in the periodic table which group contains the alkali metals

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Questions

1. 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.

2. How many pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms in a single bond?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a single bond, two atoms share one pair of electrons. This shared pair of electrons is what holds the atoms together in the bond. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 1. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the number of electron pairs shared in a single bond.

3. Which substance is a product of photosynthesis?

A. Carbon dioxide
B. Oxygen
C. Water
D. Glucose

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During photosynthesis, plants and other organisms convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Glucose is a carbohydrate produced by plants as a result of photosynthesis, serving as their main source of energy. Oxygen is released as a byproduct of this process, while carbon dioxide and water are the raw materials used to produce glucose. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Glucose,' making it a vital product of the photosynthesis process. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as carbon dioxide and water are the reactants needed for photosynthesis, and oxygen is released as a byproduct.

4. If fifty-six kilograms of a radioactive substance has a half-life of 12 days, how many days will it take the substance to decay naturally to only 7 kilograms?

A. 8
B. 12
C. 36
D. 48

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To decay from 56 kg to 7 kg, the substance needs to go through 3 half-lives (56 kg Ã· 2 Ã· 2 Ã· 2 = 7 kg). Since each half-life is 12 days, the total time required is 12 days per half-life x 3 half-lives = 36 days. Choice A is incorrect because it does not consider the concept of half-lives. Choice B is incorrect because it represents the duration of a single half-life, not the total time required for the decay. Choice D is incorrect as it does not account for the multiple half-lives needed for the substance to decay from 56 kg to 7 kg.

5. What charge do Group VIA elements typically have?

A. -1
B. -2
C. -3
D. 0

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Group VIA elements, also known as Group 16 elements, typically have a charge of -2. This is because they have 6 valence electrons and tend to gain 2 electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration, resulting in a -2 charge. Choice A (-1) is incorrect as Group VIA elements need to gain 2 electrons for stability, not just 1. Choice C (-3) is incorrect because Group VIA elements do not need to gain 3 electrons to achieve stability. Choice D (0) is incorrect as Group VIA elements need to gain electrons to reach a stable configuration, resulting in a negative charge.