© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  

will give the molecule overall oxidation

Passage I (Answers 1-10) number.

1.  C  The rules for assigning oxidation

numbers states that H has an oxidation
Draw a skeleton structure that is as number of +1, except when bonded with
symmetric as possible. metals to form metal hydrides. So,

Each nitrogen atom will contribute 5 2*N + 4*H = 0

valence electrons to the Lewis structure,
while each hydrogen atom will 2 * N + 4 * (+1) = 0
contribute 1 electron.
N = -2
2N – 10 electrons
4H – 4 electrons The answer is D.

Total = 14 electrons
3.  D 
These 14 valence electrons must be
distributed among the bonds and lone- 2 mol  NH 3 17 g NH 3  
1.0 mol  N 2 H 4 x x
 pair electrons of the Lewis structure. 1 mol  N 2 H 4 1 mol  NH 3
When distributing the electrons, ensure = 34.0 g NH .
3
that the octet rule is satisfied for each
atom (There may be exceptions, where The best answer is D.
the octet is expanded. This normally
occurs with elements in Period 3 and
higher). 4.  D 

There may be several possible resonance The chemical formulae of the hydrazine
structures, with multiple bonds (double hydrate is N2H4  · H2O. The molar mass
or triple bonds). Choose the one that has of N2H4 is 32.0 g/mol; for H2O, it is 18.0
the lowest  formal charge 
charge  (Note: formal g/mol. On a per mole basis, the mass of
charge = valence number - # non- the hydrate is 50.0 g/mol. The percent
 bonding electrons – ½ # of bonding  by weight of hydrazine
hydrazine in this hydrate is
electrons).
32.0 g/mol  N 2 H 4
 
50.0 g/mol  N 2 H 4 ⋅ H 2 O x 100%
The structure in C  is the only on that
satisfies all these rules.
= 32.0/50.0 x 100% 

The answer is D.

5.  C 
2.  D 
The reaction of Equation 2 is
Hydrazine is a neutral molecule, exothermic with a heterogeneous
therefore it has an overall oxidation equilibria. So, only the gases will be
number of 0. The sum of the oxidation included in the equilibrium constant: K 
constant:  K eq
eq 
number of each atom in the molecule = [N2]3[H2O]4.

Page 1 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/

According to Le Châtelier’s principle 8.  C 

and the  K eq
eq expression, only changes in
the nitrogen and water concentrations If the  ∆Go  for the reaction is > 0, the
will shift the equilibrium. An increase in reaction is not spontaneous, and it will
 pressure (using a smaller reaction not occur naturally under the given
vessel) will favor the reactants, since ambient conditions.
there are less gases on the reactant side.
Catalysts are not included (typically) in Since this is a formation reaction
the  K eq
eq  expression, so they will not occuring at SATP, the  ∆Gof  value given
influence the equilibrium. in Table 1 for hydrazine may be used. In
this case,  ∆Gof   = +149.2 kJ/mol > 0.
Since this is an exothermic reaction, Therefore, the reaction is indeed non-
decreasing the temperature will favor spontaneous and C is the best answer.
the release of more heat. This will in
turn promote the formation of more
gaseous N2 and H2O. The best answer is 9.  C 
C.
The entropy of gases are typically larger
than liquids and aqueous solutions, and
6.  A  the entropy of liquids and aqueous
solutions are typically larger than that of
 N ( g 
 g ) + 2H (  g 
g ) N H (l ) solids.
2 2 2 4

The reaction above shows the formation Since there are 7 moles of gases on the
of 1 mole of N 2H4. Therefore, the  product side compared to 3 moles of
standard enthalpy change ( ∆ H o) for this liquid on the reactant side in Equation 2,
reaction is the same as the standard the entropy should increase as the
enthalpy of formation of N2H4 (enthalpy reaction proceeds forward, giving a
change accompanying the formation of  positive entropy
entropy change.
1 mole of substance in its standard state
from the most stable forms of its Therefore C is the best answer.
elements in their standard states). From
Table 1, the standard enthalpy of
formation of N2H4 is 50.6 kJ mol -1. The 10. A 
 best answer is A.

Increasing
maintainingthethe
pressure of a gas,
temperature while
constant
7.  B  will cause a proportional decrease in the
volume (Boyle’s Law).
Since ammonia reacts more vigorously
with acids, hydrazine must be a weaker So, 10 L x 1 atm/500 atm = 0.02 L.
 base (It is assumed that the reader knew The best answer is A.
 previously that ammonia is a base). A
weaker base will always have a smaller
 basicity constant (  K 
K  b). This means that Passage II (Answers 11-18)
the weaker base will not be easily
ionized in solution, therefore it will react
less vigorously with acids. 11.  B
The best answer is B.
The silica in Equation 1 is either
reduced or oxidized (no combustion

Page 2 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/

 because no oxygen is being added and 14.  B 

no carbonation because the final Si
 product does not have carbon).
carbon). All the responses show the abbreviated
electronic configurations. Since Si is the
The oxidation number of silicon in second atom in Period 3 in the  p-block
 p-block
SiO2(  s)
s) is: of the periodic table, the 3 p orbital
should have only 2 electrons. Hund’s
Si + 2(-2) = 0 rule states that the electrons should
occupy the orbitals singly until each
Si = +4 orbital has an electron. The
configuration in B  is the only one that
The oxidation number of elemental Si(l 
Si(l ) satisfies these requirements.
is 0.

To decrease the oxidation number (from 15.  B 

+4 to 0), 4 electrons were gained by Si
in SiO2(  s).
s). If electrons are gained, the First, draw a Lewis structure to
atom is reduced. The best answer, then, determine the number of VSEPR pairs
is B. (single, double, triple bonds, or lone pair
electrons).

12.  C  The total number of valence electrons in

SiCl3H are:
Based on the passage, C  is the best Si = 4 electrons
answer. The earth’s crust is comprised 3 * Cl = 3 * (7)
(7) electrons
electrons
of more than 25% silicon, therefore H = 1 electron
silicon is not a rare element. The last Total = 26 electrons
sentence in the passage states that
silicon is non-reactive. The last sentence Distribute the electrons in the skeleton
also states that silicon forms a diamond of the structure, making sure that Si is
lattice, which implies that silicon the central atom. Make sure that the
crystallizes. octet rule is satisfied for each atom in
the structure and the formal charges are
as close to zero as possible. The
13.  B  structure is:

The size of the atoms in a covalent bond

have a large influence on the strength of
the bond. Larger atoms tend to make
weaker compounds, with weaker bonds.
Diamond is made up of carbon atoms. In this structure, the octet rule is
Since silicon is larger than carbon (Si is satisfied for each atom. Also, the formal
in Period 3, while carbon is in Period 2), charges is zero on each atom (Note:
the silicon lattice should be weaker than formal charge = valence number - #
the carbon lattice of diamond. non-bonding electrons – ½ # of bonding
Therefore, B is the best answer. electrons).

Since there are 4 VSEPR pairs on the Si

atom, it’s geometry is tetrahedral,
making B is the best answer.

Page 3 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  

16. B  will increase the rate of reaction. The

 best response is then B.
Another element in the same group as
 potassium (K) would exhibit some of
the same properties, and be a good 20.  D 
substitute. Of the choices, only Na is in
Group 1A as K. Therefore, B is the best The rate law for Reaction 3 is rate =
answer. k[ClO3-][Br -][H+]2. According to this
rate law, the rate is directly proportional
to the square of the [H+]. So,
17.  D 
rate α  [H+]2 
Boiling points are significantly affected
 by the intermolecular forces between the When rate = 1.0 x 10-2  M /sec,
/sec, the pH
molecules. Since there are no ions in = 1. The definition
definition of pH can be used to
SiCl3H, there are no ionic forces. The find the hydrogen ion ion concentration.
electronegativity difference between Si
and H is not large enough to promote  pH = -log[H+]
significant hydrogen bonding. Weak van 1 = -log[H+]
der Waals forces is the predominant
force that affects the boiling point of [H+] = 0.1 M 
0.1 M  
SiCl H. Therefore D is the best answer.
3
Doubling the pH to 2 gives

18.  C  2 = -log[H+]

Fractional distillation is a process that is [H+] = 0.01 M 

0.01 M  
used to separate substances based on
differences in their boiling points. With Doubling the pH from 1 to 2, decreased
that in mind and the fact that SiCl 3H has the [H+] to 1/10th  of the original
a lower boiling point than the solid concentration. Since the rate is
impurities, C  is the most appropriate  proportional to the square of the [H+],
response. this decrease will cause the new rate to
 be (1/10)2  = 1/100th of the original rate.
Therefore, the new rate is

Passage III (Answers 19-28) /sec)/100 = 1.0 x 10-4  M 

(1.0 x 10-2 M 
 M /sec)/100 M  /sec 

The best answer is D.

19.  B 
21.  C 
-
The additional electron in the OCl  
 polyatomic ion will be localized across Reaction 3 is a redox reaction in which
the O–Cl bond, but will spend more Br -  loses electrons (oxidized) to ClO3- 
time around the oxygen (O is more (reduced). When Br -  changes to Br 2,
electronegative than Cl). This will each Br species loses an electron. Since
essentially make the O–Cl bond stronger there are 6 Br’s in the balanced
and shorter. Addition of H to OCl-  will equation, 6 electrons are transferred, in
delocalize the extra electron across 2 total. The best answer is C.

 bonds, H–O–Cl. This will make the O– 

Cl bond longer and easier to break. This

Page 4 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  

22.  D  equilibrium to the right and increase the

rate of SO318O2- production.
More information is needed to compare
the rates of the two reactions. One needs
to know the order of the reaction rate of 26.  D 
Reaction 1 with respect to the reactants
(not given in the passage). If the rate law The rate of a multi-stepped reaction is
was known for both reactions, the determined by the slow step, or the
equilibrium expressions could be bottle-neck  step.
  step. Sequence II  is
  is the slow
written, the the ratio of the  K eq
eq’s could step, so the rate law should be based on
 be found. To do that the concentrations the reactant concentrations of this step.
of HOCl and H+ would be needed. D  is  Note that if there are coefficients in the
the best answer.  balanced reaction of the step, they must
 be included in the rate law as the
exponents of the reactant concentrations
23. D  (this only applies to the rate law of
each individual step in a reaction
Based on the explanation provided in mechanism, not to the overall
question 19, addition of the hydrogen to reaction). Choice B  satifies these
oxygen to form HOCl, reduces the requirements for Sequence II . (k IIII  is the
electronic attraction forces between the rate constant for Sequence II ))..
chlorine atom and the oxygen atom that
is being transferred. This explains why
the bond becomes longer, and easier to 27.  D 
 break, after the addition of the
hydrogen. The best answer is D. In NO3-, N is the central atom with all
the O’s bonded directly to it. Only
choice D  shows a transition that would
24.  B  make that structure possible.

The size of the reacting species plays a

significant role in determining the rate
of a reaction. The species must collide
with each other in a specific orientation
to promote reaction. Large bulky groups
28.  B 
will
will react
react slower, while it
faster, since smaller species
is easier for
smaller groups to have the correct Since Sequence II   is the rate-
orientation necessary for reaction. determining  step
 step (slow step), it will have
Choices I and III are therefore correct in the highest energy requirement on the
this case. B is the correct response. energy diagram. The two fast steps may
or may not have the same energy
requirement. More information is
25.  A  needed to determine that specifically.
Only choice B shows Sequence II   with
In this case (Sequence
(Sequence III   of the last the highest energy requirement and the
sequence of reactions), the equilibrium other two sequences with lower energy
is heterogenous, so H2O(
O(l 
l ) would not be requirements.
included. Of all the choices, only A 
satifies Le Châtelier’s principle:
addition of more SO3( g 
 g ) would shift the

Page 5 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  

31.  C 

This question is asking for the freezing

 point depression induced by a 10.75 m 
solution of ethylene glycol. The freezing
 point depression
depression is given as

FPD =  K f fm
  , where m is the molality of
the solution.

Passage IV (Answers 29-37) FPD = (-1.86oC-kg/mol) * (10.75

mol/kg) = -20.0 oC 
29.  A 
The best answer is C.
When a solid dissolves in water, the
 process can be either endothermic or
exothermic. The heat released is the 32.  A 
enthalpy of solution. A change in the
temperature will affect the equilibrium There will only be one mole of ethylene
of the process through the enthalpy of glycol (C2H6O2) in solution, but 3 moles
solution. According to Le Châtelier’s of ions when lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) is
rules, an increase in temperature favors dissolved in solution. Therefore, for two
the formation of product, if the enthalpy equal concentrations of the two
change of the forward reaction is solutions, the lead nitrate solution will
 positive (> 0). In this case, the products lower the freezing point of water by a
are Pb2+ and NO3- ions. If an increase in threefold extent compared to an ethylene
temperature forms more of these glycol solution. Choice A  is the best
 products, it indicates that the enthalpy of response.
solution is greater than zero. Choice A is
the correct answer.
33.  C 

30.  C  Ethylene glycol is an alcohol with 2

hydoxyl groups (-OH). This compound
The molality is defined as will hydrogen bond with water, which

molality = number of moles of will promote

glycol. So, likesolubility
dissolvesof theHowever,
like. ethylene
solute/number of kilograms of solvent Table 1 shows that increasing the
temperature has little effect on the
The molar mass of Pb(NO3)2(aq)
aq) is 331 solubility of the glycol. Therefore, the
g/mol. The density of water is generalization that “the solubility of a
approximately 1 g/mL. solute doubles for every ten-degree rise
in temperature” probably does not apply
37.7 g Pb( NO 3 )2 1 mol Pb( NO 3 )2 1 mL H 2 O 1000 g H 2 O
m= x x x in this case. C is the best answer.
100 mL H 2 O 331 g Pb ( NO 3 )2 1g H 2 O 1 kg H 2 O
 = 1.14  m 
34.  B 
Choice C is the best choice. Ethylene glycol will hydrogen bond
with water. Heating the resulting
solution to reach boiling will require
more energy to break these

Page 6 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  

intermolecular force bonds, so that the  X  =

10 g Pb(NO 3 ) 2 x 1 mol/331 g
vapor pressure is equal to the (10 g Pb(NO 3 ) 2 x 1 mol/331 g ) + (90 g H 2 O x 1 mol/18 g )
atmospheric pressure – a requirement  
for boiling. The hydrogen bonds reduce = 0.006 
the vapor pressure above the solution,
and increase the boiling point. B  is the The best response is A.
most appropriate response.

35.  B  Passage V (Answers 38-46)

In a hypertonic, interstitial fluid, the

fluid is more concentrated than the 38.  B
cellular fluid. Water will move, by
osmosis, from the cellular fluid into the If a reaction has an enthalpy change that
interstitial fluid, and the cellular fluid is negative, it is exothermic. B  is the
will become more concentrated. B  is  best answer.
the best response.

39.  A 
36.  D 

According to Table 1, a saturated lead  NH

with  isa a strong
3 base. It acid.
will react
All vigorously
the acids
nitrate solution at 0oC has a  presented as choices in this question are
concentration of 37.7 g/100 mL.  binary acids (hydrogen and another
Equilibrating 39.0 g of lead nitrate in element only). Binary acid strength
100 mL of H2O slowly over several days increases as size of the other element
will produce an unstable, but saturated increases. In this case, HI is the
solution. In this case, the solution is strongest acid (I is very large), so
supersaturated. Any sudden disturbances ammonia should react most vigorously
will initiate precipitation of the extra with it. Choice A  is the appropriate
lead nitrate. D is the best answer in this choice.
case.

40.  C 

37.  A 
The reaction of an acid with a base is a
The mole fraction ( X ) is defined as neutralization reaction. C  is the correct
response.
 X   = moles of solute/(moles
solute/(moles of solute +
moles of solvent)
41.  C 
Assume that there is 100 g of solution
(solute + solvent). In this case, 10% will C is the only response that confirms the
 be lead nitrate (10 g) and 90% will be results shown in Table 1 and satisfies Le
water (90 g). Convert all the gram Châtelier’s principle.
masses to moles to determine the mole
fraction.

Page 7 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  

42.  A requirement eliminates immediately

choices C and D. A stronger base will
The FeO/Al2K 2O4  mixture is a catalyst tend to consist of smaller atoms, that are
that is used to increase the rate of the very electronegative. In this case, the
reaction (Catalysts increase the rate of a  best choice will be OH -(aq).
aq). Choice B is
reaction by facilitating the collision and the best response.
reaction of the reacting species).

46.  C 
43.  D 
Table 1 shows that an increase in the
 NH3( g 
 g ),
), a base, will react with  pressure at 200oC increases the yield of
H2SO4(aq),
aq), an acid, in a acid-base  NH3(  g 
g ).
). However, the change (slope of
neutralization reaction. The balanced a yield vs pressure curve) in the yield is
chemical reaction is not as large at higher pressures as it is at
lower pressures. For example, changing
2NH3( g 
 g ) + H2SO4(aq
aq)) (NH4)2SO4(aq
aq)) the pressure from 1 atm to 100 atm
engenders a change of 65.3% NH3(  g  g ))..
D is the best answer. But, changing the pressure from 200 atm
to 1000 atm delivers a change of only
12.5% NH3(  g 
g ).
). The curve of choice C is
44.  B 
thethe
in only one that illustrates the changes
rate.
There is a large electronegativity
difference between N and H in NH 3.
This will create a large dipole moment
in the molecule. The N will have a slight
negative charge and the H, a slight
 positive charge. Oppositely charged
atoms on neighboring atoms will be
attracted to each other. The
intermolecular attraction that results
when a hydrogen atom (slightly
 positive) comes between two, small,
highly electronegative atoms (N, in this
case) is called a hydrogen bond. B  is,
therefore, the best answer. Note that
Passage VI (Answers 47-55)
hydrogen bonding is a specific type of
dipole-dipole interaction. Typically, the
47.  A 
term dipole-dipole interaction is used for
atoms in a molecule that have an
According to Reactions 4 – 6, the CFC’s
electronegativity difference, and none
must undergo photolysis to convert them
are hydrogen (eg. ICl).
to radical species before they can react
with ozone. If the CFC’s remain as
gases, they cannot assist in ozone
45.  B 
depletion. Therefore, A  is the best
answer. Note that the passage states that
The base should be able to accept
these compounds are inert, but they still
 protons (H+  ions) or be nucleophiles
undergo photolysis and deplete the
(seeking positive
species more species,
positive or other
than itself). This ozone concentration.

Page 8 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  

48.  A  52.  D 

Radicals are atoms that have unpaired The ∆S  of

  of the reaction can be found by
electrons. As a result, they are extremely taking the difference of the total entropy
reactive. Cl· in Reaction 5 is very of the products from that of the
reactive because of the unpaired lone reactants. Use the data provided in Table
electron. A is the best answer. 1.

2O3(  g 
g ) 3O2(  g 
g )
49.  C 
∆S   = 3(205.0 J/mol·K) - 2(238.8
In Reaction 3, M is formed in Step 1, J/mol·K) = +137.4 J/mol·K
 but used immediately in Step 2. There is
no net change in the amount of M in this The best choice is D.
reaction. Therefore, M is a reaction
intermediate. Choice C  is the most
appropriate answer. 53.  B 

From Reactions 4 – 6, only choice B 

50.  B  seems to be the most reasonable. For
each mole of CFC consumed, 2 moles

To determine
Reactions the
5 and 6, addnet reaction and
the reactants of gaseous oxygen is produced.
 products of each reaction. Some
cancellations will occur. 54.  C 

Cl· + O3  ClO· + O2  Add the two reactions to find the net
reaction:
ClO· + O Cl· + O2 
O2(  g 
g ) O(  g 
g ) + O( g )
Sum:
Cl· + O3  + ClO· + O ClO· + O2  + Cl· + O2 
O2(  g 
g ) + O( g ) O3(  g 
g )
O3  + O 2O2 
2O2(  g 
g ) O3(  g 
g ) + O( g ) net reaction 
reaction 
The free energy of the products are:
 Note that all the Cl· and ClO· were
eliminated by cancellation. The best ∆Gf,products  = ∆Gf,O3  + ∆Gf,O  = (163.4 kJ/mol)
choice is B. + (230.1 kJ/mol) = 393.5 kJ/mol

The free energy of the reactants

51.  C  (oxygen) is 0 kJ/mol.

Steps 1 and 2 are reversible reactions Therefore, the products should have a
(Note the rate constants k 1  and k --11  and larger free energy value in the graph. In
the reactants and products involved in addition, the graph should show that the
each). In most reaction mechanisms, free energy is increasing as the reaction
reversible reactions are fast. The third  proceeds forward. Only choice C shows
step, Step 3, is most likely the slow step all these explicitly.
or the rate-determining step. Choice C is
the best response.

Page 9 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  

The best answer is B.

57.  C 

The oxidation number of an element in a

compound will be influenced by the
electronegativity of the atoms to which
it is bonded. In this case, Cl 2(  g 
g ) is more
55.  C 
electronegative than I2(  s);
s); Cl2(  g  g ) will
attract electrons more strongly than I2(  s)s)
The sign of the reaction free energy
in a bond with Cu, changing the
change (∆G) will indicate spontaneity of
oxidation number of Cu. Therefore C  is
the reaction. A negative ∆G  indicates
the best choice.
reaction spontaneity; a positive value
indicates that the reaction is non-
spontaneous. Referring to question 54,
58.  C 
the reaction free energy change ( ∆G  =
∆Gf,products  + ∆Gf,reactants) is +393.5
The reaction of NaCl(aq
NaCl(aq)) with
kJ/mol. This reaction is not spontaneous
Cd(NO3)2(aq)
aq) is a metathesis reaction in
 because the free energy change is
 positive. Choice C is the best response. which atoms or
The balanced ions exchange
chemical reaction partners.
is:

2NaCl(aq
2NaCl(aq)) + Cd(NO3)2(aq
aq)) CdCl2( s)
 s) + 2NaNO3(aq
aq))

The chlorides of most transition metals

Passage VII (Answers 56- are sparingly soluble. Note that the ion
of Cd is Cd2+, which means that the
56.  B  atom loses 2 electrons during ionic
 bonding. Therefore, 2 Cl atoms are
Since the Zn(NO3)2(aq) aq) is excess and needed to accept the electrons. The
 Na2CO3(aq)
aq) is limiting, the solution will chloride of cadmium is CdCl 2  (see the
 be based on the amount of Na2CO3(aq) aq)  balanced equation also). The best choice
to find the maximum amount of is C.
 precipitate. The balanced chemical
reaction is:
59.  B 
Zn(NO3)2(aq
aq)) + Na2CO3(aq
aq)) ZnCO3(  s)
s) + 2NaNO3(aq
aq))

Mixing solutions of AgNO3(aq)

aq) and
Since all Na salts are soluble in water  NaCl(aq
 NaCl( aq)) would give the following
and most carbonates are sparingly reaction:
soluble in water, the white precipitate is
most likely ZnCO3( s).
 s).  NaCl(aq
 NaCl(aq)) + AgNO3(aq
aq)) AgCl( s)
 s) + NaNO3(aq
aq))

From the passage, there is 2.0 mL of 0.1 The AgCl(  s)

s) will dissociate slightly
 M  Na
 Na2CO3(aq)
aq) solution. according to the following reaction:
1 L  Na 2 CO 3 0.1 mol  Na 2 CO 3 1 mol ZnCO 3 125.4 g ZnCO 3
2.0 mL  Na 2 CO 3 x x x x
1000 mL  Na 2 CO 3 1 L  Na 2 CO 3 1 mol  Na 2 CO 3 1 mol ZnCO 3

  AgCl( s)
 s) Ag+(aq
aq)) + Cl-(aq
aq))
= 0.03 g 

Page 10 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  

Cl-(aq)
aq) is the conjugate base of a strong
acid, HCl(aq
HCl(aq).). This makes it a very Most hydroxides are slightly soluble in
weak base. Therefore, no reaction will water. Cu(OH)2  will dissociate by the
occur between acidic HNO3(aq)aq) and Cl- following reaction:
aq). If Cl-(aq)
(aq). aq) is not consumed by the
acid, then the amount of AgCl( s)  s) will
remain unchanged. Choice B is the best Cu(OH)2( s)
 s) Cu2+(aq
aq)) + 2OH-(aq
aq))
response.
Addition of an acid (addition of H + ions)
will consume OH- ions. According to Le
60.  B  Châtelier’s principle, more Cu(OH)2(  s) s)
-
will dissolve to re-establish the OH   ion
The most likely compound of Cd and S concentration and equilibrium.
is CdS. The molecule will have an Response B is the best answer.
overall oxidation number of 0. The
oxidation number of S is -2.
63.  B 
0 = Cd + (-2)
The presence of more ions in water will
Cd = +2. elevate its boiling point. Zn(NO3)2(aq)
aq)
will have 3 ions, which will elevate the
 boiling point of water more than
Choice B is the best response. AgNO3(aq),
aq), which will have only 2 ions
upon dissociation. Choice B  is the best
choice.

61.  C 

Zn will displace hydrogen gas from 64.  D 

acids and steam. However, it will not
displace hydrogen gas from cold water. From the activity series of metals, Cu
C is the best response. will displace Ag from its compounds
(Cu is more reactive than Ag). Ag will
 plate out as solid metal on the Cu strip.
Cu will replace Ag in the nitrate. The
62.  B   balanced equation of this
this reaction is:
Addition of substances to an equilibrium
Cu( s)
 s) + 2AgNO3(aq)
aq) 2Ag( s)
 s) + Cu(NO3)2(aq)
aq)
system or changing the concentrations oxidation #: 0 +1 0 +2
of substances already present will never
change the actual value of the  K sspp. The oxidation numbers show that Cu( s  s))
Changing the concentrations or addition lost 2 electrons (oxidized), while
of substances that affect the existing Ag+(aq)
aq) gained an electron (reduced).
reaction will give a Qsp  value, but the  Note that in the nitrate, the metals are in
value of K 
of  K sp
sp will remain the same. Only ionic form. D  is therefore the best
temperature changes will change the response.
value of  K spsp. The equilibrium will shift
(concentrations will change), according
to Le Châtelier’s principle, to re-
establish the equilibrium and the  K sp
value.

Page 11 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  

not cause the formation of hydrogen

 bonds. The best conclusion is that
Passage VIII volatile substances are vaporized due to
the rise in temperature. D  is, therefore,
65.  D  the best response.

Table 1 shows that a larger percentage

of the YT’s dissolve in toulene 69.  C 
compared to THF. Therefore, the YT’s
are more soluble in toulene than in THF, Elements in the same group typically
and D is the best choice. exhibit similar properties. Ti is in group
4B. Of the choices given, only Zr is in
group 4B. Choice C  is the correct
66.  A  response.

The structures (based on information in

the passage) of toulene and THF are 70.  A 
given below.
The structures of toulene and THF are
given below.

Toulene
THF
Toulene
Toulene has a larger ringed structure, THF
with delocalized double bonds, which
increases stability. THF is a 5- The oxygen in THF is bonded directly to
membered ring, which will experience carbon atoms. Since oxygen is more
larger ring strain. Based on the electronegative than carbon, there will
structures and this analysis, A is the best  be a dipole moment in this molecule,
choice. with oxygen being slightly negative. In
water, hydrogen bonds will be formed
with water molecules. Toulene does not
67.  B  have a dipole moment because the
electronegativity difference between
The abbreviated electronic configuration carbon and hydrogen is very small. So,
of Ti is [Ar]4 s23d 2. Typically, only hydrogen bonding will not occur
electrons in the outer most shells and  between toulene and water. Hydrogen
orbitals will participate in bonding. This  bonding increases the boiling point of a
holds true in this case, except that it is solution. Therefore, the THF solution
 better to say that electrons in the most should have the higher boiling point,
energetic orbital will form bonds. The making choice A the best answer.
most energetic orbital is the 3d 
3d   orbital.
B is the correct response.
71.  B 
68.  D 
The electronic configuration of the
Simply heating a substance from 20oC valence electrons in the unhybridized
to 700oC will not ionize it or promote a orbitals of oxygen are 2 s22 p4. So,
loss of protons. Heating certainly will

Page 12 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  

↑ ↓  ↑ ↓  ↑ _ ↑ _

2 s 
 s  2 p 
 p 
Passage IX
Hybridization mixes the unhybridized
orbitals (imaginary) to form new 74. B 
hydridized orbitals. For oxygen, with 2
 bonds, there will be 2 hybridized Moving from left to right in a given
orbitals with one electron each for group on the periodic table, the number
 bonding and 2 hydridized oribitals with of electrons in the outermost shell
2 electrons for the lone pairs. The increases. These electrons are able to
carbons will provide the remaining  push the inner-most electrons closer to
electron needed to satisfy the octet rule the positively charged nucleus, reducing
in oxygen. So, 1  s orbital
 s orbital will mix with the shielding effect of those inner
3  p
 p orbitals the  sp3 hybridization
 orbitals to give the sp electrons and the atomic radius
of oxygen. (Shielding effect is a phenomenon in
which the the inner electrons push the
outer, valence electrons from the
↑ ↓  ↑ ↓  ↑ _ ↑ _  positive nucleus, reducing the tendency
 sp3 hybrid orbitals of the atom to accept electrons). That
enables atoms on the right side of the
The two paired electrons will be lone pair  periodic table to accept electrons easier

electrons
the bonds and
withthe singleThe
carbon. electrons will form
best response is than atoms on theis left
Electronegativity of theastable.
defined the
B. ability of an atom to accept electrons.
The electronegativity increases as the
shielding effect decreases. Choice B  is
72.  A  the best response.

The principal quantum number of an

element specifies the number of shells in 75.  A 
the atom. The number of shells is then a
qualitative measure of radius of the  Non-metallic atoms, like S and F,
atom. A is the appropriate response. typically form covalent bonds. SF6(  g 
g ) is
a covalent compound. Covalent
compounds do not normally conduct

73.  B  electricity and heat very well. Choice A 

is the best answer.
The abbreviated electronic configuration
of the Ti atom is [Ar]4 s23d 2. To make
the titanium ion, Ti2+, 2 electrons are 76.  C 
lost from the Ti atom. Those two
electrons will be lost from the most The period number of an element is a
energetic orbital with valence electrons, qualitative indicator of the size of the
3d . Therefore, the abbreviated electronic atom. Metal atomic size increases from
configuration of the ion is [Ar]4 s2. top to bottom in the periodic table, as
Choice B is the best response. the valence electrons are pushed away
from the nucleus by a larger number of
inner electrons. Therefore, it will be
very easy for those outer valence
electrons to leave the atom and
 participate in ionic bonding. Of the

Page 13 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  

choices provided, RbCl has the metal electrons easily. Of the choices
with the largest radius. So, Rb required  provided, Cs is the metal that loses
the least amount of energy to lose electrons the easiest (due to the
electrons, making C the correst answer. shielding effect of 54 inner electrons on
1 outer, valence electron) and Cl is the
nonmetal halogen that gains electrons
77.  A  the easiest (due to its large
electronegativity). Choice B is the most
 Nonmetals are on the far right side of appropriate.
the periodic table. Choice A  is the
correct answer.
81.  C 

78.  A  If HCl were an ionic compound then a 1

 M  solution
 solution would conduct electricity. Of
When an electron is lost, the radius of the choices provided, only C  is
the ion is typically smaller than the absolutely true of all ionic compounds,
 parent atom. Smaller covalent bonds are since they dissociate in solution to give
stronger and require more energy to charged species.
 break. Ionic bonds tend to be stronger
than covalent bonds. Ionization energy

is the energy
electron from arequired
gaseousto ground-state
liberate an 82.  B 
atom. Electron affinity is the energy The compound with the greatest ionic
change when a gaseous ground-state character will have the largest forces of
atom gains an electron. For metals, it is attraction between the constituent ions.
easier to liberate electrons than from Therefore, the melting temperature will
non-metals, therefore, the ionization  be high. Similar to the explanation in
energies of metals are typically low. The question 80 on the ionic character of a
energy change is typically larger when compound, choice B  is the best
electrons are gained by non-metals, so, response.
the electron affinity is typically larger.
Choice A is the most appropriate choice.
Passage X

79.  D 
83.  A 
Ionic bonding typically occurs between
metals and nonmetals; covalent bonding  ppm by definition is 1000 g
occurs between nonmetals. D is the best  particle/1,000,000 L solution.
solution.
choice (It fits the question also: ionic
compound, NaCl, then covalent
compound, HBr). 1.6 x10-7 mol Ca 2 +
40.1g Ca 2 +
1,000,000L solution
 ppm = x 2+
x
1.0 L solution 1mol Ca 1000 g Ca 2 +

  = 0.006 ppm 
80.  B 
The appropriate response is A.
The compounds with the most ionic
character will be those that consist of
elements that readily participate in ionic 84.  A 
 bonding, that is, they lose or gain

Page 14 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  

The best choice is A. According to neutralization reaction. C  is the best

Reaction 1, boiling removes HCO3- from answer.
solution. HCO3- can dissociate to give a
 proton and a carbonate ion. The proton 88.  B 
will make the water more acidic.
Removal of HCO3- will make the water Assume that the system is at equilibrium.
less acidic and increase the pH. Then, CaCO3 will dissociate into calcium and
conversion of Ca2+  to CaCO   will carbonate ions. Initially, there were no
decrease the solubility of CaCO3. 3 Ca2+  or CO32-  ions. Assume that the
change in ion concentration, to reach an
85.  A  equilibrium state, is  x
 x.. The concentration
2+
of Ca  can be determined by using an ICE
CO2  will react with water to give chart and the K 
the K sp
sp of CaCO3.
carbonic acid as shown below:
CONCENTRATION SUMMARY

+ -
Equation:
CO2( g 
 g ) + H2O(
O(l 
l ) H2CO3(aq
aq)) H (aq)
aq) + HCO3 (aqaq))
unstabl e

CaCO3( s) Ca2+( aq) + CO32-

According to Le Châtelier’s principle, a
high level of atmospheric CO 2 will shift ( aq)
the equilibrium to the right, producing Initial 0 0
more H+(aq).
aq). This will make the water
more acidic and lower the pH. Concentrations
(mol/L)
Then, the excess H+(aq)
aq) will react with
CaCO3  to give calcium ions, CO 2, and Concentration + x
 x   + x
 x  
H2O. This will increase the solubility of Changes (mol/L)
CaCO3. The most appropriate response
is A. Equilibrium  x
 x    x
 x  
Concentrations

86.  C  (mol/L)

The molar volume of an ideal gas is 22.4

L/mol. Use the molar ratios from the 2+ 2- -

 balanced equation of Reaction 1.  K 

9 sp  = [Ca ][CO3 ] = (  x)(
x)(  x)
x) = 4.8 x 10
.

1 mol CO 2 1 mol CaCO 3 100.1 g CaCO 3 [Ca2+] =  x

-9 1/2
 x   = (4.8 x 10 )   M 
M  
11.2 L CO 2 x x x
22.4 L CO 2 1 mol CO 2 1 mol CaCO 3
 = 50.0 g CaCO3. The best answer is B.

Choice C is the best response.

89.  D 

87.  C  The dissociation reaction of CaCO 3(  s)

s)
is:
HCO3-(aq)
aq) is an acidic solution and
Ca(OH)2(aq)
aq) is a basic solution. Mixing 2+

 basic and acidic solutions will give a CO3CaCO

2-
aq) (  s)
(aq)
3 s) Ca (aq)
aq) +

Page 15 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  

Adding excess Ca2+ to the solution will

cause the equilibrium to shift to the left
to consume the excess Ca 2+. CO32-  will
also be consumed. This will cause the CO2  CH4 
CaCO3  to precipitate. Note that the
value of K 
of K sp The double bonds of CO2  are shorter
sp will not change. Instead, the
concentrations of the reacting species and stronger than the C–H bonds of
will change to maintain the K 
the  K sspp value. D  methane. There are two VSEPR pairs
is the best response. (all bonds) around the central carbon in
CO2. Therefore, the geometry is linear.
Four VSEPR pairs (all bonds; no lone
90.  B   pairs) around the central carbon in
methane means that the geometry is
The calcium ion is Ca2+. It is not a tetrahedral. The best choice is B  (I and
monovalent ion (having only one plus III).
charge). This ion has no electrons to
offer oxygen. Therefore, the ion will not
react with oxygen. Typically, hydrated 94.  C 
 bivalent cations (positively charged ions
having 2 plus charges) of Group 2A Of the choices given, only glycine and
methanol of choice C  will be able to
metals do not
Be2+). The make
only bestwater
choiceacidic
is B: (except
Ca 2+ is hydrogen bond with each other if they
neutral to water. were both in the same solution. Both
have a terminal
 –OH group, with the oxygen being more
91.  C electronegative than H to establish a
dipole moment along that bond.
Two species are isoelectronic when they
have the same electronic configuration.
The abbreviated electronic configuration 95.  D 
of Ca2+ is [Ar]. This is exactly the same
electronic configuration as Ar. The The most abundant isotope of carbon is
calcium ion is isoelectronic with the carbon-12. Isotopes have the same
argon atom. C is the best response. number of protons and electrons, but
different number of neutrons. The mass
numbers are given in the name of the
isotope. Based on that, carbon-14 has 2
more neutrons than carbon-12 (Note that
Passage XI
the mass number indicates the total
number of neutrons and protons in the
92.  D 
nucleus of an atom or ion). Choice D  is
the best response.
Alkalinity suggests basicity. Only KOH
is a base. Therefore, D  is the best
response.
96.  A 

Glycine is a carboxylic acid (-COOH

93.  B 
functional group), methanol is an

The Lewis structures of CO2  and CH4  alcohol (-OH functional

to a methyl grouppotassium
group), and attached
are shown below.

Page 16 of 17
 

© Prep101 http://www.prep101.com/mcat/
http://www.prep101.com/mcat/  

hydroxide is a base (-OH group bonded

ionically to a metal cation). Methanol 100. A 
can either be an acid or a base,
depending on what it reacts with. The oxygen acceptor will most likely be
Methanol can even autoprotonate itself: a nonmetal (eliminates Fe). Noble gases
one methanol molecule acts as the acid do not accept or lose electrons readily
and donates a proton, while the other (eliminates He). H2, as a stable
acts as a base and accepts the proton. molecule, will not readily accept
The best response is A. electrons. Sulfur is the only element
 proposed that has a large enough
electronegativity, and even has similar
97.  C   properties as oxygen, to act as an
electron acceptor. A is the best choice.
HCl(aq)) to H+(aq)
The molar ratio of HCl(aq aq) is
+
1:1. Therefore, [H ] = 0.01 M 
0.01 M .

 pH = -log[H+] = -log(0.01) = 2.

The best choice is C.

98.  D 
As mentioned in question 93, the central
carbon of methane has 4 bonds, no lone
 pairs, and so, 4 VSEPR pairs. To have
the exact geometry, there must be four
 bonds and no lone pairs. That eliminates
choices A and B. XeF 4 has a total of 36
valence electrons, and will have an
expanded octet around Xe (it can
accommodate extra electrons since it is
in Period 5). There are 32 valence
electrons in SiCl4, and all were
distributed in the Lewis structure. Si has
four bonds (satisfies the octet rule), and
no lone pair electrons around Si. The
 best response is D.

99.  C 

A very low pH membrane channel will

 be itself very acidic. Glycine would pass
through this channel in the form of its
conjugate base. Only the H bonded
directly to the oxygen on the –COOH
group is acidic. Loss of this H, gives the
conjugate base, which has a negative
charge. Choice C  gives the conjugate
 base.

Page 17 of 17