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. What charge do Group IA elements have?

A. +1
B. +2
C. +3
D. 0

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Group IA elements, also known as alkali metals, have a +1 charge. They readily lose one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, forming ions with a single positive charge. This makes +1 the correct choice. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because alkali metals in Group IA typically lose one electron, so they do not have a +2, +3, or 0 charge.

3. What is the energy required to remove the outermost electron from an atom called?

A. covalent bonding
B. electronegativity
C. atomic radius
D. ionization energy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ionization energy is the energy needed to remove the outermost electron from an atom, resulting in the formation of a positively charged ion. The higher the ionization energy, the more difficult it is to extract an electron. Electronegativity, however, measures an atom's ability to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond. Atomic radius refers to the distance from the nucleus to the outermost electron. Covalent bonding involves sharing electron pairs between atoms to create a stable bond. Therefore, the correct answer is ionization energy as it specifically relates to the energy needed to remove an electron from an atom.

4. What are the three types of intermolecular forces?

A. Ionic, covalent, hydrogen
B. Hydrogen bonding, dipole interactions, dispersion forces
C. Van der Waals, ionic, covalent
D. Hydrogen, Van der Waals, dispersion forces

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The three types of intermolecular forces are hydrogen bonding, dipole interactions, and dispersion forces. Option A includes ionic and covalent bonds, which are intramolecular forces, not intermolecular. Option C includes van der Waals forces, which encompass dipole interactions and dispersion forces, but also includes ionic and covalent bonds. Option D is close but misses dipole interactions, which are distinct from hydrogen bonding and dispersion forces. Therefore, option B is the correct choice as it includes the three specific types of intermolecular forces.

5. What is the pH of acids?

A. 7.5
B. < 7
C. > 7
D. 7

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: < 7. Acids have a pH lower than 7, indicating higher acidity. A pH below 7 signifies an acidic solution, with lower values indicating stronger acids. Choice A (7.5) is incorrect as it is greater than 7, which is alkaline. Choice C (> 7) is incorrect as values greater than 7 represent alkaline/basic solutions. Choice D (7) is incorrect because a pH of 7 is neutral, not acidic.