what is a colligative property of a solution

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Questions

1. Which of the following is a colligative property of a solution?

A. Freezing point depression
B. Viscosity
C. Surface tension
D. Boiling point elevation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A colligative property is a property that depends on the number of solute particles in a solution, not on the identity of the solute particles. Freezing point depression is one such property, where adding a solute to a solvent lowers the freezing point of the solution compared to the pure solvent. This phenomenon occurs because the presence of solute particles disrupts the formation of the regular crystal lattice structure, requiring a lower temperature for solidification to occur. Choices B, C, and D are not colligative properties. Viscosity and surface tension are not dependent on the number of solute particles but on intermolecular forces and molecular interactions. Boiling point elevation is another colligative property, but in this case, the question asked for a colligative property of a solution, making freezing point depression the correct answer.

2. On the periodic table, where are atoms with the largest atomic radius located?

A. At the top of their group
B. In the middle of their group
C. At the bottom of their group
D. Along the right-hand side

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Atoms with the largest atomic radius are located at the bottom of their group on the periodic table. This is because atomic radius increases down a group due to the addition of more energy levels or shells of electrons. As you move down a group, the outermost electrons are further away from the nucleus, leading to an increase in atomic radius. Choice A 'At the top of their group' is incorrect because atomic radius decreases going up within a group. Choice B 'In the middle of their group' is incorrect as the atomic radius generally increases as you go down a group, not in the middle. Choice D 'Along the right-hand side' is incorrect because atomic radius tends to decrease from left to right across a period on the periodic table due to increased nuclear charge and effective nuclear charge.

3. What is the primary function of enzymes?

A. To provide energy for reactions
B. To speed up reactions
C. To decrease activation energy
D. To act as a catalyst

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes function to speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. They act as biological catalysts, providing an alternative pathway for the reaction to proceed more rapidly without being consumed in the process. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because enzymes do not provide energy for reactions (they do not generate energy), their primary function is not to decrease activation energy (though they do lower it), and while they act as catalysts, the primary function is to speed up reactions by lowering activation energy.

4. When balanced, the reaction Fe + Oâ‚‚ â†’ FeO will be?

A. 2Fe + 2Oâ‚‚ â†’ 3FeO
B. 4Fe + 6Oâ‚‚ â†’ 6FeO
C. 2Fe + 3Oâ‚‚ â†’ 2FeO
D. 4Fe + 3Oâ‚‚ â†’ 2FeO

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To balance the chemical equation Fe + Oâ‚‚ â†’ FeO, the coefficients needed are 2 for Fe and 1 for O. Therefore, the balanced equation becomes 2Fe + Oâ‚‚ â†’ 2FeO, which translates into 2Fe + 3Oâ‚‚ â†’ 2FeO. This corresponds to option C. Choice A has the incorrect number of oxygen molecules. Choice B has an incorrect number of Fe atoms on the product side. Choice D also has an incorrect number of Fe atoms on the product side.

5. What is the correct formula for silver hydroxide?

A. AgO
B. AgOH
C. AgH
D. AgHâ‚‚O

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct formula for silver hydroxide is AgOH. Silver hydroxide is formed by the combination of the silver ion (Agâº) with the hydroxide ion (OHâ») to create AgOH. It is essential to note that the hydroxide ion consists of one oxygen and one hydrogen atom, thus the formula AgOH. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the composition of silver hydroxide.