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MTEL Chemistry Test Answer Key

1. B: Chemistry is the physical science that studies the composition, structure, properties and reactions of atoms, molecules, crystals and other aggregate matter by themselves or in relationship to each other. It is sometimes called the “central science” because it connects the other natural sciences.  

2. D: The four fundamental states of matter: a solid is molecules with a definite shape and volume; a liquid is molecules with the ability to move; a gas is molecules with low density; plasma contains proteins, fats and other molecules suspended in water.

3. C: Energy is the capacity to do work or cause change. It is always associated with movement. Its companion is entropy, which is the measurement of energy unable to do work. Energy can change forms but it cannot be created or destroyed. It is a closed system that remains constant.

4. A: A chemical reaction is a process that changes one substance into another substance with an altogether different structure and composition. There is a rearrangement of the bonds that hold the atoms together, but the total mass and number of atoms equals the sum of all the original materials. Energy is always either consumed or liberated.  

5. C: All chemical reactions fall into one of the following categories: combustion, synthesis, decomposition, single displacement, double displacement and acid-based.