why does fluorine have a higher ionization energy than oxygen

HESI A2

Chemistry Hesi A2

1. Why does fluorine have a higher ionization energy than oxygen?

A. Fluorine has a smaller number of neutrons.
B. Fluorine has a larger number of neutrons.
C. Fluorine has a smaller nuclear charge.
D. Fluorine has a larger nuclear charge.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fluorine has a higher ionization energy than oxygen because fluorine has a larger nuclear charge. The greater number of protons in the nucleus of fluorine attracts its electrons more strongly, making it harder to remove an electron from a fluorine atom compared to an oxygen atom. Choice A is incorrect as the number of neutrons does not directly affect ionization energy. Choice B is also incorrect for the same reason. Choice C is incorrect because a smaller nuclear charge would result in lower ionization energy, not higher.

2. What determines polarity in a molecule?

A. Bond length
B. Bond strength
C. Electronegativity
D. Molecular weight

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Polarity in a molecule is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the atoms forming the bond. The greater the difference in electronegativity, the more polar the bond and molecule become. This difference leads to an uneven distribution of electron density within the bond, creating partial positive and negative charges on the atoms involved. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Bond length and strength do not determine polarity, and molecular weight is not directly related to the polarity of a molecule.

3. What is the name of the phase change from liquid to gas?

A. Condensation
B. Sublimation
C. Evaporation
D. Melting

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Evaporation.' This phase change occurs when a liquid turns into a gas. During evaporation, molecules gain enough energy to break free from the liquid phase and enter the gas phase, without the need for the liquid to reach its boiling point. Choice A, 'Condensation,' is the opposite phase change where gas turns into a liquid. Choice B, 'Sublimation,' is the phase change from solid directly to gas, skipping the liquid phase. Choice D, 'Melting,' is the phase change from solid to liquid.

4. 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.

5. Radioactive isotopes are frequently used in medicine. What kind of half-life would a medical isotope probably have?

A. Seconds-long
B. Days-long
C. Years-long
D. Many years long

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Medical isotopes used in diagnosis and treatment need to have a relatively short half-life to minimize radiation exposure to patients. If the half-life were too long (such as many years) or even years-long, the radiation would persist for too long and could be harmful to the patient. Seconds-long half-lives would not provide enough time for the isotope to be effective. Days-long half-lives strike a balance between providing enough time for the isotope to be used effectively and minimizing radiation exposure.