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Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2012, High School Chemistry

Download PDF Document  Question 33: Open-Response

 

Reporting Category: Bonding and Reactions
Standard: 5.1 - Balance chemical equations by applying the laws of conservation of mass and constant composition (definite proportions).
Standard: 5.2 - Classify chemical reactions as synthesis (combination), decomposition, single displacement, double displacement, and combustion.


Five chemical reactions are listed in the table below.
Reaction 1          CaCO3 → CaO + CO2
Reaction 2Ca(OH)2 + 2HCl → CaCl2 + 2H2O
Reaction 3NH3 + HCl → NH4Cl    
Reaction 4       PbO2 → Pb + O2
Reaction 52Mg + O2 → 2MgO  
  1. Identify one chemical reaction from the list that is a synthesis (combination) reaction. Explain why you identified this reaction as synthesis.
  2. Identify one chemical reaction from the list that is a decomposition reaction. Explain why you identified this reaction as decomposition.
  3. Describe a combustion reaction.
  4. Write a balanced chemical equation for a combustion reaction using some or all of the substances from the table below.
C3H8CO2
O2H2
CH2O

Scoring Guide and Sample Student Work

Select a score point in the table below to view the sample student response.

ScoreDescription
4 The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of how to classify chemical reactions. The response correctly identifies one example of a synthesis (combination) reaction and one example of a decomposition reaction and clearly explains each answer. The response also correctly describes a combustion reaction and gives a balanced chemical equation for a combustion reaction.
4
3 The response demonstrates a general understanding of how to classify chemical reactions.
2 The response demonstrates a limited understanding of how to classify chemical reactions.
1 The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of how to classify chemical reactions.
0 The response is incorrect or contains some correct work that is irrelevant to the skill or concept being measured.
Note: There are 2 sample student responses for Score Point 4.

High School Chemistry

Question 11: Solutions, Equilibrium, and Acid-Base Theory
Question 23: Properties of Matter and Thermochemistry
Question 33: Bonding and Reactions
Question 44: Atomic Structure and Periodicity
Question 45: Bonding and Reactions

Return to the 2012 MCAS Sample Student Work: High School Chemistry

Last Updated: August 25, 2023

 
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