what is the correct formula for potassium chloride
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry

1. What is the correct formula for potassium chloride?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct formula for potassium chloride is KCl. In chemical formulas, the symbol for the cation (positive ion) comes first followed by the symbol for the anion (negative ion). Potassium is represented by the symbol K, while chloride is represented by the symbol Cl. Therefore, the formula for potassium chloride is KCl. Choice A (NaCl) is the formula for sodium chloride, not potassium chloride. Choice C is a duplicate of choice B, and choice D (ClK) is an incorrect arrangement of the symbols for potassium and chloride.

2. What is the oxidation state of the chlorine atom in the compound HCl?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the compound HCl (hydrochloric acid), the hydrogen atom has an oxidation state of +1 based on the rules of assigning oxidation states. Since the overall compound is neutral, the oxidation state of chlorine must be -1 to balance the charge. Chlorine typically has an oxidation state of -1 in binary compounds with nonmetals, such as HCl. Therefore, the correct answer is -1. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the oxidation state of chlorine in HCl is -1, not +1, +2, or -2.

3. Which number represents the number of protons in an element?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Atomic number. The atomic number corresponds to the number of protons in an element. Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Each element has a unique atomic number, which defines its identity based on the number of protons it contains. Choice A, Atomic mass, is incorrect as it refers to the average mass of an atom of an element. Choice B, Mass number, represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Choice D, Proton number, is not a commonly used term in chemistry to indicate the number of protons.

4. What is the net charge of an ionic compound?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 0. Ionic compounds have a net charge of 0 because they are formed by the combination of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) in a way that neutralizes their charges. This balanced combination results in an electrically neutral compound. Therefore, the net charge of an ionic compound is typically 0. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because ionic compounds are designed to have a total neutral charge, with the positive charges balancing out the negative charges.

5. Identify the type of reaction shown: 8Fe + S → 8FeS

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The reaction shown (8Fe + S → 8FeS) is a synthesis reaction. In a synthesis reaction, two or more substances combine to form a single compound. In this case, iron (Fe) and sulfur (S) combine to form iron sulfide (FeS). The key characteristic of a synthesis reaction is the formation of a single product from multiple reactants, which aligns with the given chemical equation. Choice A, single displacement, involves an element displacing another in a compound, which is not the case here. Choice B, double displacement, involves the exchange of ions between two compounds, which is also not happening in this reaction. Choice D, acid-base, refers to reactions between an acid and a base to form salt and water, which is not the case in the given equation.

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