if gas a has four times the molar mass of gas b you would expect it to diffuse through a plug

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. If gas A has four times the molar mass of gas B, you would expect it to diffuse through a plug ___________.

A. at half the rate of gas B
B. at twice the rate of gas B
C. at a quarter the rate of gas B
D. at four times the rate of gas B

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When comparing the diffusion rates of two gases, according to Graham's law of diffusion, the rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the square root of the molar mass. If gas A has four times the molar mass of gas B, the square root of the molar masses ratio (4:1) is 2. This means that gas A would diffuse through a plug at half the rate of gas B. Therefore, the correct answer is A, at half the rate of gas B. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct relationship between the molar masses and the rates of diffusion according to Graham's law.

2. Which one does not name a polar molecule?

A. NH₃
B. H₂S
C. SO₂
D. CO₂

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is NH₃. The molecule NH₃ does not represent a polar molecule because nitrogen and hydrogen in this molecule have a small difference in electronegativity that does not result in a significant polar covalent bond. In contrast, molecules H₂S, SO₂, and CO₂ have polar covalent bonds due to larger electronegativity differences, making them polar molecules. Therefore, options B, C, and D are polar molecules, unlike option A.

3. What is the correct electron configuration for carbon?

A. 1s²2s²2p¹
B. 1s²2s²2p²
C. 1s²2s²2p³
D. 1s²2s²2p⁶3s¹

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct electron configuration for carbon is 1s²2s²2p². This configuration indicates that there are 2 electrons in the first energy level (1s²), 2 electrons in the second energy level (2s²), and 2 electrons in the second energy level (2p²). It adheres to the aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level, and the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that each electron in an atom must have a unique set of quantum numbers. Choice A is incorrect because it does not fill the 2p orbital correctly. Choice C is incorrect as it exceeds the number of possible electrons in the 2p orbital. Choice D is incorrect as it includes an electron in the 3s orbital, which is not part of the electron configuration for carbon.

4. In the periodic table, which group contains the alkali metals?

A. Group 7
B. Group 1
C. Group 2
D. Group 3

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Group 1. Alkali metals are found in Group 1 of the periodic table, which includes elements such as lithium, sodium, and potassium. These elements are known for their high reactivity and tendency to form alkaline solutions when they react with water. Therefore, Group 1 is specifically designated as the group containing alkali metals. Choice A (Group 7) is incorrect as Group 7 contains the halogens. Choice C (Group 2) is incorrect as Group 2 contains the alkaline earth metals. Choice D (Group 3) is incorrect as Group 3 contains the scandium group of elements.

5. What number represents the number of protons an element has?

A. Atomic mass
B. Mass number
C. Atomic number
D. Neutron number

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, atomic number. The atomic number corresponds to the number of protons in an element. This number is unique to each element and determines its placement on the periodic table. It is equal to the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom of that element. Choice A, atomic mass, represents the average mass of an element's isotopes. Choice B, mass number, is the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom. Choice D, neutron number, specifically refers to the count of neutrons in an atom and not protons.