which gives the number of protons in the atomic nucleus of an alkali metal

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What is the number of protons in the atomic nucleus of an alkali metal?

A. 9
B. 10
C. 11
D. 12

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The number of protons in the atomic nucleus of an alkali metal is 11. Alkali metals, belonging to group 1 of the periodic table, have 1 electron in their outer shell, which corresponds to 1 proton in their nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is option C: 11. Choice A (9) is incorrect because it does not match the number of protons in an alkali metal. Choice B (10) is incorrect as it is also not the correct number of protons for an alkali metal. Choice D (12) is incorrect as it is not the typical number of protons found in the nucleus of an alkali metal.

2. Balance this equation: Fe + Cl2 → FeCl3

A. 2Fe + 2Cl2 → 2FeCl3
B. 2Fe + 3Cl2 → 2FeCl3
C. 3Fe + 2Cl2 → 3FeCl3
D. 3Fe + 3Cl2 → 6FeCl3

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the given equation, Fe combines with Cl to form FeCl3. To balance the equation, we need to have the same number of each element on both sides. Since Cl is represented as Cl2 in the equation, we need 3 Cl2 molecules to balance Fe, resulting in 2Fe + 3Cl2 → 2FeCl3. Choice A is incorrect because it only balances Fe but not Cl2. Choice C is incorrect as it balances Fe but not Cl2. Choice D is incorrect as it balances Fe but overbalances Cl2.

3. What is stoichiometry?

A. The study of energy changes in chemical reactions
B. The study of the mass relationships in chemical reactions
C. The study of atomic structure
D. The study of molecular geometry

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Stoichiometry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in chemical reactions. It focuses on the calculation of the amounts of substances consumed and produced in a reaction based on the balanced chemical equation. Choice A is incorrect because the study of energy changes in chemical reactions falls under thermodynamics. Choice C is incorrect as atomic structure is related to the arrangement of atoms within molecules. Choice D is incorrect as molecular geometry deals with the spatial arrangement of atoms within molecules.

4. How can water be boiled at room temperature?

A. By lowering the pressure
B. By increasing the pressure
C. By decreasing the volume
D. By raising the boiling point

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The boiling point of water is directly affected by pressure. By lowering the pressure, water can boil at a lower temperature, even at room temperature. This occurs because at lower pressures, the molecules of water have less resistance to escaping into the vapor phase, thus enabling boiling to occur at lower temperatures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increasing the pressure, decreasing the volume, or raising the boiling point would actually require higher temperatures to boil water rather than achieving boiling at room temperature.

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.