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. What is the typical oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds?

A. -1
B. -2
C. 0
D. -3

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "-2". Oxygen usually exhibits an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. This is due to oxygen's high electronegativity, which causes it to attract electrons, leading to the gain of two electrons in chemical reactions. Choice A (-1) is incorrect because oxygen rarely has an oxidation state of -1 in compounds. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen does not usually have an oxidation state of zero in compounds. Choice D (-3) is incorrect as oxygen does not commonly have an oxidation state of -3 in compounds.

3. Which of these intermolecular forces would result in the lowest boiling point?

A. Dipole-dipole interaction
B. London dispersion force
C. Keesom interaction
D. Hydrogen bonding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The London dispersion force is the weakest intermolecular force among the options provided. These forces are present in all molecules and are caused by temporary fluctuations in electron density, resulting in temporary dipoles. Since London dispersion forces are generally weaker than dipole-dipole interactions, Keesom interactions, and hydrogen bonding, a substance with London dispersion forces as the primary intermolecular force would have the lowest boiling point due to the weaker intermolecular forces holding the molecules together. Dipole-dipole interactions, Keesom interactions, and hydrogen bonding are stronger intermolecular forces compared to London dispersion forces, resulting in higher boiling points for substances that exhibit these interactions.

4. Which one is not a hydrocarbon?

A. Methane (CH4)
B. Pyridine (C5H5N)
C. Ethane (C2H6)
D. Propane (C3H8)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Pyridine (C5H5N). Pyridine is not a hydrocarbon because it contains nitrogen (N) in its molecular structure, in addition to carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms. Hydrocarbons consist solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), and propane (C3H8) are all examples of hydrocarbons as they only contain carbon and hydrogen atoms, making them organic compounds known for their combustion properties.

5. In the solid state, you would expect a nonmetal to be _________.

A. brittle
B. lustrous
C. malleable
D. conductive

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the solid state, you would expect a nonmetal to be brittle. Nonmetals generally lack the malleability and ductility of metals, which makes them prone to being brittle and easily fractured under stress. This property is due to the lack of metallic bonding in nonmetals, which results in a more rigid and less flexible structure. Choice B, 'lustrous,' is incorrect because nonmetals typically do not exhibit a shiny or reflective surface like metals do. Choice C, 'malleable,' is also incorrect as nonmetals lack the ability to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets like metals. Choice D, 'conductive,' is incorrect since nonmetals are generally poor conductors of electricity compared to metals.