which two elements are most alike in reactivity

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry

1. Which two elements are most alike in reactivity?

A. He and H
B. K and Ar
C. Cl and P
D. Ba and Mg

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chlorine (Cl) and Phosphorus (P) are most alike in reactivity among the given pairs. Both elements are nonmetals and belong to Group 7 (halogens) and Group 15 (nitrogen group), respectively. They have similar electronic configurations and can form compounds by gaining or sharing electrons. Chlorine is highly reactive and can easily form ionic compounds, while phosphorus also shows a range of reactivity in its compounds. Choice A (He and H) is incorrect because helium (He) is a noble gas and hydrogen (H) is a nonmetal, so they are not similar in reactivity. Choice B (K and Ar) is incorrect as potassium (K) is a metal and argon (Ar) is a noble gas, having different reactivities. Choice D (Ba and Mg) is incorrect because barium (Ba) and magnesium (Mg) are both metals, but their reactivities differ due to their positions in the periodic table.

2. Which type of radiation emits helium ions and can be stopped by a piece of paper?

A. Beta radiation
B. Alpha radiation
C. Gamma radiation
D. X-ray radiation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Alpha radiation emits helium ions, which are helium nuclei without electrons, making them positively charged. These ions are relatively large and heavy compared to beta and gamma radiation. Due to their size and charge, alpha particles interact strongly with matter and are easily stopped. A piece of paper or even human skin can effectively block alpha radiation. Therefore, alpha radiation is the type of radiation that can be stopped by a piece of paper. Beta radiation consists of fast-moving electrons and can penetrate further into materials than alpha radiation, thus not stopped by a piece of paper. Gamma radiation is highly penetrating and requires dense materials like lead or concrete to block it effectively. X-ray radiation, similar to gamma radiation, is also highly penetrating and cannot be stopped by a piece of paper.

3. 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.

4. What is the correct formula for iron III oxide?

A. IO
B. FeS
C. Fe₂O₃
D. OFe₂₃

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct formula for iron III oxide is Fe2O3. In this formula, Fe represents iron and O represents oxygen. Iron III oxide consists of two iron (Fe) ions combined with three oxygen (O) ions. Thus, the correct formula is Fe2O3. Choice A (IO) is incorrect as it does not represent the correct combination of iron and oxygen ions. Choice B (FeS) is incorrect as it represents iron sulfide, not iron III oxide. Choice D (OFe₂₃) is incorrect as it does not follow the correct chemical nomenclature for iron III oxide.

5. How does increasing the concentration of reactants affect a chemical reaction?

A. Decreases the reaction rate
B. Increases the reaction rate
C. Stops the reaction
D. Has no effect

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increasing the concentration of reactants leads to more reactant particles being available, which, in turn, increases the likelihood of successful collisions between particles. This higher frequency of collisions results in a higher reaction rate. Therefore, option B, 'Increases the reaction rate,' is the correct answer. Choice A, 'Decreases the reaction rate,' is incorrect because higher reactant concentration usually speeds up the reaction. Choice C, 'Stops the reaction,' is incorrect as increasing concentration promotes more collisions, enhancing the reaction. Choice D, 'Has no effect,' is incorrect because changing reactant concentration directly impacts the reaction rate in most cases.