how many neutrons does carbon 14 have

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. How many neutrons does carbon-14 have?

A. 10
B. 8
C. 6
D. 12

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 8. Carbon-14 is an isotope of carbon with 6 protons and 8 neutrons. To determine the number of neutrons in an atom, subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number. In this case, the mass number of carbon-14 is 14, and the atomic number of carbon is 6. Therefore, 14 (mass number) - 6 (atomic number) = 8 neutrons. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct number of neutrons in a carbon-14 atom.

2. What is the role of a catalyst in a chemical reaction?

A. Slows down the reaction
B. Has no effect
C. Speeds up the reaction
D. Stops the reaction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A catalyst speeds up a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. It does not get consumed in the reaction and remains unchanged at the end, allowing it to facilitate multiple reaction cycles. Choice A is incorrect because a catalyst actually speeds up the reaction. Choice B is incorrect because catalysts do have an effect by accelerating the reaction. Choice D is incorrect because catalysts do not stop the reaction, but rather increase the reaction rate.

3. Balance this equation: Fe + Cl2 → FeCl3

A. 2Fe + 2Cl2 → 2FeCl3
B. 2Fe + 3Cl2 → 2FeCl3
C. 3Fe + 2Cl2 → 3FeCl3
D. 3Fe + 3Cl2 → 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 → 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.

4. How does increasing the concentration of reactants affect a chemical reaction?

A. Decreases the reaction rate
B. Increases the reaction rate
C. Stops the reaction
D. Has no effect

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increasing the concentration of reactants leads to more reactant particles being available, which, in turn, increases the likelihood of successful collisions between particles. This higher frequency of collisions results in a higher reaction rate. Therefore, option B, 'Increases the reaction rate,' is the correct answer. Choice A, 'Decreases the reaction rate,' is incorrect because higher reactant concentration usually speeds up the reaction. Choice C, 'Stops the reaction,' is incorrect as increasing concentration promotes more collisions, enhancing the reaction. Choice D, 'Has no effect,' is incorrect because changing reactant concentration directly impacts the reaction rate in most cases.

5. If oxygen is in a compound, what would its oxidation number be?

A. 2
B. -2
C. 0
D. -1

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Oxygen typically has an oxidation number of -2 in compounds because it tends to gain electrons. This is due to its high electronegativity, which leads to oxygen attracting electrons towards itself in a chemical bond. Choice A (2) is incorrect because oxygen doesn't have a +2 oxidation number in compounds. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen rarely has an oxidation number of 0 in compounds. Choice D (-1) is incorrect as oxygen's oxidation number in compounds is typically -2, not -1.