which is true of a saturated solution

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Questions

1. Which statement is true of a saturated solution?

A. It has more solute than can dissolve in the solvent.
B. It has less solute that can dissolve in the solvent.
C. It has the maximum concentration of the solute dissolved in the solvent.
D. It contains a precipitate that lowers the concentration of the solute in the solvent.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A saturated solution contains the maximum concentration of solute that can be dissolved in a specific amount of solvent at a particular temperature. Once a solution is saturated, adding more solute will not increase its concentration since the excess solute will not dissolve and will instead form a precipitate, indicating that the solution is at its maximum capacity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a saturated solution has reached its limit in dissolving solute, so it cannot contain more solute than it can dissolve (choice A), less solute than it can dissolve (choice B), or a precipitate that lowers the concentration of the solute in the solvent (choice D).

2. What is the correct name of MgO?

A. Manganese oxide
B. Magnesium oxide
C. Magnesium oxate
D. Magnesium hydroxide

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct name of MgO is Magnesium oxide. Mg represents the chemical symbol for magnesium, and O represents the chemical symbol for oxygen. When these elements combine, they form magnesium oxide. Option A, Manganese oxide, is incorrect as it refers to a compound of manganese and oxygen, not magnesium. Option C, Magnesium oxate, is not a valid chemical compound name. Option D, Magnesium hydroxide, refers to a different compound consisting of magnesium, oxygen, and hydrogen.

3. What is the correct electron configuration for carbon?

A. 1s²2s²2p¹
B. 1s²2s²2p²
C. 1s²2s²2p³
D. 1s²2s²2p⁶3s¹

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct electron configuration for carbon is 1s²2s²2p². This configuration indicates that there are 2 electrons in the first energy level (1s²), 2 electrons in the second energy level (2s²), and 2 electrons in the second energy level (2p²). It adheres to the aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level, and the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that each electron in an atom must have a unique set of quantum numbers. Choice A is incorrect because it does not fill the 2p orbital correctly. Choice C is incorrect as it exceeds the number of possible electrons in the 2p orbital. Choice D is incorrect as it includes an electron in the 3s orbital, which is not part of the electron configuration for carbon.

4. In which state of matter are particles packed tightly together in a fixed position?

A. Liquid
B. Solid
C. Gas
D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a 'solid' state, particles are tightly packed in fixed positions, maintaining a definite shape and volume. This arrangement allows solids to maintain a rigid structure. Liquids have particles that are close together but can move past each other, giving them the ability to flow and take the shape of their container. Gases have particles that are far apart and move freely, leading to their ability to expand to fill any container. Plasma is an ionized gas where particles have high energy levels and are not packed tightly together, making it an uncommon state of matter on Earth.

5. Which substance shows a decrease in solubility in water with an increase in temperature?

A. NaCl
B. O
C. KI
D. CaCl

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Potassium iodide (KI) shows a decrease in solubility in water with an increase in temperature. This is due to the dissolution of KI in water being an endothermic process. When the temperature rises, the equilibrium shifts toward the solid state, leading to a decrease in solubility. Therefore, as the temperature increases, KI becomes less soluble in water. Choice A (NaCl) and Choice D (CaCl) do not exhibit a decrease in solubility with an increase in temperature. NaCl and CaCl are generally more soluble in water at higher temperatures. Choice B (Oxygen) is a gas and not typically considered in solubility discussions involving solids or liquids dissolving in water.