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 type of radiation involves the emission of helium ions?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Alpha radiation involves the emission of helium ions. Helium ions are composed of two protons and two neutrons, which is the same as the nucleus of a helium atom. This type of radiation has low penetration power and can be stopped by a piece of paper or human skin, making it less harmful compared to other forms of radiation like beta or gamma radiation. Beta radiation involves the emission of high-speed electrons, while gamma radiation involves electromagnetic waves with high energy. Delta radiation is not a recognized form of radiation in this context, making it an incorrect choice.

3. 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.

4. What is the typical oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "-2". Oxygen usually exhibits an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. This is due to oxygen's high electronegativity, which causes it to attract electrons, leading to the gain of two electrons in chemical reactions. Choice A (-1) is incorrect because oxygen rarely has an oxidation state of -1 in compounds. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen does not usually have an oxidation state of zero in compounds. Choice D (-3) is incorrect as oxygen does not commonly have an oxidation state of -3 in compounds.

5. How many moles of potassium bromide are in 25 mL of a 4 M KBr solution?

A. 0.035 mol
B. 0.1 mol
C. 0.18 mol
D. 1.6 mol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To find the moles of potassium bromide in 25 mL of a 4 M KBr solution, we first need to convert the volume from milliliters to liters. 25 mL is equal to 0.025 L. Then, we use the formula moles = molarity x volume in liters. Substituting the values, moles = 4 M x 0.025 L = 0.1 mol. Therefore, there are 0.1 moles of KBr in 25 mL of a 4 M solution. Choice A, 0.035 mol, is incorrect as it does not properly calculate the moles. Choice C, 0.18 mol, and choice D, 1.6 mol, are also incorrect as they are not the result of the correct calculation based on the given molarity and volume.