carbon 12 and carbon 14 are isotopes what do they have in common
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HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Carbon-12 and carbon-14 are isotopes. What do they have in common?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons (which determines the element) but different numbers of neutrons. Both carbon-12 and carbon-14 have 6 protons (hence they are both carbon atoms) but different numbers of neutrons: carbon-12 has 6 neutrons, while carbon-14 has 8 neutrons. Therefore, the correct answer is the number of neutrons. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because isotopes may have different numbers of nuclear particles (protons + neutrons), protons, and mass numbers, respectively.

2. Which chemical reaction involves the formation of a single product from two or more reactants?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A synthesis reaction involves the combination of two or more reactants to form a single product. This type of reaction is characterized by the merging of substances to create a more complex compound. In a synthesis reaction, the reactants bond together to form a new product, making it the correct choice for this scenario. Combustion reactions involve the rapid combination of oxygen with another substance, resulting in the release of energy in the form of heat and light. Decomposition reactions entail the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances, often through the application of heat or electricity. Double displacement reactions involve the exchange of ions between two compounds, leading to the formation of two new compounds.

3. What distinguishes one allotrope from another?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Allotropes are different forms of the same element that exist in the same physical state but have different structures. The arrangement of atoms is what distinguishes one allotrope from another, determining their unique properties and characteristics. Gram atomic mass (Choice B) is a constant value for a specific element and does not change between different allotropes. Physical state (Choice C) refers to whether a substance is a solid, liquid, or gas, which can be the same for different allotropes of an element. Stability (Choice D) can vary between different allotropes, but it is not what always differentiates one allotrope from another. Therefore, the correct answer is the arrangement of atoms, as it is the key factor that varies across different allotropes.

4. Which two elements are most alike in reactivity?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chlorine (Cl) and Phosphorus (P) are most alike in reactivity among the given pairs. Both elements are nonmetals and belong to Group 7 (halogens) and Group 15 (nitrogen group), respectively. They have similar electronic configurations and can form compounds by gaining or sharing electrons. Chlorine is highly reactive and can easily form ionic compounds, while phosphorus also shows a range of reactivity in its compounds. Choice A (He and H) is incorrect because helium (He) is a noble gas and hydrogen (H) is a nonmetal, so they are not similar in reactivity. Choice B (K and Ar) is incorrect as potassium (K) is a metal and argon (Ar) is a noble gas, having different reactivities. Choice D (Ba and Mg) is incorrect because barium (Ba) and magnesium (Mg) are both metals, but their reactivities differ due to their positions in the periodic table.

5. What is the name of the compound CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-CH₃?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The compound CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-CH₃ is named butane. Butane is a straight-chain alkane comprising four carbon atoms connected by single bonds. The prefix 'but-' denotes the presence of four carbon atoms, while the suffix '-ane' indicates it is an alkane with single bonds between the carbon atoms. Choice A, Cyclobutane, is incorrect as it refers to a cyclic hydrocarbon with four carbon atoms in a ring structure. Choice C, Butene, is incorrect because it is an alkene with a double bond between two carbon atoms, not a saturated hydrocarbon like butane. Choice D, Butyne, is also incorrect as it is an alkyne with a triple bond between two carbon atoms, unlike the single bonds in butane.

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