what is the correct electron configuration for lithium

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What is the correct electron configuration for lithium?

A. 1s²2s¹
B. 1s²2s²
C. 1s²2s¹2p¹
D. 1s¹2s¹2p²

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The electron configuration for lithium is 1s²2s¹. Lithium has 3 electrons, and the configuration indicates that the first two electrons fill the 1s orbital, while the third electron fills the 2s orbital. Therefore, the correct electron configuration for lithium is 1s²2s¹. Choice B (1s²2s²) is incorrect as it represents the electron configuration for beryllium, not lithium. Choice C (1s²2s¹2p¹) includes the 2p orbital, which is not involved in lithium's electron configuration. Choice D (1s¹2s¹2p²) is incorrect as it does not accurately represent lithium's electron configuration.

2. Identify the type of reaction shown: 8Fe + S → 8FeS

A. Single displacement
B. Double displacement
C. Synthesis
D. Acid-base

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The reaction shown (8Fe + S → 8FeS) is a synthesis reaction. In a synthesis reaction, two or more substances combine to form a single compound. In this case, iron (Fe) and sulfur (S) combine to form iron sulfide (FeS). The key characteristic of a synthesis reaction is the formation of a single product from multiple reactants, which aligns with the given chemical equation. Choice A, single displacement, involves an element displacing another in a compound, which is not the case here. Choice B, double displacement, involves the exchange of ions between two compounds, which is also not happening in this reaction. Choice D, acid-base, refers to reactions between an acid and a base to form salt and water, which is not the case in the given equation.

3. What are bases or alkaline solutions known as?

A. Hydrogen acceptors
B. Solutions of low pH
C. Hydrogen donors
D. Amphoteric

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bases or alkaline solutions are known as 'hydrogen acceptors.' They accept protons (H+) in chemical reactions, as opposed to acids that donate protons. This property allows bases to neutralize acids and form salts. Choice B, 'Solutions of low pH,' is incorrect because bases have high pH values, not low. Choice C, 'Hydrogen donors,' is incorrect as bases do not donate protons but accept them. Choice D, 'Amphoteric,' refers to substances that can act as both acids and bases, which is not the definition of bases. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

4. You contain two odorous gases in vials with porous plugs. Gas A has twice the mass of Gas B. Which observation is most likely?

A. You will smell Gas A before you smell Gas B.
B. You will smell Gas B before you smell Gas A.
C. You will smell Gas A but not Gas B.
D. You will smell Gas B but not Gas A.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The rate of effusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass. Since Gas A has twice the mass of Gas B, Gas A will effuse more slowly than Gas B. Therefore, you will likely smell Gas A before you smell Gas B as Gas A will escape and diffuse through the porous plug at a slower rate compared to Gas B. Choice A is correct because Gas A, with its higher molar mass, will take longer to effuse through the porous plug, causing you to smell it first. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not consider the relationship between molar mass and effusion rate.

5. Which factor does not affect the reaction rate of a chemical reaction?

A. Temperature
B. Surface area
C. Concentration of reactants
D. Color of the reactants

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The color of reactants is not a factor that affects the rate of a chemical reaction. Temperature, surface area, and concentration of reactants are known factors that influence the reaction rate. Temperature plays a significant role in altering the reaction rate by affecting the kinetic energy of molecules. Surface area impacts the rate by providing more area for collisions to occur. Concentration affects the frequency of effective collisions. On the other hand, the color of reactants is a physical property that does not directly affect the speed of a chemical reaction.