which element would you expect to be least reactive

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. 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.

2. Which of these represents a strong acid?

A. CH₃COOH
B. H₂SO₄
C. NH₃
D. KOH

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Among the options provided, H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid) represents a strong acid. Strong acids completely ionize in water to produce a high concentration of H+ ions. Sulfuric acid is a strong acid known for its ability to dissociate almost completely in water, making it a strong acid. Choice A, CH₃COOH (acetic acid), is a weak acid that only partially dissociates in water. Choices C and D, NH₃ (ammonia) and KOH (potassium hydroxide), are bases and not acids.

3. What is the chemical symbol for sodium?

A. N
B. Na
C. Cl
D. H

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct chemical symbol for sodium is 'Na.' In the periodic table, sodium is represented by the symbol 'Na,' derived from its Latin name 'natrium.' The symbol 'N' represents nitrogen, not sodium. 'Cl' is the symbol for chlorine, and 'H' is the symbol for hydrogen. Therefore, 'Na' is the correct chemical symbol for sodium.

4. Which of the following elements is the most electronegative?

A. Oxygen
B. Fluorine
C. Nitrogen
D. Sodium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fluorine is the most electronegative element on the periodic table. It has the highest electronegativity value, indicating its strong ability to attract electrons in a chemical bond. This property makes it highly reactive, explaining why it is the correct answer in this question. Oxygen and Nitrogen are also electronegative elements, but they are not as electronegative as Fluorine. Sodium, on the other hand, is not electronegative; it is an electropositive element.

5. What type of chemical reaction is represented by AB → A + B?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The chemical equation AB → A + B represents a decomposition reaction. In a decomposition reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. In this specific reaction, compound AB is decomposed into its elements, A and B, making it a decomposition reaction. Choice A, Synthesis, involves the combination of two or more substances to form a more complex product, which is not the case here. Choices C and D, Single replacement and Double replacement, involve the exchange of ions between compounds or elements, which is not happening in the given reaction.