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. Balance this equation: Zn + HCl â†’ ZnCl + H2.

A. Zn + 2HCl â†’ ZnCl + H2
B. Zn + HCl â†’ 2ZnCl + H2
C. 2Zn + 2HCl â†’ 2ZnCl + H2
D. Zn + 4HCl â†’ ZnCl + H2

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The given unbalanced equation is Zn + HCl â†’ ZnCl + H2. To balance it, we need to have equal atoms on both sides of the equation. The balanced equation is 2Zn + 2HCl â†’ 2ZnCl + H2. This balanced equation shows that two atoms of Zn combine with two molecules of HCl to form two molecules of ZnCl and one molecule of H2. Choice A is incorrect because it does not balance the equation. Choice B is incorrect as it does not have the same number of atoms on both sides. Choice D is incorrect because it does not balance the equation properly, resulting in an unequal number of atoms on both sides.

3. Which of these types of intermolecular force is the strongest?

A. Dipole-dipole interaction
B. London dispersion force
C. Keesom interaction
D. Hydrogen bonding

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hydrogen bonding is the strongest type of intermolecular force among the options provided. It occurs when a hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (such as nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine) and forms a strong electrostatic attraction with an unshared pair of electrons on another electronegative atom. This type of bond is stronger than dipole-dipole interactions, London dispersion forces, and Keesom interactions due to the significant electronegativity difference between the hydrogen and the electronegative atom involved in the bond. The presence of hydrogen bonding contributes to unique properties in substances, such as high boiling and melting points, making it a crucial force in various biological and chemical processes.

4. What term refers to the average of the masses of each of its isotopes as they occur in nature?

A. Atomic number
B. Mass number
C. Atomic mass
D. Neutron number

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is atomic mass. Atomic mass is the weighted average of the masses of an element's isotopes. It takes into account the abundance of each isotope in nature to provide a more accurate representation of the element's overall mass. Choice A, atomic number, represents the number of protons in an atom. Choice B, mass number, refers to the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Choice D, neutron number, specifically focuses on the count of neutrons in an atom's nucleus. These choices do not directly relate to the average mass of isotopes as asked in the question.

5. 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.