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. If fifty-six kilograms of a radioactive substance has a half-life of 12 days, how many days will it take the substance to decay naturally to only 7 kilograms?

A. 8
B. 12
C. 36
D. 48

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To decay from 56 kg to 7 kg, the substance needs to go through 3 half-lives (56 kg ÷ 2 ÷ 2 ÷ 2 = 7 kg). Since each half-life is 12 days, the total time required is 12 days per half-life x 3 half-lives = 36 days. Choice A is incorrect because it does not consider the concept of half-lives. Choice B is incorrect because it represents the duration of a single half-life, not the total time required for the decay. Choice D is incorrect as it does not account for the multiple half-lives needed for the substance to decay from 56 kg to 7 kg.

3. Cobalt-60 has a half-life of 5 years. If you start with 20 g of cobalt-60, how much is left after 10 years?

A. 15 g
B. 10 g
C. 5 g
D. 2.5 g

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cobalt-60's half-life of 5 years means that after 5 years, half of the initial amount remains. Therefore, after 10 years, a quarter (half of a half) of the initial amount will remain. Starting with 20 g, after 10 years, 5 g of cobalt-60 will be left. Choice A (15 g) is incorrect because it assumes a linear decrease, not considering the exponential decay characteristic of radioactive substances. Choice B (10 g) is incorrect as it overlooks that after 10 years, more decay has occurred. Choice D (2.5 g) is incorrect as it represents only an eighth of the initial amount after 10 years, not a quarter.

4. What is a pentose sugar?

A. A 6 carbon sugar
B. A 4 carbon sugar
C. A 5 carbon sugar
D. A 7 carbon sugar

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A pentose is a 5-carbon sugar, as the prefix 'pent-' signifies five. Therefore, a pentose sugar consists of five carbon atoms. Choice A, 'A 6 carbon sugar,' is incorrect as a pentose sugar specifically has five carbons. Choice B, 'A 4 carbon sugar,' is incorrect as it describes a tetrose sugar, which has four carbons. Choice D, 'A 7 carbon sugar,' is incorrect as it does not correspond to the definition of a pentose sugar.

5. What is the coefficient of O after the following equation is balanced?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a balanced chemical equation, the coefficient of oxygen (O) in O2 is already 2, so there is no need to adjust its coefficient further. Therefore, the coefficient of O remains as 1. Since the coefficient of O2 is 2, each O atom is represented by the coefficient of 1, and it does not change during the balancing process. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they suggest changing the coefficient of oxygen, which is not necessary for O2 in a balanced equation.