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. How many neutrons are in an atom of uranium-235?

A. 92
B. 125
C. 143
D. 235

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: '92'. To determine the number of neutrons in an atom, you subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the atomic mass number. For uranium-235, the atomic number is 92, and the atomic mass number is 235. Subtracting 92 from 235 gives us 143 neutrons in an atom of uranium-235. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the correct number of neutrons in an atom of uranium-235.

3. What charge do Group VIIA elements have?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Group VIIA elements, also known as halogens, have a tendency to gain one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, resulting in a -1 charge. This is because they have seven valence electrons and need one more to complete their octet, making them highly reactive in forming -1 ions. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B (-2) is incorrect because Group VIIA elements typically gain one electron, not two. Choice C (0) is incorrect as these elements tend to form -1 ions by gaining one electron. Choice D (1) is incorrect because Group VIIA elements gain electrons to form negative ions, not positive ones.

4. What is 119 K in degrees Celsius?

A. 32°C
B. -154°C
C. 154°C
D. 0°C

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To convert Kelvin (K) to Celsius (°C), you subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin value. Therefore, 119 K - 273.15 = -154.15°C. The negative sign indicates that the temperature is below freezing. When rounded to the nearest whole number, -154.15°C is approximately -154°C. Choice A and Choice C are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct conversion from Kelvin to Celsius. Choice D is incorrect as it corresponds to the freezing point of water in Celsius, not the conversion of 119 K.

5. If electrons are not shared equally in a covalent bond, the bond is what?

A. Polar
B. Non-polar
C. Ionic
D. Hydrogen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A polar covalent bond occurs when electrons are shared unequally between atoms. In this type of bond, one atom has a stronger pull on the shared electrons, leading to a partial positive and partial negative charge distribution within the molecule. Choice B, non-polar, is incorrect because in non-polar covalent bonds, electrons are shared equally between atoms. Choice C, ionic, is incorrect as ionic bonds involve a transfer of electrons rather than sharing. Choice D, hydrogen, is incorrect as it does not describe the nature of a covalent bond.