HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Questions
1. In which state of matter are particles packed tightly together in a fixed position?
- A. Liquid
- B. Solid
- C. Gas
- D. Plasma
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a 'solid' state, particles are tightly packed in fixed positions, maintaining a definite shape and volume. This arrangement allows solids to maintain a rigid structure. Liquids have particles that are close together but can move past each other, giving them the ability to flow and take the shape of their container. Gases have particles that are far apart and move freely, leading to their ability to expand to fill any container. Plasma is an ionized gas where particles have high energy levels and are not packed tightly together, making it an uncommon state of matter on Earth.
2. What type of reaction occurs when an acid and a base react to form water and salt?
- A. Neutralization reaction
- B. Decomposition reaction
- C. Combustion reaction
- D. Redox reaction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A neutralization reaction is the correct answer. In this type of reaction, an acid and a base combine to form water and salt. The acid donates a proton (H+) to the base, forming water, while the remaining ions combine to form a salt. This reaction results in the neutralization of both the acid and the base, hence the name 'neutralization reaction.' Choice B, decomposition reaction, is incorrect because it refers to a reaction where a compound breaks down into simpler substances. Choice C, combustion reaction, is incorrect as it involves a substance reacting with oxygen to produce heat and light. Choice D, redox reaction, is incorrect because it involves the transfer of electrons between reactants.
3. Which one does not name a polar molecule?
- A. NH₃
- B. Hâ‚‚S
- C. SOâ‚‚
- D. COâ‚‚
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is NH₃. The molecule NH₃ does not represent a polar molecule because nitrogen and hydrogen in this molecule have a small difference in electronegativity that does not result in a significant polar covalent bond. In contrast, molecules H₂S, SO₂, and CO₂ have polar covalent bonds due to larger electronegativity differences, making them polar molecules. Therefore, options B, C, and D are polar molecules, unlike option A.
4. What is atomic mass?
- A. Number of protons in an atom
- B. Sum of protons and neutrons
- C. Number of neutrons in an atom
- D. Average weight of an element
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Atomic mass, also known as atomic weight, is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in an atom. It represents the average mass of an atom of an element, taking into account the different isotopes and their relative abundance. Neutrons contribute to the atomic mass alongside protons, while the number of neutrons alone is not the definition of atomic mass. Choice A is incorrect because it refers only to the number of protons, not the complete atomic mass. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses solely on the number of neutrons, excluding the contribution of protons. Choice D is incorrect as it mentions the 'average weight of an element,' which is related to atomic mass but does not encapsulate the specific definition of atomic mass as the sum of protons and neutrons.
5. 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.
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