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. The three important allotropic forms of phosphorus are red, white, and ___________.

A. green
B. gray
C. black
D. silver

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The three important allotropic forms of phosphorus are red, white, and black. These forms indicate the different physical properties and reactivity of phosphorus under various conditions. Red phosphorus is more stable and less reactive than white phosphorus, while black phosphorus is the least reactive form. Choice C, 'black,' is the correct answer as it completes the sequence of allotropic forms of phosphorus. Choices A, 'green,' B, 'gray,' and D, 'silver,' are incorrect as they do not represent recognized forms of phosphorus.

3. Which of the following is a characteristic of an exothermic reaction?

A. It absorbs heat
B. It releases heat
C. It remains neutral
D. It requires energy input

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An exothermic reaction is characterized by the release of heat. During an exothermic reaction, energy is released in the form of heat to the surroundings, resulting in a temperature increase. This distinguishes it from endothermic reactions, which absorb heat from the surroundings. Choice A is incorrect because exothermic reactions do not absorb heat; instead, they release heat. Choice C is incorrect as exothermic reactions do not remain neutral; they involve a net release of energy. Choice D is incorrect as exothermic reactions do not require energy input; instead, they release energy.

4. What is the molarity of a solution containing 45 moles of NaCl in 4 liters?

A. 0.11 M NaCl
B. 0.45 M NaCl
C. 1.8 M NaCl
D. 8.9 M NaCl

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the molarity of a solution, you use the formula: Molarity (M) = moles of solute / liters of solution. In this case, M = 45 moles / 4 L = 11.25 M. The correct answer is 0.11 M NaCl. Choice B is incorrect as it doesn't match the calculated value. Choice C is also incorrect as it is significantly higher than the correct molarity. Choice D is incorrect as it is excessively high compared to the calculated value.

5. What is the correct name of MgO?

A. Manganese oxide
B. Magnesium oxide
C. Magnesium oxate
D. Magnesium hydroxide

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct name of MgO is Magnesium oxide. Mg represents the chemical symbol for magnesium, and O represents the chemical symbol for oxygen. When these elements combine, they form magnesium oxide. Option A, Manganese oxide, is incorrect as it refers to a compound of manganese and oxygen, not magnesium. Option C, Magnesium oxate, is not a valid chemical compound name. Option D, Magnesium hydroxide, refers to a different compound consisting of magnesium, oxygen, and hydrogen.