in the solid state you would expect a nonmetal to be

HESI A2

Chemistry Hesi A2

1. In the solid state, you would expect a nonmetal to be _________.

A. brittle
B. lustrous
C. malleable
D. conductive

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the solid state, you would expect a nonmetal to be brittle. Nonmetals generally lack the malleability and ductility of metals, which makes them prone to being brittle and easily fractured under stress. This property is due to the lack of metallic bonding in nonmetals, which results in a more rigid and less flexible structure. Choice B, 'lustrous,' is incorrect because nonmetals typically do not exhibit a shiny or reflective surface like metals do. Choice C, 'malleable,' is also incorrect as nonmetals lack the ability to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets like metals. Choice D, 'conductive,' is incorrect since nonmetals are generally poor conductors of electricity compared to metals.

2. What is the correct formula for silver hydroxide?

A. AgO
B. AgOH
C. AgH
D. AgH₂O

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct formula for silver hydroxide is AgOH. Silver hydroxide is formed by the combination of the silver ion (Ag⁺) with the hydroxide ion (OH⁻) to create AgOH. It is essential to note that the hydroxide ion consists of one oxygen and one hydrogen atom, thus the formula AgOH. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the composition of silver hydroxide.

3. What is the product of the decomposition of water?

A. Hydrogen and oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Nitrogen and hydrogen
D. Methane

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hydrogen and oxygen. When water undergoes decomposition, it breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen gases through a process known as electrolysis. This reaction is represented by 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂. Choice B, carbon dioxide, is incorrect as it is not a product of water decomposition. Choice C, nitrogen and hydrogen, is incorrect as water decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen, not nitrogen. Choice D, methane, is incorrect as methane is not a product of water decomposition.

4. Which element has the highest electronegativity?

A. Fluorine
B. Chlorine
C. Nitrogen
D. Oxygen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Fluorine has the highest electronegativity among the elements listed. Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a chemical bond. Fluorine, being the most electronegative element on the periodic table, has the strongest ability to attract electrons towards itself compared to chlorine, nitrogen, and oxygen. Therefore, fluorine is the correct answer. Chlorine, nitrogen, and oxygen have lower electronegativities compared to fluorine, making them incorrect choices for the element with the highest electronegativity.

5. What is the correct formula for sodium nitrate?

A. NaNO
B. Na NO
C. NaNO₃
D. Na NO₂

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct formula for sodium nitrate is NaNO₃. In this formula, 'Na' represents sodium, 'N' represents nitrogen, and 'O₃' represents three oxygen atoms. Sodium nitrate consists of one sodium ion (Na⁺) and one nitrate ion (NO₃⁻), which means the correct formula is NaNO₃. Choice A (NaNO) is incorrect as it lacks the subscript indicating the presence of three oxygen atoms. Choice B (Na NO) is incorrect as it includes a space between 'Na' and 'NO', which is not part of the standard chemical formula notation. Choice D (Na NO₂) is incorrect as it indicates a different compound with a nitrite ion (NO₂⁻) instead of nitrate ion.