what is an alloy in which another metal is dissolved in mercury hg called

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What is an alloy in which another metal is dissolved in mercury (Hg) called?

A. Electrum
B. Amalgam
C. Solder
D. Bronze

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An amalgam is a type of alloy where another metal is dissolved in mercury (Hg). This process forms a unique mixture that has various applications in dentistry, chemistry, and other fields. Electrum is a natural alloy of gold and silver, solder is a metal alloy used to join other metals together, and bronze is a copper-tin alloy. Therefore, the correct answer is B - Amalgam.

2. Which of the following elements is a noble gas?

A. Hydrogen
B. Fluorine
C. Argon
D. Nitrogen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Argon. Argon is a noble gas, part of Group 18 in the periodic table. Noble gases are colorless, odorless, and typically non-reactive under normal conditions. Other elements in this group include helium, neon, krypton, xenon, and radon. Argon finds wide applications in welding, lighting, and scientific research. Choices A, B, and D are not noble gases. Hydrogen is a non-metal, Fluorine is a halogen, and Nitrogen is a diatomic non-metal gas.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. What is 119 K in degrees Celsius?

A. 32°C
B. -154°C
C. 154°C
D. 0°C

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To convert Kelvin (K) to Celsius (°C), you subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin value. Therefore, 119 K - 273.15 = -154.15°C. The negative sign indicates that the temperature is below freezing. When rounded to the nearest whole number, -154.15°C is approximately -154°C. Choice A and Choice C are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct conversion from Kelvin to Celsius. Choice D is incorrect as it corresponds to the freezing point of water in Celsius, not the conversion of 119 K.