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 is 0 K equal to in °C?

A. -300°C
B. -273°C
C. -250°C
D. -200°C

Correct answer: B

Rationale: 0 Kelvin, also known as absolute zero, is equal to -273°C. This is the point at which all molecular motion stops, making it the lowest possible temperature on the Kelvin scale. Choice A (-300°C) is incorrect as it is not the correct conversion of 0 K to °C. Choice C (-250°C) and Choice D (-200°C) are also incorrect as they do not correspond to the accurate conversion of 0 K to °C.

3. What happens in a single displacement reaction?

A. A compound decomposes into two substances.
B. An active element displaces a less active element.
C. A precipitate solid forms from the reaction of two solutions.
D. The oxidation states of atoms in the reactants change.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a single displacement reaction, an active element displaces a less active element in a compound. This process involves one element replacing another in a compound, resulting in the formation of a new compound. Option A is incorrect because a single displacement reaction does not involve the decomposition of a compound into two substances. Option C is incorrect because it describes a precipitation reaction, not a single displacement reaction. Option D is incorrect because it describes oxidation-reduction reactions, not specifically single displacement reactions.

4. What is the charge of noble gases?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 0. Noble gases have a charge of 0 because they have full valence shells and are inert. This makes them stable and unreactive, resulting in a charge of 0 as they do not readily gain or lose electrons. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because noble gases do not typically form ions by gaining or losing electrons, so they do not carry a charge of -1, 1, or 2.

5. What is the chemical reaction that involves breaking down a compound into component parts?

A. Decomposition
B. Synthesis
C. Combustion
D. Single replacement

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Decomposition is the correct answer because in a decomposition reaction, a compound is broken down into simpler substances. This type of reaction involves the splitting of a compound into its component parts, often through the use of heat, light, or electricity. Synthesis (choice B) is the opposite process where simpler substances are combined to form a more complex compound. Combustion (choice C) is a reaction involving rapid oxidation often accompanied by heat and light. Single replacement (choice D) is a reaction where one element replaces another in a compound.