in which state of matter are particles packed tightly together in a fixed position

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. Which of these represents a strong acid?

A. CH₃COOH
B. H₂SO₄
C. NH₃
D. KOH

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Among the options provided, H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid) represents a strong acid. Strong acids completely ionize in water to produce a high concentration of H+ ions. Sulfuric acid is a strong acid known for its ability to dissociate almost completely in water, making it a strong acid. Choice A, CH₃COOH (acetic acid), is a weak acid that only partially dissociates in water. Choices C and D, NH₃ (ammonia) and KOH (potassium hydroxide), are bases and not acids.

3. What type of radiation is high-energy electromagnetic radiation that lacks charge and mass?

A. Beta
B. Alpha
C. Gamma
D. Delta

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Gamma radiation is a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation that does not possess charge or mass. This type of radiation is commonly used in various fields due to its penetrating ability and lack of charge or mass, making it different from alpha and beta radiation, which consist of charged particles. Therefore, the correct answer is C - Gamma. Choices A and B are incorrect as they refer to alpha and beta radiation, which are composed of charged particles. Choice D, Delta, is not a type of radiation.

4. What is another name for aqueous HI?

A. hydroiodic acid
B. hydrogen monoiodide
C. hydrogen iodide
D. hydriodic acid

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct name for aqueous HI is 'hydriodic acid.' When hydrogen iodide (HI) dissolves in water, it forms hydriodic acid. Therefore, 'hydriodic acid' is the appropriate term for aqueous HI. Choice A, 'hydroiodic acid,' is incorrect as it does not reflect the nature of the compound in the aqueous state. Choice B, 'hydrogen monoiodide,' is not a widely recognized term for this compound. Choice C, 'hydrogen iodide,' is the name for HI in the gaseous state, not when it's dissolved in water.

5. What are the three types of radiation?

A. Alpha, beta, gamma
B. Alpha, beta, delta
C. Gamma, delta, epsilon
D. Beta, gamma, epsilon

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Alpha, beta, gamma. Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, beta radiation comprises electrons or positrons, and gamma radiation is high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Choice B, delta, is incorrect as delta is not a type of radiation. Choice C, gamma, delta, epsilon, and Choice D, beta, gamma, epsilon, are incorrect as they do not include the three standard types of radiation.