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 the following factors would not affect rates of reaction?

A. Temperature
B. Surface area
C. Pressure
D. Time

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Time would not directly affect rates of reaction. The rate of a chemical reaction is determined by factors that affect the frequency of successful collisions between reactant molecules, leading to a reaction. Temperature, surface area, and pressure can influence reaction rates by impacting the kinetic energy of molecules, the exposed surface for collisions, and the concentration of reactants, respectively. However, time, in the context of this question, does not alter the rate of reaction but may affect the extent of the reaction or the amount of product formed over time.

3. Which gas is released during photosynthesis?

A. Carbon dioxide
B. Oxygen
C. Nitrogen
D. Helium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During photosynthesis, plants utilize carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. Oxygen is released as a byproduct of this process, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms that depend on it for respiration. Therefore, the correct answer is oxygen. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Carbon dioxide is utilized in photosynthesis, nitrogen is not directly involved in the process, and helium is not a gas released during photosynthesis.

4. A salt solution has a molarity of 5 M. How many moles of this salt are present in 0 L of this solution?

A. 0
B. 1.5
C. 2
D. 3

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Molarity is defined as the number of moles of solute per liter of solution. A molarity of 5 M indicates there are 5 moles of salt in 1 liter of the solution. Since the volume of the solution is 0 liters, multiplying the molarity by 0 liters results in 0 moles of salt (5 moles/L x 0 L = 0 moles). Therefore, the correct answer is 0. Option B, 1.5, is incorrect because it doesn't consider the volume being 0 liters. Options C and D, 2 and 3 respectively, are also incorrect as they do not account for the zero volume of the solution. Hence, there are no moles of salt present in 0 liters of the solution.

5. Identify the type of reaction shown: 8Fe + S → 8FeS

A. Single displacement
B. Double displacement
C. Synthesis
D. Acid-base

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The reaction shown (8Fe + S → 8FeS) is a synthesis reaction. In a synthesis reaction, two or more substances combine to form a single compound. In this case, iron (Fe) and sulfur (S) combine to form iron sulfide (FeS). The key characteristic of a synthesis reaction is the formation of a single product from multiple reactants, which aligns with the given chemical equation. Choice A, single displacement, involves an element displacing another in a compound, which is not the case here. Choice B, double displacement, involves the exchange of ions between two compounds, which is also not happening in this reaction. Choice D, acid-base, refers to reactions between an acid and a base to form salt and water, which is not the case in the given equation.