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. How many pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms in a single bond?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a single bond, two atoms share one pair of electrons. This shared pair of electrons is what holds the atoms together in the bond. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 1. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the number of electron pairs shared in a single bond.

3. What is the product of the decomposition of water?

A. Hydrogen and oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Nitrogen and hydrogen
D. Methane

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hydrogen and oxygen. When water undergoes decomposition, it breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen gases through a process known as electrolysis. This reaction is represented by 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂. Choice B, carbon dioxide, is incorrect as it is not a product of water decomposition. Choice C, nitrogen and hydrogen, is incorrect as water decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen, not nitrogen. Choice D, methane, is incorrect as methane is not a product of water decomposition.

4. What is the oxidation state of the oxygen atom in the compound NaOH?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the compound NaOH (sodium hydroxide), the oxidation state of the sodium ion (Na) is +1 as it commonly has a +1 charge in ionic compounds. Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. Since the compound is electrically neutral and the overall charge is zero, the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in the compound must be zero. Therefore, considering that sodium has an oxidation state of +1, the oxygen atom in NaOH must have an oxidation state of -1 to balance the charges and overall neutrality of the compound. Choice A (-2) is incorrect as this is not the oxidation state of oxygen in this compound. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen in NaOH does not have an oxidation state of 0. Choice D (+2) is incorrect as oxygen typically has a negative oxidation state in compounds, not a positive one.

5. Which gas is produced when an acid reacts with a carbonate?

A. Carbon dioxide
B. Oxygen
C. Hydrogen
D. Nitrogen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When an acid reacts with a carbonate, the chemical reaction typically yields carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide is formed due to the chemical reaction between the acid and the carbonate, releasing this gas as a product. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Carbon dioxide.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen are not the gases produced in this specific acid-carbonate reaction.