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 element is considered a noble gas?

A. Oxygen
B. Neon
C. Hydrogen
D. Argon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Neon.' Noble gases are a group of elements with very low reactivity. Neon is one of these elements, known for its stable and unreactive nature. Oxygen, hydrogen, and argon do not belong to the noble gas group. Oxygen is a reactive non-metal, hydrogen is a non-metal and the first element in the periodic table, and argon is a noble gas like neon but not the correct answer in this case.

3. 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.

4. Which of the following is a characteristic property of acids?

A. Sour taste
B. Bitter taste
C. Reacts with bases
D. Slippery feel

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Sour taste.' Acids are known to have a sour taste, which is a fundamental characteristic property of acids. This taste distinguishes acids from bases, which are more likely to have a bitter taste. The sour taste of acids is due to the presence of hydrogen ions in them. Therefore, when identifying an acid based on taste, the sour taste serves as a key indicator. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Bitter taste is associated with bases, not acids. While acids do react with bases (Choice C), this is not a characteristic property of acids but rather a chemical behavior. Slippery feel (Choice D) is a property of bases, not acids.

5. Why does the diffusion rate increase as a substance is heated?

A. The kinetic energy of particles increases.
B. The space between particles increases.
C. The density of particles decreases.
D. The size of particles increases.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. When a substance is heated, the kinetic energy of particles increases, causing them to move faster. This increased movement allows the particles to spread out more rapidly, leading to a higher diffusion rate. Choice B is incorrect because heating does not directly affect the space between particles. Choice C is incorrect because heating does not necessarily lead to a decrease in the density of particles. Choice D is incorrect because the size of particles does not necessarily increase when a substance is heated. Therefore, the correct explanation for the increase in diffusion rate is the rise in kinetic energy of particles.