which is true of a saturated solution

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Questions

1. Which statement is true of a saturated solution?

A. It has more solute than can dissolve in the solvent.
B. It has less solute that can dissolve in the solvent.
C. It has the maximum concentration of the solute dissolved in the solvent.
D. It contains a precipitate that lowers the concentration of the solute in the solvent.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A saturated solution contains the maximum concentration of solute that can be dissolved in a specific amount of solvent at a particular temperature. Once a solution is saturated, adding more solute will not increase its concentration since the excess solute will not dissolve and will instead form a precipitate, indicating that the solution is at its maximum capacity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a saturated solution has reached its limit in dissolving solute, so it cannot contain more solute than it can dissolve (choice A), less solute than it can dissolve (choice B), or a precipitate that lowers the concentration of the solute in the solvent (choice D).

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Which of the following is a property of an acid?

A. Bitter taste
B. Slippery feel
C. Reacts with bases
D. Sweet taste

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct property of an acid is that it 'reacts with bases.' Acids are known for their ability to react with bases to form salts and water through a process called neutralization. This unique reaction distinguishes acids from other substances and is a fundamental characteristic of acids in chemistry. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Acids do not have a bitter taste (Choice A), a slippery feel (Choice B), or a sweet taste (Choice D). These properties are not typical of acids and may lead to confusion if associated with acids.

5. How can the reaction rate of a chemical reaction be increased?

A. Increase the temperature
B. Increase the surface area
C. Increase the concentration of reactants
D. Add a catalyst

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To increase the reaction rate of a chemical reaction, one effective method is to increase the temperature. Raising the temperature provides more energy to the reacting particles, enabling them to collide more frequently and with higher energy, leading to an increase in the reaction rate. While increasing the surface area, concentration of reactants, and adding a catalyst are strategies that can also enhance the reaction rate, raising the temperature has the most direct and immediate impact. Increasing the surface area allows for more contact between reactants, increasing the concentration provides more reactant particles to collide, and adding a catalyst lowers the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. However, these methods may not have as immediate and significant an effect as increasing the temperature.