HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test
1. What does the term amphoteric mean?
- A. A substance that only acts as a base
- B. A substance that can act as both a base and an acid
- C. A substance that only acts as an acid
- D. A substance that acts as neither a base nor an acid
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The term 'amphoteric' refers to substances that have the ability to act as both acids and bases depending on the surrounding conditions. This dual nature allows amphoteric substances to donate or accept protons, making them versatile in various chemical reactions. Choice A is incorrect because amphoteric substances can also act as acids. Choice C is incorrect as amphoteric substances can also act as bases. Choice D is incorrect as amphoteric substances can act as either a base or an acid.
2. What type of starch is glycogen?
- A. Plant starch
- B. Animal starch
- C. Glucose
- D. Cellulose
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Glycogen is classified as animal starch, not plant starch. It is the storage form of glucose in animals, primarily found in the liver and muscles. Choice A (Plant starch) is incorrect because glycogen is not derived from plants. Choice C (Glucose) is incorrect as glucose is a monosaccharide and not a type of starch. Choice D (Cellulose) is incorrect as cellulose is a structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, not the same as glycogen.
3. Which type of radiation emits helium ions and can be stopped by a piece of paper?
- A. Beta radiation
- B. Alpha radiation
- C. Gamma radiation
- D. X-ray radiation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: 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.
4. Different isotopes of a particular element contain the same number of
- A. Protons
- B. Neutrons
- C. Protons and neutrons
- D. Protons, neutrons, and electrons
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Different isotopes of a particular element contain the same number of protons. Isotopes are defined by the number of neutrons they have, which can vary while the number of protons remains the same. This is because the number of protons in an atom determines its elemental identity. Choice B - Neutrons is incorrect because isotopes can have different numbers of neutrons. Choice C - Protons and neutrons is incorrect because the number of neutrons can vary in isotopes. Choice D - Protons, neutrons, and electrons is incorrect because electrons are not fixed and can vary in an atom, but the number of protons is what defines the element.
5. What are the s block and p block elements collectively known as?
- A. Transition elements
- B. Active elements
- C. Representative elements
- D. Inactive elements
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The s block and p block elements are collectively known as representative elements. These elements are part of the main group elements in the periodic table, excluding the transition elements. The s block elements are located in groups 1 and 2, while the p block elements are found in groups 13 to 18. These elements display a diverse range of chemical behaviors and properties, representing the variety of elements in the periodic table. Choice A, Transition elements, is incorrect because transition elements are the elements in groups 3 to 12, which are located between the s block and the p block elements. Choice B, Active elements, is not a specific term used to refer to the s and p block elements collectively. Choice D, Inactive elements, is incorrect as the s and p block elements are known for their reactivity and participation in a wide range of chemical reactions.
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