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. Radioactive isotopes are frequently used in medicine. What kind of half-life would a medical isotope probably have?

A. Seconds-long
B. Days-long
C. Years-long
D. Many years long

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Medical isotopes used in diagnosis and treatment need to have a relatively short half-life to minimize radiation exposure to patients. If the half-life were too long (such as many years) or even years-long, the radiation would persist for too long and could be harmful to the patient. Seconds-long half-lives would not provide enough time for the isotope to be effective. Days-long half-lives strike a balance between providing enough time for the isotope to be used effectively and minimizing radiation exposure.

3. What is another name for aqueous HI?

A. hydroiodic acid
B. hydrogen monoiodide
C. hydrogen iodide
D. hydriodic acid

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct name for aqueous HI is 'hydriodic acid.' When hydrogen iodide (HI) dissolves in water, it forms hydriodic acid. Therefore, 'hydriodic acid' is the appropriate term for aqueous HI. Choice A, 'hydroiodic acid,' is incorrect as it does not reflect the nature of the compound in the aqueous state. Choice B, 'hydrogen monoiodide,' is not a widely recognized term for this compound. Choice C, 'hydrogen iodide,' is the name for HI in the gaseous state, not when it's dissolved in water.

4. 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.

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.