HESI A2
Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test
1. Al(NO3)3 + H2SO4 → Al2(SO4)3 + HNO3 is an example of which kind of reaction?
- A. Decomposition reaction
- B. Synthesis reaction
- C. Single replacement reaction
- D. Double replacement reaction
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The given chemical equation represents a single replacement reaction. In this reaction, aluminum (Al) displaces hydrogen in sulfuric acid (H2SO4), forming aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3) and releasing nitric acid (HNO3). Single replacement reactions involve an element replacing another element in a compound, which is evident in this reaction. Choice A, Decomposition reaction, is incorrect because decomposition reactions involve a single compound breaking down into two or more substances. Choice B, Synthesis reaction, is incorrect as it involves the combination of two or more substances to form a more complex compound. Choice D, Double replacement reaction, is also incorrect as it involves an exchange of ions between two compounds to form two new compounds.
2. What is an alloy in which another metal is dissolved in mercury (Hg) called?
- A. Electrum
- B. Amalgam
- C. Solder
- D. Bronze
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An amalgam is a type of alloy where another metal is dissolved in mercury (Hg). This process forms a unique mixture that has various applications in dentistry, chemistry, and other fields. Electrum is a natural alloy of gold and silver, solder is a metal alloy used to join other metals together, and bronze is a copper-tin alloy. Therefore, the correct answer is B - Amalgam.
3. What is the term used when an atom gains one or more electrons?
- A. Cation
- B. Anion
- C. Isotope
- D. Electron
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is called an anion. An anion is formed when an atom gains one or more electrons, leading to an excess of negative charge. Choice A, 'Cation,' is incorrect because a cation is formed when an atom loses electrons, resulting in a positively charged ion. Choice C, 'Isotope,' refers to atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons and is not related to gaining electrons. Choice D, 'Electron,' is the particle that an atom gains to become an anion, not the term for the atom itself after gaining electrons.
4. Carbon-12 and carbon-14 are isotopes. What do they have in common?
- A. Number of nuclear particles
- B. Number of protons
- C. Number of neutrons
- D. Mass number
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons (which determines the element) but different numbers of neutrons. Both carbon-12 and carbon-14 have 6 protons (hence they are both carbon atoms) but different numbers of neutrons: carbon-12 has 6 neutrons, while carbon-14 has 8 neutrons. Therefore, the correct answer is the number of neutrons. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because isotopes may have different numbers of nuclear particles (protons + neutrons), protons, and mass numbers, respectively.
5. What is the charge of an alpha particle?
- A. -1
- B. +1
- C. +2
- D. No charge
Correct answer: C
Rationale: An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, resulting in a total charge of +2 due to the presence of two positively charged protons. Therefore, the correct answer is C, indicating a charge of +2. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because an alpha particle is positively charged due to the two protons it contains, resulting in a charge of +2.
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