how could water be boiled at room temperature

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Questions

1. How can water be boiled at room temperature?

A. By lowering the pressure
B. By increasing the pressure
C. By decreasing the volume
D. By raising the boiling point

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The boiling point of water is directly affected by pressure. By lowering the pressure, water can boil at a lower temperature, even at room temperature. This occurs because at lower pressures, the molecules of water have less resistance to escaping into the vapor phase, thus enabling boiling to occur at lower temperatures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increasing the pressure, decreasing the volume, or raising the boiling point would actually require higher temperatures to boil water rather than achieving boiling at room temperature.

2. Which of the following is a characteristic of a chemical change?

A. Change in shape
B. Production of gas
C. Melting
D. Freezing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The production of gas is a characteristic of a chemical change. During a chemical change, new substances are formed, often with the release or absorption of energy. The production of gas is a significant indicator of a chemical change because it indicates the formation of new compounds through chemical reactions. Choices A, C, and D are not characteristics of chemical changes. Changes in shape, melting, and freezing are physical changes where the substance's identity remains the same, unlike in chemical changes where new substances with different properties are formed.

3. What type of reaction occurs when an acid and a base react to form water and salt?

A. Neutralization reaction
B. Decomposition reaction
C. Combustion reaction
D. Redox reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A neutralization reaction is the correct answer. In this type of reaction, an acid and a base combine to form water and salt. The acid donates a proton (H+) to the base, forming water, while the remaining ions combine to form a salt. This reaction results in the neutralization of both the acid and the base, hence the name 'neutralization reaction.' Choice B, decomposition reaction, is incorrect because it refers to a reaction where a compound breaks down into simpler substances. Choice C, combustion reaction, is incorrect as it involves a substance reacting with oxygen to produce heat and light. Choice D, redox reaction, is incorrect because it involves the transfer of electrons between reactants.

4. Which of the following is a property of an acid?

A. Bitter taste
B. Slippery feel
C. Reacts with bases
D. Sweet taste

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct property of an acid is that it 'reacts with bases.' Acids are known for their ability to react with bases to form salts and water through a process called neutralization. This unique reaction distinguishes acids from other substances and is a fundamental characteristic of acids in chemistry. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Acids do not have a bitter taste (Choice A), a slippery feel (Choice B), or a sweet taste (Choice D). These properties are not typical of acids and may lead to confusion if associated with acids.

5. Which of the following elements does not exist as a diatomic molecule?

A. boron
B. fluorine
C. oxygen
D. nitrogen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'boron.' Diatomic molecules consist of two atoms of the same element bonded together. Boron is an exception and does not exist naturally as a diatomic molecule. On the other hand, fluorine, oxygen, and nitrogen commonly exist as diatomic molecules in their natural states. Fluorine, for example, exists as F2, oxygen exists as O2, and nitrogen exists as N2.