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 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.

3. Which one does not name a polar molecule?

A. NH₃
B. H₂S
C. SO₂
D. CO₂

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is NH₃. The molecule NH₃ does not represent a polar molecule because nitrogen and hydrogen in this molecule have a small difference in electronegativity that does not result in a significant polar covalent bond. In contrast, molecules H₂S, SO₂, and CO₂ have polar covalent bonds due to larger electronegativity differences, making them polar molecules. Therefore, options B, C, and D are polar molecules, unlike option A.

4. The molar mass of some gases is as follows: carbon monoxide—28.01 g/mol; helium—4.00 g/mol; nitrogen—28.01 g/mol; and oxygen—32.00 g/mol. Which would you expect to diffuse most rapidly?

A. Carbon monoxide
B. Helium
C. Nitrogen
D. Oxygen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the molar mass of the gas. Helium has the lowest molar mass among the given gases, making it the lightest and fastest gas to diffuse. Therefore, helium would be expected to diffuse most rapidly compared to carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and oxygen. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and oxygen have higher molar masses than helium, so they would diffuse more slowly. Therefore, the correct answer is helium.

5. What determines polarity in a molecule?

A. Bond length
B. Bond strength
C. Electronegativity
D. Molecular weight

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Polarity in a molecule is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the atoms forming the bond. The greater the difference in electronegativity, the more polar the bond and molecule become. This difference leads to an uneven distribution of electron density within the bond, creating partial positive and negative charges on the atoms involved. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Bond length and strength do not determine polarity, and molecular weight is not directly related to the polarity of a molecule.