what is the oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test

1. What is the typical oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "-2". Oxygen usually exhibits an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. This is due to oxygen's high electronegativity, which causes it to attract electrons, leading to the gain of two electrons in chemical reactions. Choice A (-1) is incorrect because oxygen rarely has an oxidation state of -1 in compounds. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen does not usually have an oxidation state of zero in compounds. Choice D (-3) is incorrect as oxygen does not commonly have an oxidation state of -3 in compounds.

2. What is the primary function of enzymes?

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.

3. What happens in a single displacement reaction?

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.

4. How many electron pairs are shared to form a triple covalent bond?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In a triple covalent bond, three pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms. This sharing results in a total of six electrons being shared, making the bond strong. Choice A (1) is incorrect because a single covalent bond involves the sharing of one pair of electrons. Choice B (2) is incorrect as a double covalent bond consists of the sharing of two pairs of electrons. Choice D (4) is incorrect because there are only three pairs of electrons shared in a triple covalent bond, not four.

5. Which of the following is the weakest intermolecular force?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dispersion forces, also known as London dispersion forces, are the weakest intermolecular forces. They are temporary attractive forces that occur due to momentary shifts in electron distribution within molecules. While dipole interactions, hydrogen bonding, and Van der Waals forces are stronger intermolecular forces, dispersion forces are the weakest because they arise from short-lived fluctuations in electron density. Dipole interactions involve permanent dipoles in molecules, making them stronger than dispersion forces. Hydrogen bonding is stronger than dipole interactions and involves hydrogen atoms bonded to highly electronegative atoms. Van der Waals forces encompass dipole-dipole interactions and dispersion forces, making them stronger than dispersion forces alone.

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