what is the ph of acids

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. 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.

2. Which type of chemical reaction involves two ionic compounds where the reactants yield 'switched partners'?

A. Single replacement
B. Double replacement
C. Synthesis
D. Decomposition

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Double replacement.' In a double replacement reaction, two ionic compounds react by exchanging ions, resulting in the formation of two new compounds where the positive and negative ions have 'switched partners.' This type of reaction is characterized by the exchange of ions between the reactants. Choice A, 'Single replacement,' involves an element replacing another in a compound, not the exchange of partners like in the given scenario. Choice C, 'Synthesis,' is the combination of two or more substances to form a more complex product, not involving the exchange of partners. Choice D, 'Decomposition,' is the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances, which is different from the scenario described in the question.

3. Which of the following is a property of an acid?

A. Bitter taste
B. Slippery feel
C. Reacts with bases
D. Sweet taste

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct property of an acid is that it 'reacts with bases.' Acids are known for their ability to react with bases to form salts and water through a process called neutralization. This unique reaction distinguishes acids from other substances and is a fundamental characteristic of acids in chemistry. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Acids do not have a bitter taste (Choice A), a slippery feel (Choice B), or a sweet taste (Choice D). These properties are not typical of acids and may lead to confusion if associated with acids.

4. Which one is not a hydrocarbon?

A. Methane (CH4)
B. Pyridine (C5H5N)
C. Ethane (C2H6)
D. Propane (C3H8)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Pyridine (C5H5N). Pyridine is not a hydrocarbon because it contains nitrogen (N) in its molecular structure, in addition to carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms. Hydrocarbons consist solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), and propane (C3H8) are all examples of hydrocarbons as they only contain carbon and hydrogen atoms, making them organic compounds known for their combustion properties.

5. Which intermolecular force is the strongest?

A. Dipole interactions
B. Dispersion forces
C. Hydrogen bonding
D. Van der Waals forces

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hydrogen bonding is the strongest intermolecular force due to its specific interaction between a hydrogen atom and a highly electronegative atom like nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine. This type of bonding results in a very strong attraction between molecules, making it the strongest intermolecular force among the options provided. Dipole interactions (choice A) are weaker than hydrogen bonding as they occur between polar molecules. Dispersion forces (choice B) are the weakest intermolecular forces and are caused by temporary fluctuations in electron distribution. Van der Waals forces (choice D) are a broader term that encompasses dipole interactions and dispersion forces, making them weaker than hydrogen bonding.