what is the correct electron configuration for carbon

HESI A2

Chemistry Hesi A2

1. What is the correct electron configuration for carbon?

A. 1sÂ²2sÂ²2pÂ¹
B. 1sÂ²2sÂ²2pÂ²
C. 1sÂ²2sÂ²2pÂ³
D. 1sÂ²2sÂ²2pâ¶3sÂ¹

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct electron configuration for carbon is 1sÂ²2sÂ²2pÂ². This configuration indicates that there are 2 electrons in the first energy level (1sÂ²), 2 electrons in the second energy level (2sÂ²), and 2 electrons in the second energy level (2pÂ²). It adheres to the aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level, and the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that each electron in an atom must have a unique set of quantum numbers. Choice A is incorrect because it does not fill the 2p orbital correctly. Choice C is incorrect as it exceeds the number of possible electrons in the 2p orbital. Choice D is incorrect as it includes an electron in the 3s orbital, which is not part of the electron configuration for carbon.

2. To the nearest whole number, what is the mass of one mole of hydrogen iodide?

A. 2 g/mol
B. 58 g/mol
C. 87 g/mol
D. 128 g/mol

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The molar mass of hydrogen iodide (HI) is the sum of the atomic masses of its constituent elements. Hydrogen (H) has a molar mass of approximately 1 g/mol, and iodine (I) has a molar mass of about 127 g/mol. Thus, the molar mass of hydrogen iodide (HI) is approximately 1 + 127 = 128 g/mol. Rounding to the nearest whole number, the molar mass of hydrogen iodide is 128 g/mol, which is closest to choice C. Choice A (2 g/mol) is too low and does not reflect the correct molar mass of hydrogen iodide. Choice B (58 g/mol) is significantly lower than the actual molar mass. Choice D (128 g/mol) matches the calculated molar mass but is not the nearest whole number as requested.

3. How many neutrons are in an atom of helium-4?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 6

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The atomic number of helium is 2, indicating it has 2 protons. Helium-4, the most common isotope of helium, has 2 neutrons in addition to its 2 protons. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 neutrons in an atom of helium-4. Choice B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not match the correct composition of helium-4, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

4. What is the SI unit of energy?

A. ohm
B. joule
C. henry
D. newton

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The SI unit of energy is the 'joule'. The joule is defined as the work done when a force of one newton acts over a distance of one meter. It is the standard unit used to measure energy in the International System of Units (SI). Therefore, the correct answer is 'joule.' Choice A, 'ohm,' is the SI unit of electrical resistance, not energy. Choice C, 'henry,' is the SI unit of inductance, not energy. Choice D, 'newton,' is the SI unit of force, not energy. Hence, they are all incorrect in the context of measuring energy.

5. What type of chemical reaction is represented by AB â†’ A + B?

A. Synthesis
B. Decomposition
C. Single replacement
D. Double replacement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The chemical equation AB â†’ A + B represents a decomposition reaction. In a decomposition reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. In this specific reaction, compound AB is decomposed into its elements, A and B, making it a decomposition reaction. Choice A, Synthesis, involves the combination of two or more substances to form a more complex product, which is not the case here. Choices C and D, Single replacement and Double replacement, involve the exchange of ions between compounds or elements, which is not happening in the given reaction.