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. What type of chemical reaction involves the combination of two elements to form a product?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A synthesis reaction involves the combination of two or more substances to form a single, more complex product. In the context of chemical reactions, it specifically refers to the combination of two elements to form a compound. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Decomposition reactions involve the breakdown of a single compound into simpler substances (opposite of synthesis). Combustion reactions involve a substance reacting with oxygen to produce heat and light, not the combination of elements. Double replacement reactions involve the exchange of ions between two compounds, leading to the formation of two new compounds, not the combination of two elements.

3. 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.

4. What does the mass of one mole of a substance represent?

A. Atomic mass
B. Mass number
C. Molecular weight
D. Molar mass

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The mass of one mole of a substance is represented by its molar mass. Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance and is expressed in grams per mole. It is calculated by summing the atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule. Therefore, the correct answer is D - 'Molar mass'. Choice A, 'Atomic mass', refers to the average mass of an atom of an element. Choice B, 'Mass number', is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Choice C, 'Molecular weight', is the average mass of a molecule relative to 1/12 of the mass of an atom of carbon-12.

5. What is the product of the decomposition of water?

A. Hydrogen and oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Nitrogen and hydrogen
D. Methane

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hydrogen and oxygen. When water undergoes decomposition, it breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen gases through a process known as electrolysis. This reaction is represented by 2Hâ‚‚O â†’ 2Hâ‚‚ + Oâ‚‚. Choice B, carbon dioxide, is incorrect as it is not a product of water decomposition. Choice C, nitrogen and hydrogen, is incorrect as water decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen, not nitrogen. Choice D, methane, is incorrect as methane is not a product of water decomposition.