which is a property of an ionic compound

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which is a property of an ionic compound?

A. Low melting point
B. Poor conductivity
C. Shared electrons
D. Crystalline shape

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ionic compounds are composed of positively and negatively charged ions that are held together by strong electrostatic forces. These ions arrange themselves in a repeating pattern to form a stable and orderly structure known as a crystalline shape. This is a characteristic property of ionic compounds, making choice D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because ionic compounds typically have high melting points, good conductivity in the molten or dissolved state, and do not involve shared electrons but rather the transfer of electrons between atoms.

2. Which substance forms hydroxide ions when placed in water?

A. Lemon juice
B. Battery acid
C. Vinegar
D. Lye

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, lye. Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is a strong base that forms hydroxide ions (OH-) when placed in water. When lye dissolves in water, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions, making it an alkaline substance. Lemon juice, battery acid, and vinegar do not form hydroxide ions when placed in water. Lemon juice contains citric acid, battery acid contains sulfuric acid, and vinegar contains acetic acid, none of which produce hydroxide ions when dissolved in water.

3. What is the name of the negatively charged subatomic particles?

A. Protons
B. Neutrons
C. Electrons
D. Isotopes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Electrons. Electrons are the negatively charged subatomic particles. They are found outside the atomic nucleus and carry a negative charge. Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus, neutrons have no charge, and isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, not subatomic particles.

4. Which element has the highest atomic number?

A. Uranium
B. Hydrogen
C. Radon
D. Bismuth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Uranium. The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Among the options provided, Uranium has the highest atomic number, which is 92. Hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, Radon has an atomic number of 86, and Bismuth has an atomic number of 83. Therefore, Uranium is the element with the highest atomic number in the given choices.

5. Al(NO3)3 + H2SO4 â†’ Al2(SO4)3 + HNO3 is an example of which kind of reaction?

A. Decomposition reaction
B. Synthesis reaction
C. Single replacement reaction
D. Double replacement reaction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The given chemical equation represents a single replacement reaction. In this reaction, aluminum (Al) displaces hydrogen in sulfuric acid (H2SO4), forming aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3) and releasing nitric acid (HNO3). Single replacement reactions involve an element replacing another element in a compound, which is evident in this reaction. Choice A, Decomposition reaction, is incorrect because decomposition reactions involve a single compound breaking down into two or more substances. Choice B, Synthesis reaction, is incorrect as it involves the combination of two or more substances to form a more complex compound. Choice D, Double replacement reaction, is also incorrect as it involves an exchange of ions between two compounds to form two new compounds.