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 is the primary function of enzymes?

A. To provide energy for reactions
B. To speed up reactions
C. To decrease activation energy
D. To act as a catalyst

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes function to speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. They act as biological catalysts, providing an alternative pathway for the reaction to proceed more rapidly without being consumed in the process. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because enzymes do not provide energy for reactions (they do not generate energy), their primary function is not to decrease activation energy (though they do lower it), and while they act as catalysts, the primary function is to speed up reactions by lowering activation energy.

3. What is the oxidation state of the sulfur atom in sulfuric acid H2SO4?

A. 4
B. 6
C. 8
D. 10

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In sulfuric acid (H2SO4), sulfur has an oxidation state of +6. The oxidation state is determined by considering the overall charge of the compound and the known oxidation states of other elements. In this case, hydrogen is typically +1, and oxygen is -2. To balance the charges and match the compound's overall charge of 0, sulfur must have an oxidation state of +6. Choice A (4) is incorrect because it doesn't balance the charges in the compound. Choices C (8) and D (10) are also incorrect as they are not valid oxidation states for sulfur in this compound.

4. How are elements arranged in the periodic table?

A. By their atomic mass
B. By their chemical properties
C. By their physical state
D. By their charge

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Elements are arranged in the periodic table based on their chemical properties, making choice B the correct answer. The periodic table is organized so that elements with similar chemical properties are grouped together in columns, known as groups or families. This arrangement allows for the identification of trends in the behavior of elements and predicting their properties based on their position in the table. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the periodic table primarily focuses on the chemical properties of elements, not solely on atomic mass, physical state, or charge.

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 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂. 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.