in the solid state you would expect a nonmetal to be

HESI A2

Chemistry Hesi A2

1. In the solid state, you would expect a nonmetal to be _________.

A. brittle
B. lustrous
C. malleable
D. conductive

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the solid state, you would expect a nonmetal to be brittle. Nonmetals generally lack the malleability and ductility of metals, which makes them prone to being brittle and easily fractured under stress. This property is due to the lack of metallic bonding in nonmetals, which results in a more rigid and less flexible structure. Choice B, 'lustrous,' is incorrect because nonmetals typically do not exhibit a shiny or reflective surface like metals do. Choice C, 'malleable,' is also incorrect as nonmetals lack the ability to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets like metals. Choice D, 'conductive,' is incorrect since nonmetals are generally poor conductors of electricity compared to metals.

2. Which intermolecular force is the strongest?

A. Dipole interactions
B. Dispersion forces
C. Hydrogen bonding
D. Van der Waals forces

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hydrogen bonding is the strongest intermolecular force due to its specific interaction between a hydrogen atom and a highly electronegative atom like nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine. This type of bonding results in a very strong attraction between molecules, making it the strongest intermolecular force among the options provided. Dipole interactions (choice A) are weaker than hydrogen bonding as they occur between polar molecules. Dispersion forces (choice B) are the weakest intermolecular forces and are caused by temporary fluctuations in electron distribution. Van der Waals forces (choice D) are a broader term that encompasses dipole interactions and dispersion forces, making them weaker than hydrogen bonding.

3. Which chemical reaction involves the formation of a single product from two or more reactants?

A. Synthesis reaction
B. Combustion reaction
C. Decomposition reaction
D. Double displacement reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A synthesis reaction involves the combination of two or more reactants to form a single product. This type of reaction is characterized by the merging of substances to create a more complex compound. In a synthesis reaction, the reactants bond together to form a new product, making it the correct choice for this scenario. Combustion reactions involve the rapid combination of oxygen with another substance, resulting in the release of energy in the form of heat and light. Decomposition reactions entail the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances, often through the application of heat or electricity. Double displacement reactions involve the exchange of ions between two compounds, leading to the formation of two new compounds.

4. Which of these represents a strong acid?

A. CH₃COOH
B. H₂SO₄
C. NH₃
D. KOH

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Among the options provided, H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid) represents a strong acid. Strong acids completely ionize in water to produce a high concentration of H+ ions. Sulfuric acid is a strong acid known for its ability to dissociate almost completely in water, making it a strong acid. Choice A, CH₃COOH (acetic acid), is a weak acid that only partially dissociates in water. Choices C and D, NH₃ (ammonia) and KOH (potassium hydroxide), are bases and not acids.

5. 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.