which ion would you expect to dominate in water solutions of bases

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which ion would you expect to dominate in water solutions of bases?

A. MgCl₂
B. 2HCl
C. H⁺
D. OH⁻

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In water solutions of bases, the dominant ion would be OH⁻ (hydroxide ion). Bases release OH⁻ ions when dissolved in water, increasing the concentration of hydroxide ions and leading to a higher pH. This is in contrast to acids, which release H⁺ ions. Therefore, in water solutions of bases, the presence of OH⁻ ions signifies the basic nature of the solution. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because MgCl₂ is a salt, 2HCl is a compound consisting of two hydrogen ions and one chloride ion, and H⁺ represents a hydrogen ion typically associated with acids, not bases.

2. Which element is considered a noble gas?

A. Oxygen
B. Neon
C. Hydrogen
D. Argon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Neon.' Noble gases are a group of elements with very low reactivity. Neon is one of these elements, known for its stable and unreactive nature. Oxygen, hydrogen, and argon do not belong to the noble gas group. Oxygen is a reactive non-metal, hydrogen is a non-metal and the first element in the periodic table, and argon is a noble gas like neon but not the correct answer in this case.

3. The molar mass of some gases is as follows: carbon monoxide—28.01 g/mol; helium—4.00 g/mol; nitrogen—28.01 g/mol; and oxygen—32.00 g/mol. Which would you expect to diffuse most rapidly?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the molar mass of the gas. Helium has the lowest molar mass among the given gases, making it the lightest and fastest gas to diffuse. Therefore, helium would be expected to diffuse most rapidly compared to carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and oxygen. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and oxygen have higher molar masses than helium, so they would diffuse more slowly. Therefore, the correct answer is helium.

4. What is the chemical symbol for sodium?

A. N
B. Na
C. Cl
D. H

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct chemical symbol for sodium is 'Na.' In the periodic table, sodium is represented by the symbol 'Na,' derived from its Latin name 'natrium.' The symbol 'N' represents nitrogen, not sodium. 'Cl' is the symbol for chlorine, and 'H' is the symbol for hydrogen. Therefore, 'Na' is the correct chemical symbol for sodium.

5. Which of the following best describes an endothermic reaction?

A. A reaction that absorbs heat
B. A reaction that releases heat
C. A reaction that does not involve heat
D. A reaction that remains at a constant temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An endothermic reaction is a process that absorbs heat from its surroundings. When a reaction absorbs heat, it leads to a decrease in the temperature of the surroundings, making choice A the correct description. In an endothermic reaction, energy is taken in from the surroundings, resulting in a decrease in temperature around the reaction site. Choice B is incorrect because a reaction that releases heat is known as an exothermic reaction. Choice C is incorrect as all reactions involve heat to some extent. Choice D is incorrect as an endothermic reaction does not remain at a constant temperature but rather absorbs heat, leading to a temperature decrease in the surroundings.