where would you expect tap water to fall on the ph scale

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry

1. Where would you expect tap water to fall on the pH scale?

A. Between 1 and 3
B. Between 4 and 6
C. Between 6 and 8
D. Between 8 and 10

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tap water typically falls within the pH range of 6 to 8, making it slightly acidic to neutral. Most municipal water systems aim to provide water that is safe for consumption and falls within this pH range. A pH level of 7 is considered neutral, so tap water may vary slightly on either side of this number but typically remains within the 6 to 8 range to ensure it is safe for consumption. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because tap water is not expected to have a pH as low as 1-3 (highly acidic) or as high as 8-10 (alkaline); it usually falls within the slightly acidic to neutral range, hence falling between 6 and 8 on the pH scale.

2. Which element is considered a noble gas?

A. Oxygen
B. Neon
C. Hydrogen
D. Argon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Neon.' Noble gases are a group of elements with very low reactivity. Neon is one of these elements, known for its stable and unreactive nature. Oxygen, hydrogen, and argon do not belong to the noble gas group. Oxygen is a reactive non-metal, hydrogen is a non-metal and the first element in the periodic table, and argon is a noble gas like neon but not the correct answer in this case.

3. Which chemical reaction involves the breaking of a compound into its components?

A. Decomposition reaction
B. Combustion reaction
C. Neutralization reaction
D. Single displacement reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decomposition reaction. A decomposition reaction involves breaking down a compound into its components. During this reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. This process is the opposite of a synthesis reaction where multiple substances combine to form a more complex compound. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because combustion reaction involves burning a substance in oxygen, neutralization reaction involves the reaction between an acid and a base to form water and a salt, and single displacement reaction involves an element displacing another in a compound.

4. Which type of change occurs when no change is made to the chemical composition of a substance?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A physical change refers to alterations in the state of matter without modifying the chemical composition of the substance. Examples of physical changes include changes in state (solid, liquid, gas), shape, size, or phase. In a physical change, the substance may look different or behave differently, but its chemical structure remains the same. On the other hand, chemical changes involve the breaking and forming of chemical bonds, resulting in the creation of entirely new substances with different chemical properties. Nuclear changes involve alterations in the nucleus of an atom, such as radioactive decay. Mechanical changes refer to changes in the position or motion of an object caused by applied forces, like pushing, pulling, or twisting.

5. What charge do Group IA elements have?

A. +1
B. +2
C. +3
D. 0

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Group IA elements, also known as alkali metals, have a +1 charge. They readily lose one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, forming ions with a single positive charge. This makes +1 the correct choice. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because alkali metals in Group IA typically lose one electron, so they do not have a +2, +3, or 0 charge.