which of these factors would not affect rates of reaction

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which of the following factors would not affect rates of reaction?

A. Temperature
B. Surface area
C. Pressure
D. Time

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Time would not directly affect rates of reaction. The rate of a chemical reaction is determined by factors that affect the frequency of successful collisions between reactant molecules, leading to a reaction. Temperature, surface area, and pressure can influence reaction rates by impacting the kinetic energy of molecules, the exposed surface for collisions, and the concentration of reactants, respectively. However, time, in the context of this question, does not alter the rate of reaction but may affect the extent of the reaction or the amount of product formed over time.

2. What is the number of protons in the atomic nucleus of an alkali metal?

A. 9
B. 10
C. 11
D. 12

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The number of protons in the atomic nucleus of an alkali metal is 11. Alkali metals, belonging to group 1 of the periodic table, have 1 electron in their outer shell, which corresponds to 1 proton in their nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is option C: 11. Choice A (9) is incorrect because it does not match the number of protons in an alkali metal. Choice B (10) is incorrect as it is also not the correct number of protons for an alkali metal. Choice D (12) is incorrect as it is not the typical number of protons found in the nucleus of an alkali metal.

3. In the solid state, you would expect a nonmetal to be _________.

A. brittle
B. lustrous
C. malleable
D. conductive

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the solid state, you would expect a nonmetal to be brittle. Nonmetals generally lack the malleability and ductility of metals, which makes them prone to being brittle and easily fractured under stress. This property is due to the lack of metallic bonding in nonmetals, which results in a more rigid and less flexible structure. Choice B, 'lustrous,' is incorrect because nonmetals typically do not exhibit a shiny or reflective surface like metals do. Choice C, 'malleable,' is also incorrect as nonmetals lack the ability to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets like metals. Choice D, 'conductive,' is incorrect since nonmetals are generally poor conductors of electricity compared to metals.

4. Which material has the smallest specific heat capacity?

A. water
B. wood
C. aluminum
D. glass

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius. Among the options provided, aluminum has the smallest specific heat capacity. This means that it requires the least amount of heat to raise its temperature compared to water, wood, and glass. Water has a high specific heat capacity, making it resistant to temperature changes, while wood and glass have higher specific heat capacities compared to aluminum.

5. 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.