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. What is the correct formula for potassium chloride?

A. NaCl
B. KCl
C. KCl
D. ClK

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct formula for potassium chloride is KCl. In chemical formulas, the symbol for the cation (positive ion) comes first followed by the symbol for the anion (negative ion). Potassium is represented by the symbol K, while chloride is represented by the symbol Cl. Therefore, the formula for potassium chloride is KCl. Choice A (NaCl) is the formula for sodium chloride, not potassium chloride. Choice C is a duplicate of choice B, and choice D (ClK) is an incorrect arrangement of the symbols for potassium and chloride.

3. How many neutrons are in an atom of carbon-12?

A. 2
B. 4
C. 6
D. 24

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An atom of carbon-12 has 6 neutrons. The atomic number of carbon is 6, representing the number of protons. The atomic mass of carbon-12 is 12. To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass: 12 - 6 = 6 neutrons. Choice A, 2, is incorrect as it does not reflect the correct calculation for neutrons in carbon-12. Choice B, 4, is incorrect as it does not match the correct number of neutrons in carbon-12. Choice D, 24, is incorrect as it is significantly higher than the actual number of neutrons in carbon-12.

4. 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.

5. Why does fluorine have a higher ionization energy than oxygen?

A. Fluorine has a smaller number of neutrons.
B. Fluorine has a larger number of neutrons.
C. Fluorine has a smaller nuclear charge.
D. Fluorine has a larger nuclear charge.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fluorine has a higher ionization energy than oxygen because fluorine has a larger nuclear charge. The greater number of protons in the nucleus of fluorine attracts its electrons more strongly, making it harder to remove an electron from a fluorine atom compared to an oxygen atom. Choice A is incorrect as the number of neutrons does not directly affect ionization energy. Choice B is also incorrect for the same reason. Choice C is incorrect because a smaller nuclear charge would result in lower ionization energy, not higher.