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. Al(NO3)3 + H2SO4 → 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.

3. What effect does increasing the surface area of a reactant have?

A. Decreases the reaction rate
B. Has no effect
C. Increases the reaction rate
D. Stops the reaction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increasing the surface area of a reactant leads to more particles being exposed to the reaction, which in turn increases the reaction rate. This is because a larger surface area provides more sites for collisions between reacting particles, resulting in a higher frequency of successful collisions and thus accelerating the reaction. Choice A, 'Decreases the reaction rate,' is incorrect because increasing surface area actually accelerates the reaction. Choice B, 'Has no effect,' is incorrect as increasing surface area does have a significant effect on the reaction rate. Choice D, 'Stops the reaction,' is incorrect as increasing surface area does not stop the reaction but rather enhances it.

4. Which element has the chemical symbol 'Fe'?

A. Lead
B. Iron
C. Silver
D. Copper

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Iron' as it has the chemical symbol 'Fe'. Chemical symbols are used to represent elements in the periodic table, and 'Fe' specifically refers to Iron. Choice A, Lead, is incorrect as the chemical symbol for Lead is 'Pb'. Choice C, Silver, is incorrect as the chemical symbol for Silver is 'Ag'. Choice D, Copper, is incorrect as the chemical symbol for Copper is 'Cu'. Therefore, 'Iron' is the only element among the choices with the chemical symbol 'Fe'.

5. Which branch of chemistry deals with the quantities and numeric relationships between compounds in a chemical reaction?

A. Stoichiometry
B. Molecular chemistry
C. Atomic chemistry
D. Thermodynamics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Stoichiometry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in chemical reactions. It involves the calculation of quantities of substances consumed and produced in a chemical reaction based on the balanced chemical equation. Choice B, 'Molecular chemistry,' is incorrect as it focuses on the structure, properties, and reactions of molecules. Choice C, 'Atomic chemistry,' is incorrect as it primarily deals with the study of atoms and their interactions. Choice D, 'Thermodynamics,' is incorrect as it pertains to the study of energy and heat transfer in chemical and physical processes.