HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Questions
1. What is the name of the device that separates gaseous ions by their mass-to-charge ratio?
- A. mass spectrometer
- B. interferometer
- C. magnetometer
- D. capacitance meter
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A mass spectrometer is a device specifically designed to separate gaseous ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio. This separation process involves ionization, acceleration of the sample, and the deflection of ions in a magnetic field according to their mass-to-charge ratio. The other options, 'interferometer,' 'magnetometer,' and 'capacitance meter,' do not perform the specific function of separating gaseous ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, making them incorrect choices.
2. Which of the following is a characteristic property of acids?
- A. Sour taste
- B. Bitter taste
- C. Reacts with bases
- D. Slippery feel
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Sour taste.' Acids are known to have a sour taste, which is a fundamental characteristic property of acids. This taste distinguishes acids from bases, which are more likely to have a bitter taste. The sour taste of acids is due to the presence of hydrogen ions in them. Therefore, when identifying an acid based on taste, the sour taste serves as a key indicator. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Bitter taste is associated with bases, not acids. While acids do react with bases (Choice C), this is not a characteristic property of acids but rather a chemical behavior. Slippery feel (Choice D) is a property of bases, not acids.
3. Which of the following substances is a base?
- A. Water
- B. Sodium chloride
- C. Ammonia
- D. Salt
Correct answer: C
Rationale: 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.
4. Which of the following is a property of an acid?
- A. Bitter taste
- B. Slippery feel
- C. Reacts with bases
- D. Sweet taste
Correct answer: C
Rationale: 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.
5. Which material has the smallest specific heat capacity?
- A. water
- B. wood
- C. aluminum
- D. glass
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius. Among the options provided, aluminum has the smallest specific heat capacity. This means that it requires the least amount of heat to raise its temperature compared to water, wood, and glass. Water has a high specific heat capacity, making it resistant to temperature changes, while wood and glass have higher specific heat capacities compared to aluminum.
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