chemisty quiz

CHEM 3A Assessments Concept Inventory Pre-Test

Fresno State Chemistry

Instructions (pre) This assessment is designed to evaluate your current understanding of central chemistry concepts. I do

not expect that you will have a perfect understanding of these concepts at the start of the course, but it

is valuable to know more about your chemistry background.

Please set aside 30 minutes of undisturbed time to complete this inventory. The assessment can be

completed on a printed copy of the attached form or on loose-leaf paper. Do not use any references

including books, notes, periodic tables, or the internet in completing the inventory. You grade will be

based on your honest effort at completing the assessment. A small amount of extra credit will be

awarded for correct answers.

When you complete the inventory, scan copies of these two pages and upload to blackboard in the

assessments folder.

CHEM 3A Assessments Concept Inventory Pre-Test

Fresno State Chemistry

Questions Problem 1 – In a hot summer, why would it feel cooler near lakes and rivers than in other areas of the

same park? Explain your answer.

Problem 2 – Should only water or soap and water be used to clean animals after an oil spill? Explain

your answer.

Problem 3 – 2.0 liters (0.53 gallon) of a saltwater sample is left outside in an open container for a day.

The next day only 1.5 liter (0.40 gallon) of the saltwater sample remains due to evaporation. Has

evaporation caused the salt concentration in the sample to increase, decrease, or does it stay the same?

Explain your answer.

CHEM 3A Assessments Concept Inventory Pre-Test

Fresno State Chemistry

Problem 4 – A nail left outside over the winter will slowly rust. During this process the mass of the nail

will increase. Where does this mass come from? Explain your answer.

Problem 5 – When a bottle of soda is opened you will hear a hiss of escaping gas and observe bubbles to

suddenly appear in the solution. Why do the bubbles form? Explain your answer.

Problem 6 – Sodium phosphate (Na3PO4) and potassium phosphate (K3PO4) can both be used as a

phosphorus source in chemical fertilizers. Will 1.0 kg of sodium phosphate provide more, less, or the

same amount of phosphorus to plants when compared to 1.0 kg of potassium phosphate? Explain your

answer.