what happens in a single displacement reaction

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Questions

1. What happens in a single displacement reaction?

A. A compound decomposes into two substances.
B. An active element displaces a less active element.
C. A precipitate solid forms from the reaction of two solutions.
D. The oxidation states of atoms in the reactants change.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a single displacement reaction, an active element displaces a less active element in a compound. This process involves one element replacing another in a compound, resulting in the formation of a new compound. Option A is incorrect because a single displacement reaction does not involve the decomposition of a compound into two substances. Option C is incorrect because it describes a precipitation reaction, not a single displacement reaction. Option D is incorrect because it describes oxidation-reduction reactions, not specifically single displacement reactions.

2. How many neutrons does carbon-14 have?

A. 10
B. 8
C. 6
D. 12

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 8. Carbon-14 is an isotope of carbon with 6 protons and 8 neutrons. To determine the number of neutrons in an atom, subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number. In this case, the mass number of carbon-14 is 14, and the atomic number of carbon is 6. Therefore, 14 (mass number) - 6 (atomic number) = 8 neutrons. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct number of neutrons in a carbon-14 atom.

3. What is the name of the device that separates gaseous ions by their mass-to-charge ratio?

A. mass spectrometer
B. interferometer
C. magnetometer
D. capacitance meter

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A mass spectrometer is a device specifically designed to separate gaseous ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio. This separation process involves ionization, acceleration of the sample, and the deflection of ions in a magnetic field according to their mass-to-charge ratio. The other options, 'interferometer,' 'magnetometer,' and 'capacitance meter,' do not perform the specific function of separating gaseous ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, making them incorrect choices.

4. The molar mass of some gases is as follows: carbon monoxide—28.01 g/mol; helium—4.00 g/mol; nitrogen—28.01 g/mol; and oxygen—32.00 g/mol. Which would you expect to diffuse most rapidly?

A. Carbon monoxide
B. Helium
C. Nitrogen
D. Oxygen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the molar mass of the gas. Helium has the lowest molar mass among the given gases, making it the lightest and fastest gas to diffuse. Therefore, helium would be expected to diffuse most rapidly compared to carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and oxygen. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and oxygen have higher molar masses than helium, so they would diffuse more slowly. Therefore, the correct answer is helium.

5. What type of starch is glycogen?

A. Plant starch
B. Animal starch
C. Glucose
D. Cellulose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Glycogen is classified as animal starch, not plant starch. It is the storage form of glucose in animals, primarily found in the liver and muscles. Choice A (Plant starch) is incorrect because glycogen is not derived from plants. Choice C (Glucose) is incorrect as glucose is a monosaccharide and not a type of starch. Choice D (Cellulose) is incorrect as cellulose is a structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, not the same as glycogen.