if oxygen is in a compound what would its oxidation number be

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test

1. If oxygen is in a compound, what would its oxidation number be?

A. 2
B. -2
C. 0
D. -1

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Oxygen typically has an oxidation number of -2 in compounds because it tends to gain electrons. This is due to its high electronegativity, which leads to oxygen attracting electrons towards itself in a chemical bond. Choice A (2) is incorrect because oxygen doesn't have a +2 oxidation number in compounds. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen rarely has an oxidation number of 0 in compounds. Choice D (-1) is incorrect as oxygen's oxidation number in compounds is typically -2, not -1.

2. If gas A has four times the molar mass of gas B, you would expect it to diffuse through a plug ___________.

A. at half the rate of gas B
B. at twice the rate of gas B
C. at a quarter the rate of gas B
D. at four times the rate of gas B

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When comparing the diffusion rates of two gases, according to Graham's law of diffusion, the rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the square root of the molar mass. If gas A has four times the molar mass of gas B, the square root of the molar masses ratio (4:1) is 2. This means that gas A would diffuse through a plug at half the rate of gas B. Therefore, the correct answer is A, at half the rate of gas B. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct relationship between the molar masses and the rates of diffusion according to Graham's law.

3. What is the correct electron configuration for nitrogen?

A. 1s² 2s²
B. 1s² 2s² 2p²
C. 1s² 2s² 2p³
D. 1s² 2s² 2p⁴

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The electron configuration of nitrogen is determined by its atomic number, which is 7. Nitrogen has 7 electrons. Following the order of filling orbitals, the electron configuration for nitrogen is 1s² 2s² 2p³. This means the first energy level is filled with 2 electrons in the 1s orbital, the second energy level is filled with 2 electrons in the 2s orbital, and 3 electrons in the 2p orbital. Each orbital can hold a specific number of electrons, and nitrogen, with its 7 electrons, fits this configuration. Choice A is incorrect because it does not account for all the electrons in the nitrogen atom. Choice B is incorrect as it only represents 6 electrons, not the 7 electrons in nitrogen. Choice D is incorrect as it represents 8 electrons, which is not the correct electron configuration for nitrogen.

4. Which type of chemical reaction involves two ionic compounds where the reactants yield 'switched partners'?

A. Single replacement
B. Double replacement
C. Synthesis
D. Decomposition

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Double replacement.' In a double replacement reaction, two ionic compounds react by exchanging ions, resulting in the formation of two new compounds where the positive and negative ions have 'switched partners.' This type of reaction is characterized by the exchange of ions between the reactants. Choice A, 'Single replacement,' involves an element replacing another in a compound, not the exchange of partners like in the given scenario. Choice C, 'Synthesis,' is the combination of two or more substances to form a more complex product, not involving the exchange of partners. Choice D, 'Decomposition,' is the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances, which is different from the scenario described in the question.

5. 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.