how could water be boiled at room temperature

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Questions

1. How can water be boiled at room temperature?

A. By lowering the pressure
B. By increasing the pressure
C. By decreasing the volume
D. By raising the boiling point

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The boiling point of water is directly affected by pressure. By lowering the pressure, water can boil at a lower temperature, even at room temperature. This occurs because at lower pressures, the molecules of water have less resistance to escaping into the vapor phase, thus enabling boiling to occur at lower temperatures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increasing the pressure, decreasing the volume, or raising the boiling point would actually require higher temperatures to boil water rather than achieving boiling at room temperature.

2. Which of the following pH values is most likely for lemon juice?

A. 3
B. 5
C. 7
D. 9

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lemon juice is highly acidic with a pH around 2-3, making it more acidic than neutral substances. A pH of 5 is too high for lemon juice, indicating less acidity. Similarly, pH 7 is neutral, and pH 9 would be alkaline, which is not characteristic of lemon juice. Therefore, the correct answer is option A (pH 3).

3. Which element is a metalloid?

A. Silicon
B. Lead
C. Helium
D. Aluminum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Silicon.' Silicon is a metalloid, which means it has properties of both metals and nonmetals. It is commonly used in electronic devices due to its semiconductor properties. Lead (Choice B) is a metal, Helium (Choice C) is a noble gas, and Aluminum (Choice D) is a metal.

4. What is the oxidation state of the sulfur atom in sulfuric acid H2SO4?

A. 4
B. 6
C. 8
D. 10

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In sulfuric acid (H2SO4), sulfur has an oxidation state of +6. The oxidation state is determined by considering the overall charge of the compound and the known oxidation states of other elements. In this case, hydrogen is typically +1, and oxygen is -2. To balance the charges and match the compound's overall charge of 0, sulfur must have an oxidation state of +6. Choice A (4) is incorrect because it doesn't balance the charges in the compound. Choices C (8) and D (10) are also incorrect as they are not valid oxidation states for sulfur in this compound.

5. How much concentrated HCl should be used to prepare 500 mL of a 0.100 M HCl solution?

A. 75 mL
B. 100 mL
C. 125 mL
D. 150 mL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To prepare a 0.100 M HCl solution with a volume of 500 mL, you can use the formula C1V1 = C2V2, where C1 is the concentration of the concentrated HCl solution, V1 is the volume of concentrated HCl solution used, C2 is the desired concentration (0.100 M), and V2 is the final volume (500 mL). Rearranging the formula to solve for V1, you get V1 = (C2V2) / C1. Plugging in the values (0.100 M)(500 mL) / C1 = 100 mL, which means 100 mL of concentrated HCl should be used to prepare 500 mL of a 0.100 M HCl solution. Therefore, the correct answer is 100 mL. Choice A (75 mL), Choice C (125 mL), and Choice D (150 mL) are incorrect as they do not match the calculated volume needed to prepare the desired concentration of HCl solution.