HESI A2
Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test
1. How many neutrons does carbon-14 have?
- A. 10
- B. 8
- C. 6
- D. 12
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 8. Carbon-14 is an isotope of carbon with 6 protons and 8 neutrons. To determine the number of neutrons in an atom, subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number. In this case, the mass number of carbon-14 is 14, and the atomic number of carbon is 6. Therefore, 14 (mass number) - 6 (atomic number) = 8 neutrons. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct number of neutrons in a carbon-14 atom.
2. What is the normal body temperature in Fahrenheit?
- A. 96°F
- B. 98.6°F
- C. 100°F
- D. 95°F
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The normal body temperature for humans is 98.6°F, which is equivalent to 37°C. This temperature is considered the average baseline for most individuals when measured orally. Choice A (96°F) is too low for normal body temperature. Choice C (100°F) is too high for normal body temperature. Choice D (95°F) is also lower than the normal body temperature range. Therefore, the correct answer is B, 98.6°F.
3. Radioactive isotopes are frequently used in medicine. What kind of half-life would a medical isotope probably have?
- A. Seconds-long
- B. Days-long
- C. Years-long
- D. Many years long
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Medical isotopes used in diagnosis and treatment need to have a relatively short half-life to minimize radiation exposure to patients. If the half-life were too long (such as many years) or even years-long, the radiation would persist for too long and could be harmful to the patient. Seconds-long half-lives would not provide enough time for the isotope to be effective. Days-long half-lives strike a balance between providing enough time for the isotope to be used effectively and minimizing radiation exposure.
4. Which element would you expect to be least reactive?
- A. Li
- B. Cr
- C. Nd
- D. Xe
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Xenon (Xe) is a noble gas located in Group 18 of the periodic table. Noble gases are known for their stable and unreactive nature due to having a full outer shell of electrons. Therefore, xenon would be expected to be the least reactive among the given elements. Choice A (Li) is a metal in Group 1 of the periodic table, which tends to be reactive, especially with water. Choice B (Cr) is a transition metal known for its reactivity in some forms. Choice C (Nd) is a rare earth element, which can exhibit varying reactivity depending on the compound or environment.
5. What is the correct name of AgNO₃?
- A. Argent nitrous
- B. Argent oxide
- C. Silver nitrite
- D. Silver nitrate
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct name for AgNO₃ is silver nitrate. In chemical nomenclature, the element symbol Ag represents silver, and the polyatomic ion NO₃ is known as nitrate. Therefore, when the silver ion (Ag⁺) combines with the nitrate ion (NO₃⁻), the resulting compound is named silver nitrate (AgNO₃). Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately represent the composition of AgNO₃. Argent nitrous (Choice A) and Argent oxide (Choice B) do not reflect the correct anion, and Silver nitrite (Choice C) uses a different anion altogether.
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