in which state of matter are particles packed tightly together in a fixed position

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Questions

1. In which state of matter are particles packed tightly together in a fixed position?

A. Liquid
B. Solid
C. Gas
D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a 'solid' state, particles are tightly packed in fixed positions, maintaining a definite shape and volume. This arrangement allows solids to maintain a rigid structure. Liquids have particles that are close together but can move past each other, giving them the ability to flow and take the shape of their container. Gases have particles that are far apart and move freely, leading to their ability to expand to fill any container. Plasma is an ionized gas where particles have high energy levels and are not packed tightly together, making it an uncommon state of matter on Earth.

2. What is the oxidation state of the nitrogen atom in the compound NH3?

A. -3
B. -1
C. +1
D. +3

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the compound NH3, nitrogen is bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Hydrogen is always assigned an oxidation state of +1. Since the overall charge of NH3 is zero, the oxidation state of nitrogen must be -1 to balance out the hydrogen's +1 oxidation state. Therefore, the correct oxidation state of the nitrogen atom in NH3 is -1. Choice A (-3) is incorrect because it does not account for the electronegativity of hydrogen. Choice C (+1) and Choice D (+3) are incorrect as the nitrogen atom in NH3 needs to balance the +1 oxidation state of each hydrogen atom, resulting in a total of -3 to maintain the compound's charge neutrality.

3. What are the products of the combustion of a hydrocarbon?

A. Water and carbon dioxide
B. Water and oxygen
C. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide
D. Carbon dioxide and oxygen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a hydrocarbon undergoes combustion, it reacts with oxygen to produce water and carbon dioxide as the main products. The general chemical equation for the combustion of a hydrocarbon is hydrocarbon + oxygen â†’ carbon dioxide + water. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Water and carbon dioxide.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because water and carbon dioxide are the primary products of hydrocarbon combustion, not water and oxygen, hydrogen and carbon monoxide, or carbon dioxide and oxygen.

4. What is the correct electron configuration for lithium?

A. 1sÂ²2sÂ¹
B. 1sÂ²2sÂ²
C. 1sÂ²2sÂ¹2pÂ¹
D. 1sÂ¹2sÂ¹2pÂ²

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The electron configuration for lithium is 1sÂ²2sÂ¹. Lithium has 3 electrons, and the configuration indicates that the first two electrons fill the 1s orbital, while the third electron fills the 2s orbital. Therefore, the correct electron configuration for lithium is 1sÂ²2sÂ¹. Choice B (1sÂ²2sÂ²) is incorrect as it represents the electron configuration for beryllium, not lithium. Choice C (1sÂ²2sÂ¹2pÂ¹) includes the 2p orbital, which is not involved in lithium's electron configuration. Choice D (1sÂ¹2sÂ¹2pÂ²) is incorrect as it does not accurately represent lithium's electron configuration.

5. Which of the following best describes an endothermic reaction?

A. A reaction that absorbs heat
B. A reaction that releases heat
C. A reaction that does not involve heat
D. A reaction that remains at a constant temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An endothermic reaction is a process that absorbs heat from its surroundings. When a reaction absorbs heat, it leads to a decrease in the temperature of the surroundings, making choice A the correct description. In an endothermic reaction, energy is taken in from the surroundings, resulting in a decrease in temperature around the reaction site. Choice B is incorrect because a reaction that releases heat is known as an exothermic reaction. Choice C is incorrect as all reactions involve heat to some extent. Choice D is incorrect as an endothermic reaction does not remain at a constant temperature but rather absorbs heat, leading to a temperature decrease in the surroundings.