what type of reactions take place in the nucleus to obtain stable nuclear configurations

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet

1. What type of reactions take place in the nucleus to achieve stable nuclear configurations?

A. Chemical
B. Nuclear
C. Physical
D. Mechanical

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nuclear reactions occur within the nucleus to achieve stable nuclear configurations. These reactions involve changes in the composition of atomic nuclei, leading to the formation of more stable elements. Chemical reactions occur in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus, while physical and mechanical processes do not directly impact the stability of nuclear configurations. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Nuclear.'

2. If electrons are not shared equally in a covalent bond, the bond is what?

A. Polar
B. Non-polar
C. Ionic
D. Hydrogen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A polar covalent bond occurs when electrons are shared unequally between atoms. In this type of bond, one atom has a stronger pull on the shared electrons, leading to a partial positive and partial negative charge distribution within the molecule. Choice B, non-polar, is incorrect because in non-polar covalent bonds, electrons are shared equally between atoms. Choice C, ionic, is incorrect as ionic bonds involve a transfer of electrons rather than sharing. Choice D, hydrogen, is incorrect as it does not describe the nature of a covalent bond.

3. Which element would you expect to be least reactive?

A. Li
B. Cr
C. Nd
D. Xe

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Xenon (Xe) is a noble gas located in Group 18 of the periodic table. Noble gases are known for their stable and unreactive nature due to having a full outer shell of electrons. Therefore, xenon would be expected to be the least reactive among the given elements. Choice A (Li) is a metal in Group 1 of the periodic table, which tends to be reactive, especially with water. Choice B (Cr) is a transition metal known for its reactivity in some forms. Choice C (Nd) is a rare earth element, which can exhibit varying reactivity depending on the compound or environment.

4. 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.

5. What is the primary function of enzymes?

A. To provide energy for reactions
B. To speed up reactions
C. To decrease activation energy
D. To act as a catalyst

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.