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. What charge do Group VIA elements typically have?

A. -1
B. -2
C. -3
D. 0

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Group VIA elements, also known as Group 16 elements, typically have a charge of -2. This is because they have 6 valence electrons and tend to gain 2 electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration, resulting in a -2 charge. Choice A (-1) is incorrect as Group VIA elements need to gain 2 electrons for stability, not just 1. Choice C (-3) is incorrect because Group VIA elements do not need to gain 3 electrons to achieve stability. Choice D (0) is incorrect as Group VIA elements need to gain electrons to reach a stable configuration, resulting in a negative charge.

3. What is the normal body temperature in Fahrenheit?

A. 96°F
B. 98.6°F
C. 100°F
D. 95°F

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The normal body temperature for humans is 98.6°F, which is equivalent to 37°C. This temperature is considered the average baseline for most individuals when measured orally. Choice A (96°F) is too low for normal body temperature. Choice C (100°F) is too high for normal body temperature. Choice D (95°F) is also lower than the normal body temperature range. Therefore, the correct answer is B, 98.6°F.

4. What is the name of the force that holds ionic compounds together?

A. Covalent bonds
B. Ionic bonds
C. Hydrogen bonds
D. Metallic bonds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ionic bonds are the forces that hold ionic compounds together. In ionic compounds, positively and negatively charged ions are held together by electrostatic forces of attraction, forming a stable structure. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, not the transfer of electrons like in ionic bonds. Hydrogen bonds are a type of intermolecular force, not the primary force in holding ionic compounds together. Metallic bonds are found in metals and involve a 'sea of electrons' that hold metal atoms together, different from the electrostatic attraction between ions in ionic compounds.

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.