HESI A18
HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test
1. What is a mathematical function that gives the amplitude of a wave as a function of position (and sometimes, as a function of time and/or electron spin)?
- A. Wavelength
- B. Frequency
- C. Wavenumber
- D. Wavefunction
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Wavefunction. The wavefunction is a mathematical function that gives the amplitude of a wave as a function of position (and sometimes, as a function of time and/or electron spin). It is commonly used in quantum mechanics to describe the behavior of particles, particularly electrons, in atomic and molecular systems. The wavefunction provides information about the probability of finding a particle in a particular state or position. Wavelength (Choice A), Frequency (Choice B), and Wavenumber (Choice C) are properties of waves, but they do not directly represent the mathematical function that describes the wave's behavior as the wavefunction does.