which of the following can act as a catalyst in a chemical reaction

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet

1. Which of the following can act as a catalyst in a chemical reaction?

A. Enzyme
B. Light
C. Water
D. Metal

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed. They lower the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, facilitating and accelerating the process. Choice B, Light, is not a catalyst but can sometimes trigger reactions by providing energy. Choice C, Water, and choice D, Metal, are not catalysts but can participate in reactions as reactants.

2. Which of the following is the weakest intermolecular force?

A. Dipole interactions
B. Hydrogen bonding
C. Van der Waals forces
D. Dispersion forces

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dispersion forces, also known as London dispersion forces, are the weakest intermolecular forces. They are temporary attractive forces that occur due to momentary shifts in electron distribution within molecules. While dipole interactions, hydrogen bonding, and Van der Waals forces are stronger intermolecular forces, dispersion forces are the weakest because they arise from short-lived fluctuations in electron density. Dipole interactions involve permanent dipoles in molecules, making them stronger than dispersion forces. Hydrogen bonding is stronger than dipole interactions and involves hydrogen atoms bonded to highly electronegative atoms. Van der Waals forces encompass dipole-dipole interactions and dispersion forces, making them stronger than dispersion forces alone.

3. What is the charge of an alpha particle?

A. -1
B. +1
C. +2
D. No charge

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, resulting in a total charge of +2 due to the presence of two positively charged protons. Therefore, the correct answer is C, indicating a charge of +2. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because an alpha particle is positively charged due to the two protons it contains, resulting in a charge of +2.

4. What can stop the penetration of alpha particles?

A. Aluminum foil
B. Glass
C. Piece of paper
D. Plastic

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Alpha particles can be stopped by a piece of paper due to their low penetration power. The paper acts as a shield, effectively blocking the alpha particles from passing through. In contrast, materials like aluminum foil, glass, and plastic are not as effective as a simple piece of paper in stopping alpha particles. Aluminum foil is more effective against beta particles, gamma rays, and x-rays due to its higher density. Glass and plastic also provide some protection against beta particles and gamma rays, but they are less effective than a piece of paper against alpha particles.

5. What is the correct formula for calcium carbonate?

A. CaSO₃
B. CaCO₃
C. Ca(OH)₂
D. CH₃OH

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct formula for calcium carbonate is CaCO₃, which consists of one calcium (Ca) atom, one carbon (C) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms. Therefore, choice B, CaCO₃, is the accurate formula for calcium carbonate. Choices A, C, and D do not represent the correct formula for calcium carbonate. Choice A, CaSO₃, is calcium sulfite, not calcium carbonate. Choice C, Ca(OH)₂, is calcium hydroxide, and choice D, CH₃OH, is methanol, none of which are correct formulas for calcium carbonate.