when an atom gains one or more electrons what is it called
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HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What is the term used when an atom gains one or more electrons?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is called an anion. An anion is formed when an atom gains one or more electrons, leading to an excess of negative charge. Choice A, 'Cation,' is incorrect because a cation is formed when an atom loses electrons, resulting in a positively charged ion. Choice C, 'Isotope,' refers to atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons and is not related to gaining electrons. Choice D, 'Electron,' is the particle that an atom gains to become an anion, not the term for the atom itself after gaining electrons.

2. Which substance shows a decrease in solubility in water with an increase in temperature?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Potassium iodide (KI) shows a decrease in solubility in water with an increase in temperature. This is due to the dissolution of KI in water being an endothermic process. When the temperature rises, the equilibrium shifts toward the solid state, leading to a decrease in solubility. Therefore, as the temperature increases, KI becomes less soluble in water. Choice A (NaCl) and Choice D (CaCl) do not exhibit a decrease in solubility with an increase in temperature. NaCl and CaCl are generally more soluble in water at higher temperatures. Choice B (Oxygen) is a gas and not typically considered in solubility discussions involving solids or liquids dissolving in water.

3. What is the correct electron configuration for magnesium?

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 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s². 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.

4. Which intermolecular force is the strongest?

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.

5. Which of the following is a characteristic property of acids?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Sour taste.' Acids are known to have a sour taste, which is a fundamental characteristic property of acids. This taste distinguishes acids from bases, which are more likely to have a bitter taste. The sour taste of acids is due to the presence of hydrogen ions in them. Therefore, when identifying an acid based on taste, the sour taste serves as a key indicator. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Bitter taste is associated with bases, not acids. While acids do react with bases (Choice C), this is not a characteristic property of acids but rather a chemical behavior. Slippery feel (Choice D) is a property of bases, not acids.

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