arsenic and silicon are examples of

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Questions

1. Arsenic and silicon are examples of ___________.

A. metals
B. nonmetals
C. metalloids
D. heavy metals

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Arsenic and silicon are both examples of metalloids. Metalloids have properties that lie between those of metals and nonmetals. They exhibit characteristics of both groups, making them versatile elements with various applications in different industries. Choice A (metals) is incorrect as arsenic and silicon do not exhibit typical metallic properties. Choice B (nonmetals) is incorrect as they do not possess all the properties of nonmetals. Choice D (heavy metals) is incorrect as heavy metals refer to a different group of elements with high atomic weights, and arsenic and silicon are not categorized as heavy metals.

2. What is the charge of a beta particle?

A. -1
B. +1
C. +2
D. No charge

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A beta particle has a charge of -1. Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons emitted during radioactive decay processes. Since electrons carry a charge of -1, beta particles also carry a charge of -1. This negative charge indicates that beta particles are negatively charged. Option B is incorrect as it suggests a positive charge, which is not the case for beta particles. Option C is incorrect as it indicates a higher positive charge, which is not true for beta particles. Option D is incorrect as beta particles do have a charge, which is negative.

3. Which of the following is the weakest intermolecular force?

A. Dipole interactions
B. Hydrogen bonding
C. Van der Waals forces
D. Dispersion forces

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dispersion forces, also known as London dispersion forces, are the weakest intermolecular forces. They are temporary attractive forces that occur due to momentary shifts in electron distribution within molecules. While dipole interactions, hydrogen bonding, and Van der Waals forces are stronger intermolecular forces, dispersion forces are the weakest because they arise from short-lived fluctuations in electron density. Dipole interactions involve permanent dipoles in molecules, making them stronger than dispersion forces. Hydrogen bonding is stronger than dipole interactions and involves hydrogen atoms bonded to highly electronegative atoms. Van der Waals forces encompass dipole-dipole interactions and dispersion forces, making them stronger than dispersion forces alone.

4. 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.

5. What is the mass number of an atom with 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons?

A. 12
B. 18
C. 6
D. 8

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The mass number of an atom is the sum of protons and neutrons. In this case, the atom has 6 protons and 6 neutrons, thus the mass number is 6 + 6 = 12. Therefore, choice A (12) is the correct answer. Choices B (18), C (6), and D (8) are incorrect because the mass number is determined by the sum of protons and neutrons, not the number of electrons or a different combination of particles.