which state of matter has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Questions

1. Which state of matter has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container?

A. Gas
B. Liquid
C. Solid
D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The state of matter that has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container is a 'Liquid.' Liquids have a fixed volume but can change their shape to fit the container they are in. This property distinguishes liquids from solids, which have both a definite shape and volume, and gases, which do not have a fixed volume or shape. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Liquid.' Choice A, 'Gas,' is incorrect because gases do not have a definite volume or shape. Choice C, 'Solid,' is incorrect as solids have a definite shape and volume. Choice D, 'Plasma,' is incorrect because plasma is a state of matter where atoms have been ionized and do not have a fixed volume or shape.

2. Aluminum (Al) has 13 protons in its nucleus. What is the number of electrons in an Al3+ ion?

A. 16
B. 13
C. 10
D. 3

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Aluminum (Al) has an atomic number of 13, which indicates it normally has 13 electrons to balance the 13 protons in its nucleus. When Al forms an Al3+ ion, it loses 3 electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Therefore, the Al3+ ion will have 13 - 3 = 10 electrons. Choice A (16) is incorrect as it doesn't take into account the charge of the Al3+ ion. Choice B (13) is incorrect because the Al3+ ion has lost electrons. Choice D (3) is incorrect as it doesn't reflect the total number of electrons lost by the Al atom to form the Al3+ ion.

3. Which chemical reaction involves the formation of a single product from two or more reactants?

A. Synthesis reaction
B. Combustion reaction
C. Decomposition reaction
D. Double displacement reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A synthesis reaction involves the combination of two or more reactants to form a single product. This type of reaction is characterized by the merging of substances to create a more complex compound. In a synthesis reaction, the reactants bond together to form a new product, making it the correct choice for this scenario. Combustion reactions involve the rapid combination of oxygen with another substance, resulting in the release of energy in the form of heat and light. Decomposition reactions entail the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances, often through the application of heat or electricity. Double displacement reactions involve the exchange of ions between two compounds, leading to the formation of two new compounds.

4. What are the 3 types of radiation in nuclear chemistry?

A. Alpha, Beta, Delta
B. Alpha, Beta, Gamma
C. Gamma, Beta, Delta
D. Delta, Beta, Gamma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Alpha, Beta, Gamma. In nuclear chemistry, the 3 types of radiation are alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, beta radiation involves electrons or positrons, and gamma radiation is electromagnetic radiation of high frequency. Choice A is incorrect because 'Delta' is not a type of radiation in nuclear chemistry. Choice C is incorrect as it does not list alpha radiation. Choice D is incorrect as it lists the types in the wrong order and includes 'Delta' instead of alpha radiation.

5. When balanced, the reaction Fe + Oâ‚‚ â†’ FeO will be?

A. 2Fe + 2Oâ‚‚ â†’ 3FeO
B. 4Fe + 6Oâ‚‚ â†’ 6FeO
C. 2Fe + 3Oâ‚‚ â†’ 2FeO
D. 4Fe + 3Oâ‚‚ â†’ 2FeO

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To balance the chemical equation Fe + Oâ‚‚ â†’ FeO, the coefficients needed are 2 for Fe and 1 for O. Therefore, the balanced equation becomes 2Fe + Oâ‚‚ â†’ 2FeO, which translates into 2Fe + 3Oâ‚‚ â†’ 2FeO. This corresponds to option C. Choice A has the incorrect number of oxygen molecules. Choice B has an incorrect number of Fe atoms on the product side. Choice D also has an incorrect number of Fe atoms on the product side.