law that states that matter can neither be created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet

1. Which law states that matter can neither be created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction?

A. Law of Conservation of Energy
B. Law of Conservation of Mass
C. Law of Constant Composition
D. Law of Multiple Proportions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, the Law of Conservation of Mass. This law, formulated by Antoine Lavoisier, states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. It is a fundamental principle in chemistry that explains the preservation of mass during chemical reactions, indicating that the total mass of the reactants is equal to the total mass of the products. The other choices are incorrect because: A: The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, not matter. C: The Law of Constant Composition refers to compounds having the same composition by mass regardless of their source or how they were prepared, not about the conservation of matter in reactions. D: The Law of Multiple Proportions describes the ratios in which elements combine to form compounds, not the conservation of mass.

2. 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.

3. What type of chemical reaction involves the reaction of a compound with oxygen?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Combustion. A combustion reaction is characterized by a compound reacting with oxygen. During this process, heat and light are often produced as energy is released in the form of heat. Combustion is a common type of reaction involving organic compounds, like hydrocarbons, reacting with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because decomposition involves a compound breaking down into simpler substances, synthesis involves the combination of two or more substances to form a more complex one, and single replacement involves an element replacing another element in a compound.

4. What charge do Group VIIA elements have?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Group VIIA elements, also known as halogens, have a tendency to gain one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, resulting in a -1 charge. This is because they have seven valence electrons and need one more to complete their octet, making them highly reactive in forming -1 ions. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B (-2) is incorrect because Group VIIA elements typically gain one electron, not two. Choice C (0) is incorrect as these elements tend to form -1 ions by gaining one electron. Choice D (1) is incorrect because Group VIIA elements gain electrons to form negative ions, not positive ones.

5. Which ion would you expect to dominate in water solutions of bases?

A. MgCl₂
B. 2HCl
C. H⁺
D. OH⁻

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In water solutions of bases, the dominant ion would be OH⁻ (hydroxide ion). Bases release OH⁻ ions when dissolved in water, increasing the concentration of hydroxide ions and leading to a higher pH. This is in contrast to acids, which release H⁺ ions. Therefore, in water solutions of bases, the presence of OH⁻ ions signifies the basic nature of the solution. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because MgCl₂ is a salt, 2HCl is a compound consisting of two hydrogen ions and one chloride ion, and H⁺ represents a hydrogen ion typically associated with acids, not bases.