what is the product of the decomposition of water

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. What is the oxidation state of the chlorine atom in the compound HCl?

A. +1
B. -1
C. +2
D. -2

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the compound HCl (hydrochloric acid), the hydrogen atom has an oxidation state of +1 based on the rules of assigning oxidation states. Since the overall compound is neutral, the oxidation state of chlorine must be -1 to balance the charge. Chlorine typically has an oxidation state of -1 in binary compounds with nonmetals, such as HCl. Therefore, the correct answer is -1. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the oxidation state of chlorine in HCl is -1, not +1, +2, or -2.

4. How many protons does Potassium have?

A. 18
B. 19
C. 20
D. 21

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Potassium, with the atomic symbol K, has 19 protons, which is equal to its atomic number. The number of protons determines the element's identity, and in the case of Potassium, it is 19. Choice A (18) is incorrect as it does not correspond to Potassium's proton number. Choice C (20) and Choice D (21) are also incorrect as they do not match the actual number of protons in Potassium.

5. Which of these elements has the greatest atomic mass?

A. Au
B. Ba
C. I
D. W

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Among the elements listed, Tungsten (W) has the greatest atomic mass. The atomic mass of Tungsten is approximately 183.84 atomic mass units (amu), while the atomic masses of the other elements listed are as follows: Gold (Au) is around 196.97 amu, Barium (Ba) is approximately 137.33 amu, and Iodine (I) is about 126.90 amu. Therefore, Tungsten (W) has the greatest atomic mass out of the given elements. Gold (Au) has a higher atomic mass than Barium (Ba) and Iodine (I), making choices A, B, and C incorrect.