what is the effect of increasing the surface area of a reactant

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet

1. What effect does increasing the surface area of a reactant have?

A. Decreases the reaction rate
B. Has no effect
C. Increases the reaction rate
D. Stops the reaction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increasing the surface area of a reactant leads to more particles being exposed to the reaction, which in turn increases the reaction rate. This is because a larger surface area provides more sites for collisions between reacting particles, resulting in a higher frequency of successful collisions and thus accelerating the reaction. Choice A, 'Decreases the reaction rate,' is incorrect because increasing surface area actually accelerates the reaction. Choice B, 'Has no effect,' is incorrect as increasing surface area does have a significant effect on the reaction rate. Choice D, 'Stops the reaction,' is incorrect as increasing surface area does not stop the reaction but rather enhances it.

2. Arsenic and silicon are examples of ___________.

A. metals
B. nonmetals
C. metalloids
D. heavy metals

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Arsenic and silicon are both examples of metalloids. Metalloids have properties that lie between those of metals and nonmetals. They exhibit characteristics of both groups, making them versatile elements with various applications in different industries. Choice A (metals) is incorrect as arsenic and silicon do not exhibit typical metallic properties. Choice B (nonmetals) is incorrect as they do not possess all the properties of nonmetals. Choice D (heavy metals) is incorrect as heavy metals refer to a different group of elements with high atomic weights, and arsenic and silicon are not categorized as heavy metals.

3. Which of the following is a characteristic of an exothermic reaction?

A. It absorbs heat
B. It releases heat
C. It remains neutral
D. It requires energy input

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An exothermic reaction is characterized by the release of heat. During an exothermic reaction, energy is released in the form of heat to the surroundings, resulting in a temperature increase. This distinguishes it from endothermic reactions, which absorb heat from the surroundings. Choice A is incorrect because exothermic reactions do not absorb heat; instead, they release heat. Choice C is incorrect as exothermic reactions do not remain neutral; they involve a net release of energy. Choice D is incorrect as exothermic reactions do not require energy input; instead, they release energy.

4. A chemist takes 100 mL of a 40 g NaCl solution and dilutes it to 1L. What is the concentration (molarity) of the new solution?

A. 0.04 M NaCl
B. 0.25 M NaCl
C. 0.40 M NaCl
D. 2.5 M NaCl

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Initially, the chemist has 40 g of NaCl in 100 mL of solution. To find the initial molarity, we need to calculate the number of moles of NaCl using the molar mass of NaCl (58.44 g/mol). After dilution to 1 L, the molarity of the new solution can be calculated by dividing the moles of NaCl by the total volume in liters. Therefore, the concentration (molarity) of the new solution is 0.40 M NaCl. Choice A (0.04 M NaCl) is incorrect because it doesn't consider the correct molar concentration after dilution. Choice B (0.25 M NaCl) is incorrect as it also doesn't account for the correct molar concentration post-dilution. Choice D (2.5 M NaCl) is incorrect as it is too concentrated given the initial amount of NaCl and the dilution factor.

5. What is matter that has a definite shape and volume?

A. Liquid
B. Solid
C. Gas
D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Matter that has a definite shape and volume is referred to as a solid. Solids maintain their shape and volume under normal conditions, unlike liquids that have a definite volume but take the shape of their container, gases that have neither a definite shape nor volume, and plasma which is a state of matter with no definite shape or volume and consists of charged particles.