which of these intermolecular forces would have the lowest boiling point

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry

1. Which of these intermolecular forces would result in the lowest boiling point?

A. Dipole-dipole interaction
B. London dispersion force
C. Keesom interaction
D. Hydrogen bonding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The London dispersion force is the weakest intermolecular force among the options provided. These forces are present in all molecules and are caused by temporary fluctuations in electron density, resulting in temporary dipoles. Since London dispersion forces are generally weaker than dipole-dipole interactions, Keesom interactions, and hydrogen bonding, a substance with London dispersion forces as the primary intermolecular force would have the lowest boiling point due to the weaker intermolecular forces holding the molecules together. Dipole-dipole interactions, Keesom interactions, and hydrogen bonding are stronger intermolecular forces compared to London dispersion forces, resulting in higher boiling points for substances that exhibit these interactions.

2. Cobalt-60 has a half-life of 5 years. If you start with 20 g of cobalt-60, how much is left after 10 years?

A. 15 g
B. 10 g
C. 5 g
D. 2.5 g

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cobalt-60's half-life of 5 years means that after 5 years, half of the initial amount remains. Therefore, after 10 years, a quarter (half of a half) of the initial amount will remain. Starting with 20 g, after 10 years, 5 g of cobalt-60 will be left. Choice A (15 g) is incorrect because it assumes a linear decrease, not considering the exponential decay characteristic of radioactive substances. Choice B (10 g) is incorrect as it overlooks that after 10 years, more decay has occurred. Choice D (2.5 g) is incorrect as it represents only an eighth of the initial amount after 10 years, not a quarter.

3. How many neutrons are in an atom of helium-4?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 6

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The atomic number of helium is 2, indicating it has 2 protons. Helium-4, the most common isotope of helium, has 2 neutrons in addition to its 2 protons. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 neutrons in an atom of helium-4. Choice B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not match the correct composition of helium-4, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

4. Which element has an atomic mass greater than that of sodium?

A. Boron
B. Oxygen
C. Fluorine
D. Silicon

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Silicon has an atomic mass greater than that of sodium. The atomic mass of silicon is approximately 28.0855 u, whereas the atomic mass of sodium is approximately 22.9898 u. Therefore, silicon has a greater atomic mass compared to sodium. Boron, Oxygen, and Fluorine have atomic masses lower than sodium, making them incorrect choices in this context.

5. What is the correct formula for silver hydroxide?

A. AgO
B. AgOH
C. AgH
D. AgH₂O

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct formula for silver hydroxide is AgOH. Silver hydroxide is formed by the combination of the silver ion (Ag⁺) with the hydroxide ion (OH⁻) to create AgOH. It is essential to note that the hydroxide ion consists of one oxygen and one hydrogen atom, thus the formula AgOH. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the composition of silver hydroxide.