b si as te at ge and sb form a staircase pattern on the right side of the periodic table how can these elements be classified

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which classification best describes B, Si, As, Te, At, Ge, and Sb that form a staircase pattern on the right side of the periodic table?

A. Metals
B. Semimetals
C. Nonmetals
D. Ultrametals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: B, Si, As, Te, At, Ge, and Sb are located in a staircase pattern on the periodic table's right side. Elements in this region are known as metalloids or semimetals because they exhibit properties of both metals and nonmetals. They possess characteristics of both metallic and non-metallic elements, making them valuable semiconductors with diverse applications in electronics. Choice A is incorrect because these elements are not considered true metals. Choice C is incorrect as these elements do not display typical nonmetal properties exclusively. Choice D, 'Ultrametals,' is not a recognized classification in chemistry and is therefore incorrect.

2. Which element has the highest atomic number?

A. Uranium
B. Hydrogen
C. Radon
D. Bismuth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Uranium. The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Among the options provided, Uranium has the highest atomic number, which is 92. Hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, Radon has an atomic number of 86, and Bismuth has an atomic number of 83. Therefore, Uranium is the element with the highest atomic number in the given choices.

3. How many pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms in a single bond?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a single bond, two atoms share one pair of electrons. This shared pair of electrons is what holds the atoms together in the bond. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 1. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the number of electron pairs shared in a single bond.

4. If electrons are not shared equally in a covalent bond, the bond is what?

A. Polar
B. Non-polar
C. Ionic
D. Hydrogen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A polar covalent bond occurs when electrons are shared unequally between atoms. In this type of bond, one atom has a stronger pull on the shared electrons, leading to a partial positive and partial negative charge distribution within the molecule. Choice B, non-polar, is incorrect because in non-polar covalent bonds, electrons are shared equally between atoms. Choice C, ionic, is incorrect as ionic bonds involve a transfer of electrons rather than sharing. Choice D, hydrogen, is incorrect as it does not describe the nature of a covalent bond.

5. Which substance forms hydroxide ions when placed in water?

A. Lemon juice
B. Battery acid
C. Vinegar
D. Lye

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, lye. Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is a strong base that forms hydroxide ions (OH-) when placed in water. When lye dissolves in water, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions, making it an alkaline substance. Lemon juice, battery acid, and vinegar do not form hydroxide ions when placed in water. Lemon juice contains citric acid, battery acid contains sulfuric acid, and vinegar contains acetic acid, none of which produce hydroxide ions when dissolved in water.