what does the term amphoteric mean

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test

1. What does the term amphoteric mean?

A. A substance that only acts as a base
B. A substance that can act as both a base and an acid
C. A substance that only acts as an acid
D. A substance that acts as neither a base nor an acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term 'amphoteric' refers to substances that have the ability to act as both acids and bases depending on the surrounding conditions. This dual nature allows amphoteric substances to donate or accept protons, making them versatile in various chemical reactions. Choice A is incorrect because amphoteric substances can also act as acids. Choice C is incorrect as amphoteric substances can also act as bases. Choice D is incorrect as amphoteric substances can act as either a base or an acid.

2. Which of the following is a characteristic of an exothermic reaction?

A. It absorbs heat
B. It releases heat
C. It remains neutral
D. It requires energy input

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An exothermic reaction is characterized by the release of heat. During an exothermic reaction, energy is released in the form of heat to the surroundings, resulting in a temperature increase. This distinguishes it from endothermic reactions, which absorb heat from the surroundings. Choice A is incorrect because exothermic reactions do not absorb heat; instead, they release heat. Choice C is incorrect as exothermic reactions do not remain neutral; they involve a net release of energy. Choice D is incorrect as exothermic reactions do not require energy input; instead, they release energy.

3. What charge do Group VA elements typically have?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Group VA elements, also known as Group 15 elements, typically have a charge of -3. This is because they have five valence electrons and tend to gain three electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration, resulting in a -3 charge. Choice A (-1) and Choice B (-2) are incorrect because Group VA elements need to gain three electrons to reach a stable electron configuration, not just one or two. Choice D (0) is also incorrect because Group VA elements do not lose electrons to form a charge of 0.

4. How does increasing the concentration of reactants affect a chemical reaction?

A. Decreases the reaction rate
B. Increases the reaction rate
C. Stops the reaction
D. Has no effect

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increasing the concentration of reactants leads to more reactant particles being available, which, in turn, increases the likelihood of successful collisions between particles. This higher frequency of collisions results in a higher reaction rate. Therefore, option B, 'Increases the reaction rate,' is the correct answer. Choice A, 'Decreases the reaction rate,' is incorrect because higher reactant concentration usually speeds up the reaction. Choice C, 'Stops the reaction,' is incorrect as increasing concentration promotes more collisions, enhancing the reaction. Choice D, 'Has no effect,' is incorrect because changing reactant concentration directly impacts the reaction rate in most cases.

5. What is the name of the force that holds ionic compounds together?

A. Covalent bonds
B. Ionic bonds
C. Hydrogen bonds
D. Metallic bonds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ionic bonds are the forces that hold ionic compounds together. In ionic compounds, positively and negatively charged ions are held together by electrostatic forces of attraction, forming a stable structure. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, not the transfer of electrons like in ionic bonds. Hydrogen bonds are a type of intermolecular force, not the primary force in holding ionic compounds together. Metallic bonds are found in metals and involve a 'sea of electrons' that hold metal atoms together, different from the electrostatic attraction between ions in ionic compounds.