HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry
1. What is atomic mass?
- A. Number of protons in an atom
- B. Sum of protons and neutrons
- C. Number of neutrons in an atom
- D. Average weight of an element
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Atomic mass, also known as atomic weight, is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in an atom. It represents the average mass of an atom of an element, taking into account the different isotopes and their relative abundance. Neutrons contribute to the atomic mass alongside protons, while the number of neutrons alone is not the definition of atomic mass. Choice A is incorrect because it refers only to the number of protons, not the complete atomic mass. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses solely on the number of neutrons, excluding the contribution of protons. Choice D is incorrect as it mentions the 'average weight of an element,' which is related to atomic mass but does not encapsulate the specific definition of atomic mass as the sum of protons and neutrons.
2. If fifty-six kilograms of a radioactive substance has a half-life of 12 days, how many days will it take the substance to decay naturally to only 7 kilograms?
- A. 8
- B. 12
- C. 36
- D. 48
Correct answer: C
Rationale: To decay from 56 kg to 7 kg, the substance needs to go through 3 half-lives (56 kg ÷ 2 ÷ 2 ÷ 2 = 7 kg). Since each half-life is 12 days, the total time required is 12 days per half-life x 3 half-lives = 36 days. Choice A is incorrect because it does not consider the concept of half-lives. Choice B is incorrect because it represents the duration of a single half-life, not the total time required for the decay. Choice D is incorrect as it does not account for the multiple half-lives needed for the substance to decay from 56 kg to 7 kg.
3. Where would you expect tap water to fall on the pH scale?
- A. Between 1 and 3
- B. Between 4 and 6
- C. Between 6 and 8
- D. Between 8 and 10
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Tap water typically falls within the pH range of 6 to 8, making it slightly acidic to neutral. Most municipal water systems aim to provide water that is safe for consumption and falls within this pH range. A pH level of 7 is considered neutral, so tap water may vary slightly on either side of this number but typically remains within the 6 to 8 range to ensure it is safe for consumption. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because tap water is not expected to have a pH as low as 1-3 (highly acidic) or as high as 8-10 (alkaline); it usually falls within the slightly acidic to neutral range, hence falling between 6 and 8 on the pH scale.
4. Which of these elements has the greatest atomic mass?
- A. Au
- B. Ba
- C. I
- D. W
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Among the elements listed, Tungsten (W) has the greatest atomic mass. The atomic mass of Tungsten is approximately 183.84 atomic mass units (amu), while the atomic masses of the other elements listed are as follows: Gold (Au) is around 196.97 amu, Barium (Ba) is approximately 137.33 amu, and Iodine (I) is about 126.90 amu. Therefore, Tungsten (W) has the greatest atomic mass out of the given elements. Gold (Au) has a higher atomic mass than Barium (Ba) and Iodine (I), making choices A, B, and C incorrect.
5. What is the correct formula for potassium chloride?
- A. NaCl
- B. KCl
- C. KCl
- D. ClK
Correct answer: B
Rationale: 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.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI A2 Basic
$89/ 30 days
- 3,000 Questions with answers
- 30 days access @ $89
HESI A2 Premium
$129.99/ 90 days
- Actual HESI A 2 Questions
- 3,000 questions with answers
- 90 days access @ $129.99