which of the following is a property of an acid

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Questions

1. 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.

2. Which two functional groups would you expect an amino acid to contain?

A. R-NH2 and R-COOH
B. R-CHO and R-CO-NH
C. R-OH and R-COOR
D. R-O-R and R-COOH

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Amino acids are organic compounds that are characterized by the presence of an amino group (NH2) and a carboxylic acid group (COOH) in their chemical structure. These two functional groups, found in option A, are fundamental components of amino acids and play crucial roles in their classification and biological functions. Option B contains an aldehyde group (CHO) and an amide group (CO-NH), which are not characteristic functional groups of amino acids. Option C includes a hydroxyl group (OH) and an ester group (COOR), which are not typically present in amino acids. Option D presents ether (R-O-R) and carboxylic acid (COOH) functional groups, which do not represent the functional groups commonly found in amino acids.

3. Which of the following represents a hydride ion?

A. H⁻
B. H⁺
C. OH⁻
D. HCl

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The hydride ion is denoted by H⁻, indicating that it has gained an extra electron to complete its valence shell, resulting in a full octet and a net charge of -1. This ion is commonly found in metal hydrides and plays a significant role in various chemical reactions. Option B, H⁺, represents a proton with a positive charge. Option C, OH⁻, represents the hydroxide ion, consisting of oxygen and hydrogen. Option D, HCl, is a compound composed of hydrogen and chlorine ions, not a hydride ion.

4. What type of reaction occurs when an acid and a base react to form water and salt?

A. Neutralization reaction
B. Decomposition reaction
C. Combustion reaction
D. Redox reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A neutralization reaction is the correct answer. In this type of reaction, an acid and a base combine to form water and salt. The acid donates a proton (H+) to the base, forming water, while the remaining ions combine to form a salt. This reaction results in the neutralization of both the acid and the base, hence the name 'neutralization reaction.' Choice B, decomposition reaction, is incorrect because it refers to a reaction where a compound breaks down into simpler substances. Choice C, combustion reaction, is incorrect as it involves a substance reacting with oxygen to produce heat and light. Choice D, redox reaction, is incorrect because it involves the transfer of electrons between reactants.

5. How many electron pairs are shared to form a double covalent bond?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In a double covalent bond, two pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms. This sharing of two electron pairs results in a stronger bond compared to a single covalent bond where only one pair of electrons is shared. Choice A is incorrect because a single covalent bond involves the sharing of one pair of electrons. Choices C and D are incorrect as they do not represent the correct number of electron pairs shared in a double covalent bond.