which of the following is a characteristic of a chemical change

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Questions

1. Which of the following is a characteristic of a chemical change?

A. Change in shape
B. Production of gas
C. Melting
D. Freezing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The production of gas is a characteristic of a chemical change. During a chemical change, new substances are formed, often with the release or absorption of energy. The production of gas is a significant indicator of a chemical change because it indicates the formation of new compounds through chemical reactions. Choices A, C, and D are not characteristics of chemical changes. Changes in shape, melting, and freezing are physical changes where the substance's identity remains the same, unlike in chemical changes where new substances with different properties are formed.

2. What is the boiling point of water in °C?

A. 90°C
B. 100°C
C. 95°C
D. 80°C

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 100°C. The boiling point of water in Celsius is 100°C, which is standard at sea level. This is the temperature at which water changes from a liquid to a gas phase under standard atmospheric pressure. Choice A (90°C), Choice C (95°C), and Choice D (80°C) are incorrect because they do not represent the standard boiling point of water at sea level.

3. Which of the following is not an allotrope of carbon?

A. Diamond
B. Graphite
C. Fluorine
D. Buckminsterfullerene

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fluorine. Allotropes of carbon are different forms of the same element. Diamonds, graphite, and buckminsterfullerene are all allotropes of carbon. However, fluorine is a separate chemical element and not an allotrope of carbon. Therefore, fluorine does not belong to the group of carbon allotropes.

4. Which element is a metalloid?

A. Silicon
B. Lead
C. Helium
D. Aluminum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Silicon.' Silicon is a metalloid, which means it has properties of both metals and nonmetals. It is commonly used in electronic devices due to its semiconductor properties. Lead (Choice B) is a metal, Helium (Choice C) is a noble gas, and Aluminum (Choice D) is a metal.

5. Which substance has a pH value greater than 7?

A. Water
B. Vinegar
C. Lemon juice
D. Baking soda

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Baking soda. Baking soda has a pH greater than 7, making it basic. pH values above 7 indicate alkalinity, and baking soda, being a base, has a pH higher than 7. Water, vinegar, and lemon juice have pH values below 7, indicating acidity. Water is neutral with a pH of 7, while vinegar and lemon juice are acidic with pH values lower than 7.