beta radiation is the product of the decomposition of what particle

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet

1. Beta radiation is the product of the decomposition of which particle?

A. Proton
B. Neutron
C. Electron
D. Photon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Beta radiation is the result of the decomposition of a neutron. During beta decay, a neutron in an atom's nucleus is transformed into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and an antineutrino. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Neutron.' Choice A, 'Proton,' is incorrect because beta decay does not involve the decomposition of a proton. Choice C, 'Electron,' is incorrect because electrons are actually produced during beta decay. Choice D, 'Photon,' is incorrect as beta radiation does not involve the decomposition of photons.

2. Balance this equation: Zn + HCl â†’ ZnCl + H2.

A. Zn + 2HCl â†’ ZnCl + H2
B. Zn + HCl â†’ 2ZnCl + H2
C. 2Zn + 2HCl â†’ 2ZnCl + H2
D. Zn + 4HCl â†’ ZnCl + H2

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The given unbalanced equation is Zn + HCl â†’ ZnCl + H2. To balance it, we need to have equal atoms on both sides of the equation. The balanced equation is 2Zn + 2HCl â†’ 2ZnCl + H2. This balanced equation shows that two atoms of Zn combine with two molecules of HCl to form two molecules of ZnCl and one molecule of H2. Choice A is incorrect because it does not balance the equation. Choice B is incorrect as it does not have the same number of atoms on both sides. Choice D is incorrect because it does not balance the equation properly, resulting in an unequal number of atoms on both sides.

3. Which substance forms hydroxide ions when placed in water?

A. Lemon juice
B. Battery acid
C. Vinegar
D. Lye

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, lye. Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is a strong base that forms hydroxide ions (OH-) when placed in water. When lye dissolves in water, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions, making it an alkaline substance. Lemon juice, battery acid, and vinegar do not form hydroxide ions when placed in water. Lemon juice contains citric acid, battery acid contains sulfuric acid, and vinegar contains acetic acid, none of which produce hydroxide ions when dissolved in water.

4. To the nearest whole number, what is the mass of one mole of water?

A. 16 g/mol
B. 18 g/mol
C. 20 g/mol
D. 22 g/mol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The molar mass of water (Hâ‚‚O) is calculated by adding the atomic masses of two hydrogen atoms (each with a molar mass of approximately 1 g/mol) and one oxygen atom (with a molar mass of approximately 16 g/mol). Therefore, the molar mass of water is approximately 18 g/mol, making choice B the correct answer. Choice A (16 g/mol) is incorrect because it represents the molar mass of oxygen, not water. Choices C (20 g/mol) and D (22 g/mol) are incorrect as they do not correspond to the molar mass of water.

5. What type of bond is an electrostatic attraction between two oppositely charged ions?

A. Covalent
B. Metallic
C. Ionic
D. Hydrogen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An ionic bond forms when one atom transfers electrons to another, resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions. The attraction between these oppositely charged ions creates an electrostatic bond, known as an ionic bond. Choice A, covalent bonds, involve the sharing of electrons, not the transfer. Choice B, metallic bonds, occur between metal atoms and involve a 'sea of electrons' that are delocalized. Choice D, hydrogen bonds, are much weaker interactions between hydrogen atoms and other electronegative atoms like oxygen or nitrogen.