which element would you expect to be least reactive

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which element would you expect to be least reactive?

A. Li
B. Cr
C. Nd
D. Xe

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Xenon (Xe) is a noble gas located in Group 18 of the periodic table. Noble gases are known for their stable and unreactive nature due to having a full outer shell of electrons. Therefore, xenon would be expected to be the least reactive among the given elements. Choice A (Li) is a metal in Group 1 of the periodic table, which tends to be reactive, especially with water. Choice B (Cr) is a transition metal known for its reactivity in some forms. Choice C (Nd) is a rare earth element, which can exhibit varying reactivity depending on the compound or environment.

2. Which element has the chemical symbol 'Fe'?

A. Lead
B. Iron
C. Silver
D. Copper

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Iron' as it has the chemical symbol 'Fe'. Chemical symbols are used to represent elements in the periodic table, and 'Fe' specifically refers to Iron. Choice A, Lead, is incorrect as the chemical symbol for Lead is 'Pb'. Choice C, Silver, is incorrect as the chemical symbol for Silver is 'Ag'. Choice D, Copper, is incorrect as the chemical symbol for Copper is 'Cu'. Therefore, 'Iron' is the only element among the choices with the chemical symbol 'Fe'.

3. The three important allotropic forms of phosphorus are red, white, and ___________.

A. green
B. gray
C. black
D. silver

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The three important allotropic forms of phosphorus are red, white, and black. These forms indicate the different physical properties and reactivity of phosphorus under various conditions. Red phosphorus is more stable and less reactive than white phosphorus, while black phosphorus is the least reactive form. Choice C, 'black,' is the correct answer as it completes the sequence of allotropic forms of phosphorus. Choices A, 'green,' B, 'gray,' and D, 'silver,' are incorrect as they do not represent recognized forms of phosphorus.

4. Which chemical reaction involves the breaking of a compound into its components?

A. Decomposition reaction
B. Combustion reaction
C. Neutralization reaction
D. Single displacement reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decomposition reaction. A decomposition reaction involves breaking down a compound into its components. During this reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. This process is the opposite of a synthesis reaction where multiple substances combine to form a more complex compound. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because combustion reaction involves burning a substance in oxygen, neutralization reaction involves the reaction between an acid and a base to form water and a salt, and single displacement reaction involves an element displacing another in a compound.

5. What does the sum of protons and neutrons in an element represent?

A. Atomic number
B. Mass number
C. Atomic mass
D. Neutron number

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The sum of protons and neutrons in an element is known as the mass number. The mass number is an important concept in chemistry as it represents the total number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) in an atom's nucleus. It is different from the atomic number, which represents the number of protons in an atom. The atomic mass is the average mass of an element's isotopes, taking into account the abundance of each isotope. Neutron number, on the other hand, specifically refers to the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is B, mass number.