how many neutrons are in an atom of uranium 235

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. How many neutrons are in an atom of uranium-235?

A. 92
B. 125
C. 143
D. 235

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: '92'. To determine the number of neutrons in an atom, you subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the atomic mass number. For uranium-235, the atomic number is 92, and the atomic mass number is 235. Subtracting 92 from 235 gives us 143 neutrons in an atom of uranium-235. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the correct number of neutrons in an atom of uranium-235.

2. Which of the following best describes an endothermic reaction?

A. A reaction that absorbs heat
B. A reaction that releases heat
C. A reaction that does not involve heat
D. A reaction that remains at a constant temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An endothermic reaction is a process that absorbs heat from its surroundings. When a reaction absorbs heat, it leads to a decrease in the temperature of the surroundings, making choice A the correct description. In an endothermic reaction, energy is taken in from the surroundings, resulting in a decrease in temperature around the reaction site. Choice B is incorrect because a reaction that releases heat is known as an exothermic reaction. Choice C is incorrect as all reactions involve heat to some extent. Choice D is incorrect as an endothermic reaction does not remain at a constant temperature but rather absorbs heat, leading to a temperature decrease in the surroundings.

3. What is the pH of a neutral solution?

A. 7
B. 0
C. 14
D. 4

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 7. A neutral solution has a pH of 7. In the pH scale, values below 7 are acidic, 7 is neutral, and values above 7 are basic. Therefore, a solution with a pH of 7 is considered neutral as it is neither acidic nor basic. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a pH of 0 indicates a strong acid, a pH of 14 indicates a strong base, and a pH of 4 indicates an acidic solution. None of these values represent a neutral solution.

4. What type of reactions take place in the nucleus to achieve stable nuclear configurations?

A. Chemical
B. Nuclear
C. Physical
D. Mechanical

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nuclear reactions occur within the nucleus to achieve stable nuclear configurations. These reactions involve changes in the composition of atomic nuclei, leading to the formation of more stable elements. Chemical reactions occur in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus, while physical and mechanical processes do not directly impact the stability of nuclear configurations. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Nuclear.'

5. What type of reaction involves atoms attempting to achieve stable electron configurations?

A. Chemical
B. Nuclear
C. Physical
D. Mechanical

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a chemical reaction, atoms interact to achieve stable electron configurations through the formation of new chemical bonds or the breaking of existing ones. This process aims to reach a more stable state by filling or emptying electron orbitals, leading to the formation of new substances with more stable configurations. Choice B, nuclear reactions, involve changes in the atomic nucleus rather than electron configurations. Choice C, physical reactions, involve changes in physical state or appearance without changing the chemical makeup. Choice D, mechanical reactions, do not involve the rearrangement of electrons to achieve stable configurations.