balance this equation fe cl fecl 2 3

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Questions

1. Balance this equation: Fe + Cl2 â†’ FeCl3

A. 2Fe + 2Cl2 â†’ 2FeCl3
B. 2Fe + 3Cl2 â†’ 2FeCl3
C. 3Fe + 2Cl2 â†’ 3FeCl3
D. 3Fe + 3Cl2 â†’ 6FeCl3

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the given equation, Fe combines with Cl to form FeCl3. To balance the equation, we need to have the same number of each element on both sides. Since Cl is represented as Cl2 in the equation, we need 3 Cl2 molecules to balance Fe, resulting in 2Fe + 3Cl2 â†’ 2FeCl3. Choice A is incorrect because it only balances Fe but not Cl2. Choice C is incorrect as it balances Fe but not Cl2. Choice D is incorrect as it balances Fe but overbalances Cl2.

2. 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.

3. What does the term amphoteric mean?

A. A substance that only acts as a base
B. A substance that can act as both a base and an acid
C. A substance that only acts as an acid
D. A substance that acts as neither a base nor an acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term 'amphoteric' refers to substances that have the ability to act as both acids and bases depending on the surrounding conditions. This dual nature allows amphoteric substances to donate or accept protons, making them versatile in various chemical reactions. Choice A is incorrect because amphoteric substances can also act as acids. Choice C is incorrect as amphoteric substances can also act as bases. Choice D is incorrect as amphoteric substances can act as either a base or an acid.

4. In the solid state, you would expect a nonmetal to be _________.

A. brittle
B. lustrous
C. malleable
D. conductive

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the solid state, you would expect a nonmetal to be brittle. Nonmetals generally lack the malleability and ductility of metals, which makes them prone to being brittle and easily fractured under stress. This property is due to the lack of metallic bonding in nonmetals, which results in a more rigid and less flexible structure. Choice B, 'lustrous,' is incorrect because nonmetals typically do not exhibit a shiny or reflective surface like metals do. Choice C, 'malleable,' is also incorrect as nonmetals lack the ability to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets like metals. Choice D, 'conductive,' is incorrect since nonmetals are generally poor conductors of electricity compared to metals.

5. Which of the following can act as a catalyst in a chemical reaction?

A. Enzyme
B. Light
C. Water
D. Metal

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed. They lower the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, facilitating and accelerating the process. Choice B, Light, is not a catalyst but can sometimes trigger reactions by providing energy. Choice C, Water, and choice D, Metal, are not catalysts but can participate in reactions as reactants.