what is the oxidation state of the sulfur atom in sulfuric acid h2so4
Logo

Nursing Elites

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test

1. What is the oxidation state of the sulfur atom in sulfuric acid H2SO4?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In sulfuric acid (H2SO4), sulfur has an oxidation state of +6. The oxidation state is determined by considering the overall charge of the compound and the known oxidation states of other elements. In this case, hydrogen is typically +1, and oxygen is -2. To balance the charges and match the compound's overall charge of 0, sulfur must have an oxidation state of +6. Choice A (4) is incorrect because it doesn't balance the charges in the compound. Choices C (8) and D (10) are also incorrect as they are not valid oxidation states for sulfur in this compound.

2. Which state of matter has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The state of matter that has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container is a 'Liquid.' Liquids have a fixed volume but can change their shape to fit the container they are in. This property distinguishes liquids from solids, which have both a definite shape and volume, and gases, which do not have a fixed volume or shape. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Liquid.' Choice A, 'Gas,' is incorrect because gases do not have a definite volume or shape. Choice C, 'Solid,' is incorrect as solids have a definite shape and volume. Choice D, 'Plasma,' is incorrect because plasma is a state of matter where atoms have been ionized and do not have a fixed volume or shape.

3. On the periodic table, families of elements with similar properties appear in the same _________.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Families of elements with similar properties appear in the same column on the periodic table. Columns are also known as groups, and elements within the same group have similar chemical and physical properties due to their identical number of valence electrons. Therefore, the correct answer is 'column.' Choice A, 'row,' is incorrect because rows on the periodic table are called periods, not families or groups of elements. Choice B, 'principal energy level,' is incorrect as it refers to the energy levels of electrons around the nucleus of an atom, not the arrangement of elements with similar properties on the periodic table. Choice C, 'period,' is incorrect as periods represent horizontal rows on the periodic table, where elements do not necessarily have similar properties compared to elements in the same column.

4. What is the oxidation state of the potassium ion in the compound KCl?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the compound KCl (potassium chloride), potassium is in Group 1 of the periodic table, which means it has a valence electron of 1. Chlorine is in Group 17 and gains one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration by forming an ionic bond with potassium. As a result, the potassium ion in KCl has a +1 oxidation state. Therefore, the correct answer is +1. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the oxidation state of the potassium ion in KCl.

5. How many neutrons are in an atom of carbon-12?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An atom of carbon-12 has 6 neutrons. The atomic number of carbon is 6, representing the number of protons. The atomic mass of carbon-12 is 12. To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass: 12 - 6 = 6 neutrons. Choice A, 2, is incorrect as it does not reflect the correct calculation for neutrons in carbon-12. Choice B, 4, is incorrect as it does not match the correct number of neutrons in carbon-12. Choice D, 24, is incorrect as it is significantly higher than the actual number of neutrons in carbon-12.

Similar Questions

What is the boiling point of water in °C?
Which two functional groups would you expect an amino acid to contain?
How many neutrons are in an atom of uranium-235?
Beta radiation is the product of the decomposition of which particle?
Which of the following is not an allotrope of carbon?

Access More Features

HESI A2 Basic
$49/ 30 days

  • 3,000 Questions with answers
  • 30 days access

HESI A2 Premium
$99/ 90 days

  • Actual HESI A2 Questions
  • 3,000 questions with answers
  • 90 days access

Other Courses