which element is a metalloid

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Questions

1. Which element is a metalloid?

A. Silicon
B. Lead
C. Helium
D. Aluminum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Silicon.' Silicon is a metalloid, which means it has properties of both metals and nonmetals. It is commonly used in electronic devices due to its semiconductor properties. Lead (Choice B) is a metal, Helium (Choice C) is a noble gas, and Aluminum (Choice D) is a metal.

2. Which substance causes a drop to rapidly turn litmus dye from blue to red?

A. Milk
B. Sea water
C. Ammonia
D. Lemon juice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Lemon juice is the correct answer as it is acidic in nature. Acids like lemon juice release hydrogen ions when dissolved in water, which causes litmus dye to change color from blue to red. Milk (Choice A) is neutral, sea water (Choice B) is slightly alkaline, and ammonia (Choice C) is a base. Therefore, these substances do not cause litmus dye to change from blue to red.

3. If gas A has four times the molar mass of gas B, you would expect it to diffuse through a plug ___________.

A. at half the rate of gas B
B. at twice the rate of gas B
C. at a quarter the rate of gas B
D. at four times the rate of gas B

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When comparing the diffusion rates of two gases, according to Graham's law of diffusion, the rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the square root of the molar mass. If gas A has four times the molar mass of gas B, the square root of the molar masses ratio (4:1) is 2. This means that gas A would diffuse through a plug at half the rate of gas B. Therefore, the correct answer is A, at half the rate of gas B. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct relationship between the molar masses and the rates of diffusion according to Graham's law.

4. What is a balanced equation?

A. A description where reactants and products are not equal
B. An equation where the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides
C. A chemical formula showing only reactants
D. An equation without coefficients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A balanced equation is one where the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides, fulfilling the law of conservation of mass. This principle ensures that the total number of atoms of each element is equal in both reactants and products, signifying that no atoms are created or destroyed, but rather rearranged. Choice A is incorrect because a balanced equation has equal numbers of atoms in the reactants and products. Choice C is incorrect as a balanced equation includes both reactants and products. Choice D is incorrect because coefficients are essential in balancing equations by adjusting the number of atoms present.

5. How much concentrated HCl should be used to prepare 500 mL of a 0.100 M HCl solution?

A. 75 mL
B. 100 mL
C. 125 mL
D. 150 mL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To prepare a 0.100 M HCl solution with a volume of 500 mL, you can use the formula C1V1 = C2V2, where C1 is the concentration of the concentrated HCl solution, V1 is the volume of concentrated HCl solution used, C2 is the desired concentration (0.100 M), and V2 is the final volume (500 mL). Rearranging the formula to solve for V1, you get V1 = (C2V2) / C1. Plugging in the values (0.100 M)(500 mL) / C1 = 100 mL, which means 100 mL of concentrated HCl should be used to prepare 500 mL of a 0.100 M HCl solution. Therefore, the correct answer is 100 mL. Choice A (75 mL), Choice C (125 mL), and Choice D (150 mL) are incorrect as they do not match the calculated volume needed to prepare the desired concentration of HCl solution.