how many amino acids are essential for human life

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test

1. How many amino acids are essential for human life?

A. 22
B. 20
C. 18
D. 24

Correct answer: B

Rationale: There are 20 essential amino acids required for human life. These amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet. They play crucial roles in various physiological functions and are necessary for protein synthesis and overall health. Choice A is incorrect because there are not 22 essential amino acids. Choice C is incorrect as there are more than 18 essential amino acids. Choice D is incorrect as there are not 24 essential amino acids for human life.

2. 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.

3. If electrons are not shared equally in a covalent bond, the bond is what?

A. Polar
B. Non-polar
C. Ionic
D. Hydrogen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A polar covalent bond occurs when electrons are shared unequally between atoms. In this type of bond, one atom has a stronger pull on the shared electrons, leading to a partial positive and partial negative charge distribution within the molecule. Choice B, non-polar, is incorrect because in non-polar covalent bonds, electrons are shared equally between atoms. Choice C, ionic, is incorrect as ionic bonds involve a transfer of electrons rather than sharing. Choice D, hydrogen, is incorrect as it does not describe the nature of a covalent bond.

4. What charge do Group IIIA elements have?

A. +1
B. +2
C. +3
D. 0

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Group IIIA elements, also known as Group 13 elements, have a common oxidation state of +3. This is because they have three valence electrons and tend to lose these electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, resulting in a +3 charge. Choice A (+1) and Choice B (+2) are incorrect because Group IIIA elements typically lose all three valence electrons to attain a stable configuration, leading to a +3 charge. Choice D (0) is incorrect as these elements do not gain electrons but rather lose them, resulting in a positive charge.

5. Which of these intermolecular forces might represent attraction between atoms of a noble gas?

A. Dipole-dipole interaction
B. London dispersion force
C. Keesom interaction
D. Hydrogen bonding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Noble gases are non-polar molecules without a permanent dipole moment. The only intermolecular force applicable to noble gases is the London dispersion force, also known as Van der Waals forces. This force is a temporary attractive force resulting from the formation of temporary dipoles in non-polar molecules. Dipole-dipole interactions, Keesom interactions, and hydrogen bonding involve significant dipoles or hydrogen atoms bonded to electronegative atoms, which do not apply to noble gases.