what is the oxidation state of the chlorine atom in the compound hcl

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

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

A. +1
B. -1
C. +2
D. -2

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.

2. What is the pH of acids?

A. 7.5
B. < 7
C. > 7
D. 7

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: < 7. Acids have a pH lower than 7, indicating higher acidity. A pH below 7 signifies an acidic solution, with lower values indicating stronger acids. Choice A (7.5) is incorrect as it is greater than 7, which is alkaline. Choice C (> 7) is incorrect as values greater than 7 represent alkaline/basic solutions. Choice D (7) is incorrect because a pH of 7 is neutral, not acidic.

3. What are the products of combustion of a hydrocarbon in excess oxygen?

A. Carbon dioxide and water
B. Naphthalene
C. Chlorine and bromine
D. Carbonium ions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carbon dioxide and water. During the combustion of a hydrocarbon in excess oxygen, the hydrocarbon reacts to produce carbon dioxide and water vapor as the final products. This reaction is known as complete combustion, where the hydrocarbon combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because naphthalene is a specific hydrocarbon compound, chlorine and bromine are not typically formed during the combustion of hydrocarbons in excess oxygen, and carbonium ions are not the products of this reaction.

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 electron configuration for magnesium?

A. 1sÂ² 2sÂ²
B. 1sÂ² 2sÂ² 2pâ¶
C. 1sÂ² 2sÂ² 2pâ¶ 3sÂ²
D. 1sÂ² 2sÂ² 2pâ¶ 3sÂ² 3pÂ¹

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The electron configuration of an element is determined by following the Aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level. Magnesium has an atomic number of 12, meaning it has 12 electrons. The electron configuration of magnesium fills the 1s, 2s, 2p, and 3s orbitals to accommodate all 12 electrons. Therefore, the correct electron configuration for magnesium is 1sÂ² 2sÂ² 2pâ¶ 3sÂ². Choice A is incorrect as it only includes 4 electrons and stops at the 2s orbital. Choice B is incorrect as it includes 8 electrons and stops at the 2p orbital. Choice D is incorrect as it includes 13 electrons and extends to the 3p orbital, which is beyond the actual electron configuration of magnesium.