what happens in a single displacement reaction

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Questions

1. What happens in a single displacement reaction?

A. A compound decomposes into two substances.
B. An active element displaces a less active element.
C. A precipitate solid forms from the reaction of two solutions.
D. The oxidation states of atoms in the reactants change.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a single displacement reaction, an active element displaces a less active element in a compound. This process involves one element replacing another in a compound, resulting in the formation of a new compound. Option A is incorrect because a single displacement reaction does not involve the decomposition of a compound into two substances. Option C is incorrect because it describes a precipitation reaction, not a single displacement reaction. Option D is incorrect because it describes oxidation-reduction reactions, not specifically single displacement reactions.

2. What type of starch is glycogen?

A. Plant starch
B. Animal starch
C. Glucose
D. Cellulose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Glycogen is classified as animal starch, not plant starch. It is the storage form of glucose in animals, primarily found in the liver and muscles. Choice A (Plant starch) is incorrect because glycogen is not derived from plants. Choice C (Glucose) is incorrect as glucose is a monosaccharide and not a type of starch. Choice D (Cellulose) is incorrect as cellulose is a structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, not the same as glycogen.

3. Which of the following is a colligative property of a solution?

A. Freezing point depression
B. Viscosity
C. Surface tension
D. Boiling point elevation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A colligative property is a property that depends on the number of solute particles in a solution, not on the identity of the solute particles. Freezing point depression is one such property, where adding a solute to a solvent lowers the freezing point of the solution compared to the pure solvent. This phenomenon occurs because the presence of solute particles disrupts the formation of the regular crystal lattice structure, requiring a lower temperature for solidification to occur. Choices B, C, and D are not colligative properties. Viscosity and surface tension are not dependent on the number of solute particles but on intermolecular forces and molecular interactions. Boiling point elevation is another colligative property, but in this case, the question asked for a colligative property of a solution, making freezing point depression the correct answer.

4. Aluminum (Al) has 13 protons in its nucleus. What is the number of electrons in an Al3+ ion?

A. 16
B. 13
C. 10
D. 3

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Aluminum (Al) has an atomic number of 13, which indicates it normally has 13 electrons to balance the 13 protons in its nucleus. When Al forms an Al3+ ion, it loses 3 electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Therefore, the Al3+ ion will have 13 - 3 = 10 electrons. Choice A (16) is incorrect as it doesn't take into account the charge of the Al3+ ion. Choice B (13) is incorrect because the Al3+ ion has lost electrons. Choice D (3) is incorrect as it doesn't reflect the total number of electrons lost by the Al atom to form the Al3+ ion.

5. What charge do Group VIA elements typically have?

A. -1
B. -2
C. -3
D. 0

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Group VIA elements, also known as Group 16 elements, typically have a charge of -2. This is because they have 6 valence electrons and tend to gain 2 electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration, resulting in a -2 charge. Choice A (-1) is incorrect as Group VIA elements need to gain 2 electrons for stability, not just 1. Choice C (-3) is incorrect because Group VIA elements do not need to gain 3 electrons to achieve stability. Choice D (0) is incorrect as Group VIA elements need to gain electrons to reach a stable configuration, resulting in a negative charge.