what is the ph of a neutral solution

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Questions

1. What is the pH of a neutral solution?

A. 7
B. 0
C. 14
D. 4

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 7. A neutral solution has a pH of 7. In the pH scale, values below 7 are acidic, 7 is neutral, and values above 7 are basic. Therefore, a solution with a pH of 7 is considered neutral as it is neither acidic nor basic. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a pH of 0 indicates a strong acid, a pH of 14 indicates a strong base, and a pH of 4 indicates an acidic solution. None of these values represent a neutral solution.

2. What determines polarity in a molecule?

A. Bond length
B. Bond strength
C. Electronegativity
D. Molecular weight

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Polarity in a molecule is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the atoms forming the bond. The greater the difference in electronegativity, the more polar the bond and molecule become. This difference leads to an uneven distribution of electron density within the bond, creating partial positive and negative charges on the atoms involved. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Bond length and strength do not determine polarity, and molecular weight is not directly related to the polarity of a molecule.

3. Which is a triatomic allotrope of oxygen?

A. Ozone
B. Water
C. Acidic oxide
D. Carbon dioxide

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Ozone (O3) is a triatomic allotrope of oxygen. It differs from the common diatomic oxygen molecule (O2) by having three oxygen atoms bonded together. Ozone is known for its protective role in the Earth's atmosphere, absorbing most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Water (H2O) is a compound composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Acidic oxide and carbon dioxide are not triatomic allotropes of oxygen. Carbon dioxide consists of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms, while acidic oxides refer to compounds where oxygen is bonded with other elements to form oxides, and they are not allotropes of oxygen.

4. What is the correct formula for calcium carbonate?

A. CaSO₃
B. CaCO₃
C. Ca(OH)₂
D. CH₃OH

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct formula for calcium carbonate is CaCO₃, which consists of one calcium (Ca) atom, one carbon (C) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms. Therefore, choice B, CaCO₃, is the accurate formula for calcium carbonate. Choices A, C, and D do not represent the correct formula for calcium carbonate. Choice A, CaSO₃, is calcium sulfite, not calcium carbonate. Choice C, Ca(OH)₂, is calcium hydroxide, and choice D, CH₃OH, is methanol, none of which are correct formulas for calcium carbonate.

5. What is the correct name of AgNO₃?

A. Argent nitrous
B. Argent oxide
C. Silver nitrite
D. Silver nitrate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct name for AgNO₃ is silver nitrate. In chemical nomenclature, the element symbol Ag represents silver, and the polyatomic ion NO₃ is known as nitrate. Therefore, when the silver ion (Ag⁺) combines with the nitrate ion (NO₃⁻), the resulting compound is named silver nitrate (AgNO₃). Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately represent the composition of AgNO₃. Argent nitrous (Choice A) and Argent oxide (Choice B) do not reflect the correct anion, and Silver nitrite (Choice C) uses a different anion altogether.