greater than that of sodium?

A. Boron
B. Oxygen
C. Fluorine
D. Silicon

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Silicon has an atomic mass greater than that of sodium. The atomic mass of silicon is approximately 28.0855 u, whereas the atomic mass of sodium is approximately 22.9898 u. Therefore, silicon has a greater atomic mass compared to sodium. Boron, Oxygen, and Fluorine have atomic masses lower than sodium, making them incorrect choices in this context.