what is the oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test

1. What is the typical oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "-2". Oxygen usually exhibits an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. This is due to oxygen's high electronegativity, which causes it to attract electrons, leading to the gain of two electrons in chemical reactions. Choice A (-1) is incorrect because oxygen rarely has an oxidation state of -1 in compounds. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen does not usually have an oxidation state of zero in compounds. Choice D (-3) is incorrect as oxygen does not commonly have an oxidation state of -3 in compounds.

2. Which is a property of an ionic compound?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ionic compounds are composed of positively and negatively charged ions that are held together by strong electrostatic forces. These ions arrange themselves in a repeating pattern to form a stable and orderly structure known as a crystalline shape. This is a characteristic property of ionic compounds, making choice D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because ionic compounds typically have high melting points, good conductivity in the molten or dissolved state, and do not involve shared electrons but rather the transfer of electrons between atoms.

3. What are bases or alkaline solutions known as?

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. Which chemical reaction involves the formation of a single product from two or more reactants?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A synthesis reaction involves the combination of two or more reactants to form a single product. This type of reaction is characterized by the merging of substances to create a more complex compound. In a synthesis reaction, the reactants bond together to form a new product, making it the correct choice for this scenario. Combustion reactions involve the rapid combination of oxygen with another substance, resulting in the release of energy in the form of heat and light. Decomposition reactions entail the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances, often through the application of heat or electricity. Double displacement reactions involve the exchange of ions between two compounds, leading to the formation of two new compounds.

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

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.

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