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. Balance this equation: Zn + HCl → ZnCl + H2.

A. Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl + H2
B. Zn + HCl → 2ZnCl + H2
C. 2Zn + 2HCl → 2ZnCl + H2
D. Zn + 4HCl → ZnCl + H2

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The given unbalanced equation is Zn + HCl → ZnCl + H2. To balance it, we need to have equal atoms on both sides of the equation. The balanced equation is 2Zn + 2HCl → 2ZnCl + H2. This balanced equation shows that two atoms of Zn combine with two molecules of HCl to form two molecules of ZnCl and one molecule of H2. Choice A is incorrect because it does not balance the equation. Choice B is incorrect as it does not have the same number of atoms on both sides. Choice D is incorrect because it does not balance the equation properly, resulting in an unequal number of atoms on both sides.

3. What is the name of the phase change from liquid to gas?

A. Condensation
B. Sublimation
C. Evaporation
D. Melting

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Evaporation.' This phase change occurs when a liquid turns into a gas. During evaporation, molecules gain enough energy to break free from the liquid phase and enter the gas phase, without the need for the liquid to reach its boiling point. Choice A, 'Condensation,' is the opposite phase change where gas turns into a liquid. Choice B, 'Sublimation,' is the phase change from solid directly to gas, skipping the liquid phase. Choice D, 'Melting,' is the phase change from solid to liquid.

4. 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.

5. What is the name of the compound CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-CH₃?

A. Cyclobutane
B. Butane
C. Butene
D. Butyne

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The compound CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-CH₃ is named butane. Butane is a straight-chain alkane comprising four carbon atoms connected by single bonds. The prefix 'but-' denotes the presence of four carbon atoms, while the suffix '-ane' indicates it is an alkane with single bonds between the carbon atoms. Choice A, Cyclobutane, is incorrect as it refers to a cyclic hydrocarbon with four carbon atoms in a ring structure. Choice C, Butene, is incorrect because it is an alkene with a double bond between two carbon atoms, not a saturated hydrocarbon like butane. Choice D, Butyne, is also incorrect as it is an alkyne with a triple bond between two carbon atoms, unlike the single bonds in butane.