Which of the following is a characteristic of an exothermic reaction?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: An exothermic reaction is characterized by the release of heat. During an exothermic reaction, energy is released in the form of heat to the surroundings, resulting in a temperature increase. This distinguishes it from endothermic reactions, which absorb heat from the surroundings. Choice A is incorrect because exothermic reactions do not absorb heat; instead, they release heat. Choice C is incorrect as exothermic reactions do not remain neutral; they involve a net release of energy. Choice D is incorrect as exothermic reactions do not require energy input; instead, they release energy.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Argon. Argon is a noble gas, part of Group 18 in the periodic table. Noble gases are colorless, odorless, and typically non-reactive under normal conditions. Other elements in this group include helium, neon, krypton, xenon, and radon. Argon finds wide applications in welding, lighting, and scientific research. Choices A, B, and D are not noble gases. Hydrogen is a non-metal, Fluorine is a halogen, and Nitrogen is a diatomic non-metal gas.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Halogens.' Halogens are a group of elements that include chlorine, fluorine, and iodine. These elements are part of Group 17 in the periodic table. They share similar properties such as high reactivity and the ability to readily form compounds. Choice A, 'Alkali metals,' is incorrect as alkali metals are found in Group 1 of the periodic table, which includes elements like lithium and sodium. Choice C, 'Transition metals,' is incorrect as transition metals are located in the middle section of the periodic table, not in Group 17. Choice D, 'Noble gases,' is incorrect as noble gases are in Group 18 and include elements like helium and neon, which are chemically inert.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A mass spectrometer is a device specifically designed to separate gaseous ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio. This separation process involves ionization, acceleration of the sample, and the deflection of ions in a magnetic field according to their mass-to-charge ratio. The other options, 'interferometer,' 'magnetometer,' and 'capacitance meter,' do not perform the specific function of separating gaseous ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Bases or alkaline solutions are known as 'hydrogen acceptors.' They accept protons (H+) in chemical reactions, as opposed to acids that donate protons. This property allows bases to neutralize acids and form salts. Choice B, 'Solutions of low pH,' is incorrect because bases have high pH values, not low. Choice C, 'Hydrogen donors,' is incorrect as bases do not donate protons but accept them. Choice D, 'Amphoteric,' refers to substances that can act as both acids and bases, which is not the definition of bases. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Uranium. The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Among the options provided, Uranium has the highest atomic number, which is 92. Hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, Radon has an atomic number of 86, and Bismuth has an atomic number of 83. Therefore, Uranium is the element with the highest atomic number in the given choices.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The state of matter that has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container is a 'Liquid.' Liquids have a fixed volume but can change their shape to fit the container they are in. This property distinguishes liquids from solids, which have both a definite shape and volume, and gases, which do not have a fixed volume or shape. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Liquid.' Choice A, 'Gas,' is incorrect because gases do not have a definite volume or shape. Choice C, 'Solid,' is incorrect as solids have a definite shape and volume. Choice D, 'Plasma,' is incorrect because plasma is a state of matter where atoms have been ionized and do not have a fixed volume or shape.

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.