which compound has a nonpolar bond in which the electrons are shared equally

HESI A2

Chemistry Hesi A2

1. Which compound has a nonpolar bond in which the electrons are shared equally?

A. H₂O
B. NH₃
C. Cl₂
D. CH₄

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The compound CH₄, methane, has a nonpolar bond where carbon and hydrogen share electrons equally. This occurs because carbon and hydrogen have similar electronegativities, meaning they have equal abilities to attract shared electrons. Consequently, a nonpolar covalent bond is formed due to the balanced sharing of electrons between these atoms. Choices A, B, and C do not have nonpolar bonds with electrons shared equally. In H₂O (water), there are polar covalent bonds due to the difference in electronegativity between hydrogen and oxygen. In NH₃ (ammonia), the nitrogen-hydrogen bonds are polar because of the electronegativity difference. In Cl₂ (chlorine gas), the Cl-Cl bond is nonpolar, but the question specifies a compound, not an element, and chlorine does not share its electrons equally with another element in a compound.

2. What is atomic mass?

A. Number of protons in an atom
B. Sum of protons and neutrons
C. Number of neutrons in an atom
D. Average weight of an element

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Atomic mass, also known as atomic weight, is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in an atom. It represents the average mass of an atom of an element, taking into account the different isotopes and their relative abundance. Neutrons contribute to the atomic mass alongside protons, while the number of neutrons alone is not the definition of atomic mass. Choice A is incorrect because it refers only to the number of protons, not the complete atomic mass. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses solely on the number of neutrons, excluding the contribution of protons. Choice D is incorrect as it mentions the 'average weight of an element,' which is related to atomic mass but does not encapsulate the specific definition of atomic mass as the sum of protons and neutrons.

3. Which of the following elements is the most electronegative?

A. Oxygen
B. Fluorine
C. Nitrogen
D. Sodium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fluorine is the most electronegative element on the periodic table. It has the highest electronegativity value, indicating its strong ability to attract electrons in a chemical bond. This property makes it highly reactive, explaining why it is the correct answer in this question. Oxygen and Nitrogen are also electronegative elements, but they are not as electronegative as Fluorine. Sodium, on the other hand, is not electronegative; it is an electropositive element.

4. 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.

5. What is the pH of acids?

A. 7.5
B. < 7
C. > 7
D. 7

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: < 7. Acids have a pH lower than 7, indicating higher acidity. A pH below 7 signifies an acidic solution, with lower values indicating stronger acids. Choice A (7.5) is incorrect as it is greater than 7, which is alkaline. Choice C (> 7) is incorrect as values greater than 7 represent alkaline/basic solutions. Choice D (7) is incorrect because a pH of 7 is neutral, not acidic.