Free HESI A2 Chemistry practice for HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Questions (HESI A2). Answer 37 nursing exam-style questions with rationales, exam mode, and progr
Which of the following is a property of an acid?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct property of an acid is that it 'reacts with bases.' Acids are known for their ability to react with bases to form salts and water through a process called neutralization. This unique reaction distinguishes acids from other substances and is a fundamental characteristic of acids in chemistry. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Acids do not have a bitter taste (Choice A), a slippery feel (Choice B), or a sweet taste (Choice D). These properties are not typical of acids and may lead to confusion if associated with acids.
Which of the following substances is a base?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is 'Ammonia' (Choice C) as it is a common example of a base. Bases are substances that release hydroxide ions (OH-) in aqueous solutions, helping to increase the pH level. Ammonia is a weak base that can accept a proton (H+) to form ammonium hydroxide. In contrast, water (Choice A), sodium chloride (Choice B), and salt (Choice D) are not bases; water is neutral, while sodium chloride and salt are neutral compounds composed of a cation and an anion.
A salt solution has a molarity of 5 M. How many moles of this salt are present in 0 L of this solution?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Molarity is defined as the number of moles of solute per liter of solution. A molarity of 5 M indicates there are 5 moles of salt in 1 liter of the solution. Since the volume of the solution is 0 liters, multiplying the molarity by 0 liters results in 0 moles of salt (5 moles/L x 0 L = 0 moles). Therefore, the correct answer is 0. Option B, 1.5, is incorrect because it doesn't consider the volume being 0 liters. Options C and D, 2 and 3 respectively, are also incorrect as they do not account for the zero volume of the solution. Hence, there are no moles of salt present in 0 liters of the solution.
Which of the following elements is a halogen?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is 'Fluorine' (Choice B) as it is a halogen. Halogens are a group of elements that include fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. They are highly reactive nonmetals located in Group 17 of the periodic table. Oxygen (Choice A) is a nonmetal but not a halogen. Sodium (Choice C) is a metal, and Carbon (Choice D) is a nonmetal, neither of which belong to the halogen group.
Which of the following elements does not exist as a diatomic molecule?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is 'boron.' Diatomic molecules consist of two atoms of the same element bonded together. Boron is an exception and does not exist naturally as a diatomic molecule. On the other hand, fluorine, oxygen, and nitrogen commonly exist as diatomic molecules in their natural states. Fluorine, for example, exists as F2, oxygen exists as O2, and nitrogen exists as N2.
How many moles of potassium bromide are in 25 mL of a 4 M KBr solution?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
To find the moles of potassium bromide in 25 mL of a 4 M KBr solution, we first need to convert the volume from milliliters to liters. 25 mL is equal to 0.025 L. Then, we use the formula moles = molarity x volume in liters. Substituting the values, moles = 4 M x 0.025 L = 0.1 mol. Therefore, there are 0.1 moles of KBr in 25 mL of a 4 M solution. Choice A, 0.035 mol, is incorrect as it does not properly calculate the moles. Choice C, 0.18 mol, and choice D, 1.6 mol, are also incorrect as they are not the result of the correct calculation based on the given molarity and volume.
What are the products of the combustion of a hydrocarbon?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
When a hydrocarbon undergoes combustion, it reacts with oxygen to produce water and carbon dioxide as the main products. The general chemical equation for the combustion of a hydrocarbon is hydrocarbon + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Water and carbon dioxide.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because water and carbon dioxide are the primary products of hydrocarbon combustion, not water and oxygen, hydrogen and carbon monoxide, or carbon dioxide and oxygen.
Which of the following elements is a noble gas?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
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.
Which of the following statements, if any, are correct?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Statement A is correct. pH is a measure of the effective concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, and it is related to the molarity of H+ by the formula pH = - log [H+]. This equation illustrates the logarithmic relationship between pH and the concentration of hydrogen ions. Oxygen ions and hydrogen atoms are not directly related to pH in the same manner as hydrogen ions. Acidity is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, and this concentration is what pH measures. Therefore, option A is the only statement that correctly defines the relationship between pH and the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they provide inaccurate information about the relationship between pH and the ions/atoms mentioned. Option B incorrectly associates pH with oxygen ions, option C mentions hydrogen atoms instead of hydrogen ions, and option D confuses acidity with pH, which is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration, not molarity.
What is the process of breaking bonds and forming new bonds to create new chemical compounds?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
A chemical reaction involves the breaking and forming of bonds to create new substances. During a chemical reaction, the original chemical bonds are broken, and new bonds are formed to produce one or more new substances with different properties from the reactants. This transformation is a fundamental concept in chemistry and distinguishes chemical reactions from physical, nuclear, or mechanical reactions. Choice A, 'Physical reaction,' does not involve the breaking and forming of chemical bonds but rather changes in physical state or appearance. Choice C, 'Nuclear reaction,' involves changes in the nuclei of atoms, not the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. Choice D, 'Mechanical reaction,' refers to reactions involving physical forces or movements, not the breaking and forming of chemical bonds as in a chemical reaction.
What is the name of the negatively charged subatomic particles?
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Explanation:
The correct answer is C: Electrons. Electrons are the negatively charged subatomic particles. They are found outside the atomic nucleus and carry a negative charge. Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus, neutrons have no charge, and isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, not subatomic particles.
What are the horizontal rows of the periodic table called?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is A: Periods. Rows in the periodic table are called periods. They are arranged horizontally from left to right and represent the energy levels of the elements. Each period starts a new energy level or shell, indicating the number of electron shells an element has. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Families and groups refer to vertical columns in the periodic table that share similar chemical properties, while columns are vertical arrangements of elements known as groups or families.
Bonds involve electrons that are not equally shared, and may be deemed as an intermediate between the extremes represented by and bonds.
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Chemical bonds involve electrons that are not equally shared, and may be deemed as an intermediate between the extremes represented by covalent and ionic bonds. This is the most accurate statement among the choices as it correctly describes the nature of chemical bonds, highlighting their intermediate position between covalent bonds (where electrons are shared) and ionic bonds (where electrons are transferred). 'Ionic bonds' (choice A) are not the correct answer because they represent a type of chemical bond where electrons are transferred, not shared. 'Covalent bonds' (choice B) are not the correct answer either because they represent a type of chemical bond where electrons are shared equally. 'Polar bonds' (choice D) are not the correct answer as they involve an unequal sharing of electrons but do not represent the intermediate position between covalent and ionic bonds as chemical bonds do. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Chemical bonds.'
What is the oxidation state of the potassium ion in the compound KCl?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
In the compound KCl (potassium chloride), potassium is in Group 1 of the periodic table, which means it has a valence electron of 1. Chlorine is in Group 17 and gains one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration by forming an ionic bond with potassium. As a result, the potassium ion in KCl has a +1 oxidation state. Therefore, the correct answer is +1. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the oxidation state of the potassium ion in KCl.
Which type of radiation emits helium ions and can be stopped by a piece of paper?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Alpha radiation emits helium ions, which are helium nuclei without electrons, making them positively charged. These ions are relatively large and heavy compared to beta and gamma radiation. Due to their size and charge, alpha particles interact strongly with matter and are easily stopped. A piece of paper or even human skin can effectively block alpha radiation. Therefore, alpha radiation is the type of radiation that can be stopped by a piece of paper. Beta radiation consists of fast-moving electrons and can penetrate further into materials than alpha radiation, thus not stopped by a piece of paper. Gamma radiation is highly penetrating and requires dense materials like lead or concrete to block it effectively. X-ray radiation, similar to gamma radiation, is also highly penetrating and cannot be stopped by a piece of paper.
What is a balanced equation?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
A balanced equation is one where the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides, fulfilling the law of conservation of mass. This principle ensures that the total number of atoms of each element is equal in both reactants and products, signifying that no atoms are created or destroyed, but rather rearranged. Choice A is incorrect because a balanced equation has equal numbers of atoms in the reactants and products. Choice C is incorrect as a balanced equation includes both reactants and products. Choice D is incorrect because coefficients are essential in balancing equations by adjusting the number of atoms present.
What is the charge of a beta particle?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
A beta particle has a charge of -1. Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons emitted during radioactive decay processes. Since electrons carry a charge of -1, beta particles also carry a charge of -1. This negative charge indicates that beta particles are negatively charged. Option B is incorrect as it suggests a positive charge, which is not the case for beta particles. Option C is incorrect as it indicates a higher positive charge, which is not true for beta particles. Option D is incorrect as beta particles do have a charge, which is negative.
Which type of radiation involves the emission of helium ions?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Alpha radiation involves the emission of helium ions. Helium ions are composed of two protons and two neutrons, which is the same as the nucleus of a helium atom. This type of radiation has low penetration power and can be stopped by a piece of paper or human skin, making it less harmful compared to other forms of radiation like beta or gamma radiation. Beta radiation involves the emission of high-speed electrons, while gamma radiation involves electromagnetic waves with high energy. Delta radiation is not a recognized form of radiation in this context, making it an incorrect choice.
What are neutral particles called?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Neutral particles, which have no electric charge, are known as neutrons. Neutrons are found in the nucleus of an atom along with protons. Electrons carry a negative charge and orbit the nucleus. Cations are positively charged ions formed by losing electrons. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Neutrons' as they are the neutral particles in an atom, unlike protons, electrons, or cations.
What is the correct formula for potassium chloride?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct formula for potassium chloride is KCl. In chemical formulas, the symbol for the cation (positive ion) comes first followed by the symbol for the anion (negative ion). Potassium is represented by the symbol K, while chloride is represented by the symbol Cl. Therefore, the formula for potassium chloride is KCl. Choice A (NaCl) is the formula for sodium chloride, not potassium chloride. Choice C is a duplicate of choice B, and choice D (ClK) is an incorrect arrangement of the symbols for potassium and chloride.
What is the mass number of an atom with 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The mass number of an atom is the sum of protons and neutrons. In this case, the atom has 6 protons and 6 neutrons, thus the mass number is 6 + 6 = 12. Therefore, choice A (12) is the correct answer. Choices B (18), C (6), and D (8) are incorrect because the mass number is determined by the sum of protons and neutrons, not the number of electrons or a different combination of particles.
What are negatively charged ions called?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Negatively charged ions are called anions. Anions gain electrons and carry a negative charge, which distinguishes them from cations that are positively charged and neutrons and protons that are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Choice A, Neutrons, are neutral subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom, not negatively charged ions. Choice B, Protons, are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom, not negatively charged ions. Choice D, Cations, are positively charged ions that lose electrons, which is opposite to the behavior of negatively charged ions.
What happens in a single displacement reaction?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
In a single displacement reaction, an active element displaces a less active element in a compound. This process involves one element replacing another in a compound, resulting in the formation of a new compound. Option A is incorrect because a single displacement reaction does not involve the decomposition of a compound into two substances. Option C is incorrect because it describes a precipitation reaction, not a single displacement reaction. Option D is incorrect because it describes oxidation-reduction reactions, not specifically single displacement reactions.
Which of the following pH values is most likely for lemon juice?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Lemon juice is highly acidic with a pH around 2-3, making it more acidic than neutral substances. A pH of 5 is too high for lemon juice, indicating less acidity. Similarly, pH 7 is neutral, and pH 9 would be alkaline, which is not characteristic of lemon juice. Therefore, the correct answer is option A (pH 3).
What is the product of the decomposition of water?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is A: Hydrogen and oxygen. When water undergoes decomposition, it breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen gases through a process known as electrolysis. This reaction is represented by 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂. Choice B, carbon dioxide, is incorrect as it is not a product of water decomposition. Choice C, nitrogen and hydrogen, is incorrect as water decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen, not nitrogen. Choice D, methane, is incorrect as methane is not a product of water decomposition.
If gas A has four times the molar mass of gas B, you would expect it to diffuse through a plug ___________.
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
When comparing the diffusion rates of two gases, according to Graham's law of diffusion, the rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the square root of the molar mass. If gas A has four times the molar mass of gas B, the square root of the molar masses ratio (4:1) is 2. This means that gas A would diffuse through a plug at half the rate of gas B. Therefore, the correct answer is A, at half the rate of gas B. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct relationship between the molar masses and the rates of diffusion according to Graham's law.
What is the spontaneous, random movement of small particles suspended in a liquid, caused by the unbalanced impacts of molecules on the particle?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Brownian motion is the correct choice as it specifically refers to the spontaneous, random movement of small particles suspended in a liquid, caused by the unbalanced impacts of molecules on the particle. This phenomenon was observed and documented by Robert Brown, leading to the discovery of the existence of molecules. Grey's kinesis and Boyle's wave are not scientifically recognized terms related to this concept.
How many neutrons are in an atom of uranium-235?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is A: '92'. To determine the number of neutrons in an atom, you subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the atomic mass number. For uranium-235, the atomic number is 92, and the atomic mass number is 235. Subtracting 92 from 235 gives us 143 neutrons in an atom of uranium-235. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the correct number of neutrons in an atom of uranium-235.
In the periodic table, which group contains the alkali metals?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is Group 1. Alkali metals are found in Group 1 of the periodic table, which includes elements such as lithium, sodium, and potassium. These elements are known for their high reactivity and tendency to form alkaline solutions when they react with water. Therefore, Group 1 is specifically designated as the group containing alkali metals. Choice A (Group 7) is incorrect as Group 7 contains the halogens. Choice C (Group 2) is incorrect as Group 2 contains the alkaline earth metals. Choice D (Group 3) is incorrect as Group 3 contains the scandium group of elements.
What is the energy required to remove the outermost electron from an atom called?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Ionization energy is the energy needed to remove the outermost electron from an atom, resulting in the formation of a positively charged ion. The higher the ionization energy, the more difficult it is to extract an electron. Electronegativity, however, measures an atom's ability to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond. Atomic radius refers to the distance from the nucleus to the outermost electron. Covalent bonding involves sharing electron pairs between atoms to create a stable bond. Therefore, the correct answer is ionization energy as it specifically relates to the energy needed to remove an electron from an atom.
Which scientific principle predicts that the solubility of a gas or volatile substance in a liquid is proportional to the partial pressure of the substance over the liquid (P = kC)?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Henry's Law states that the solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of the gas above the liquid. The equation P = kC represents Henry's Law, where P is the partial pressure of the gas, C is the concentration of the gas in the liquid, and k is a constant. This law is applicable to dilute solutions where the gas does not significantly affect the liquid's volume. Therefore, in the context of gas solubility in liquids, Henry's Law is the appropriate principle that describes the relationship between solubility and partial pressure. Boyle's Law relates the pressure and volume of a gas at constant temperature, Gay-Lussac's Law deals with the pressure and temperature relationship of a gas at constant volume, and Charles' Law describes the relationship between the volume and temperature of a gas at constant pressure. These laws are not directly related to the solubility of gases in liquids, making them incorrect choices for this question.
Which compound is a Hydrogen or proton donor, corrosive to metals, causes blue litmus paper to become red, and becomes less acidic when mixed with a base?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is 'Acid.' An acid is a compound that donates protons (H+), is corrosive to metals, and turns blue litmus paper red. When an acid is mixed with a base, they react to form salts and water, resulting in a decrease in acidity. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because bases accept protons rather than donate them, salts are the products of acid-base reactions, and hydroxides are typically bases, not acids.
You contain two odorous gases in vials with porous plugs. Gas A has twice the mass of Gas B. Which observation is most likely?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The rate of effusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass. Since Gas A has twice the mass of Gas B, Gas A will effuse more slowly than Gas B. Therefore, you will likely smell Gas A before you smell Gas B as Gas A will escape and diffuse through the porous plug at a slower rate compared to Gas B. Choice A is correct because Gas A, with its higher molar mass, will take longer to effuse through the porous plug, causing you to smell it first. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not consider the relationship between molar mass and effusion rate.
When balanced, the reaction Fe + O₂ → FeO will be?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
To balance the chemical equation Fe + O₂ → FeO, the coefficients needed are 2 for Fe and 1 for O. Therefore, the balanced equation becomes 2Fe + O₂ → 2FeO, which translates into 2Fe + 3O₂ → 2FeO. This corresponds to option C. Choice A has the incorrect number of oxygen molecules. Choice B has an incorrect number of Fe atoms on the product side. Choice D also has an incorrect number of Fe atoms on the product side.
How many neutrons are in an atom of helium-4?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The atomic number of helium is 2, indicating it has 2 protons. Helium-4, the most common isotope of helium, has 2 neutrons in addition to its 2 protons. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 neutrons in an atom of helium-4. Choice B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not match the correct composition of helium-4, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 20 years. How many grams of a 6-gram sample will remain after 40 years?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the original sample to decay. After each half-life period, half of the initial sample remains. In this case, after the first 20 years, half of the 6-gram sample (3 grams) will remain. After another 20 years (total of 40 years), half of the remaining 3 grams will remain, which is 1.5 grams. Therefore, 3 grams will be left after 40 years. Choice A is incorrect as it doesn't consider the concept of half-life and incorrectly suggests an increase in the sample. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes no decay over time. Choice D is incorrect as it miscalculates the remaining amount after two half-life periods.
What is the molarity of a solution containing 45 moles of NaCl in 4 liters?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
To calculate the molarity of a solution, you use the formula: Molarity (M) = moles of solute / liters of solution. In this case, M = 45 moles / 4 L = 11.25 M. The correct answer is 0.11 M NaCl. Choice B is incorrect as it doesn't match the calculated value. Choice C is also incorrect as it is significantly higher than the correct molarity. Choice D is incorrect as it is excessively high compared to the calculated value.
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