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. What are negatively charged ions called?

A. Neutrons
B. Protons
C. Anions
D. Cations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Negatively charged ions are called anions. Anions gain electrons and carry a negative charge, which distinguishes them from cations that are positively charged and neutrons and protons that are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Choice A, Neutrons, are neutral subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom, not negatively charged ions. Choice B, Protons, are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom, not negatively charged ions. Choice D, Cations, are positively charged ions that lose electrons, which is opposite to the behavior of negatively charged ions.

3. What is the main component of air?

A. Oxygen
B. Nitrogen
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Argon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nitrogen is the main component of air, constituting approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and argon are also present in smaller amounts, but nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the air. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A, oxygen, is essential for respiration but makes up only about 21% of the atmosphere. Choice C, carbon dioxide, is vital for photosynthesis but exists in trace amounts in the air. Choice D, argon, is a noble gas found in relatively small quantities in the atmosphere.

4. What type of radiation is high-energy electromagnetic radiation that lacks charge and mass?

A. Beta
B. Alpha
C. Gamma
D. Delta

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Gamma radiation is a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation that does not possess charge or mass. This type of radiation is commonly used in various fields due to its penetrating ability and lack of charge or mass, making it different from alpha and beta radiation, which consist of charged particles. Therefore, the correct answer is C - Gamma. Choices A and B are incorrect as they refer to alpha and beta radiation, which are composed of charged particles. Choice D, Delta, is not a type of radiation.

5. You contain two odorous gases in vials with porous plugs. Gas A has twice the mass of Gas B. Which observation is most likely?

A. You will smell Gas A before you smell Gas B.
B. You will smell Gas B before you smell Gas A.
C. You will smell Gas A but not Gas B.
D. You will smell Gas B but not Gas A.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The rate of effusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass. Since Gas A has twice the mass of Gas B, Gas A will effuse more slowly than Gas B. Therefore, you will likely smell Gas A before you smell Gas B as Gas A will escape and diffuse through the porous plug at a slower rate compared to Gas B. Choice A is correct because Gas A, with its higher molar mass, will take longer to effuse through the porous plug, causing you to smell it first. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not consider the relationship between molar mass and effusion rate.