HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Questions
1. What distinguishes one allotrope from another?
- A. Arrangement of atoms
- B. Gram atomic mass
- C. Physical state
- D. Stability
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Allotropes are different forms of the same element that exist in the same physical state but have different structures. The arrangement of atoms is what distinguishes one allotrope from another, determining their unique properties and characteristics. Gram atomic mass (Choice B) is a constant value for a specific element and does not change between different allotropes. Physical state (Choice C) refers to whether a substance is a solid, liquid, or gas, which can be the same for different allotropes of an element. Stability (Choice D) can vary between different allotropes, but it is not what always differentiates one allotrope from another. Therefore, the correct answer is the arrangement of atoms, as it is the key factor that varies across different allotropes.
2. 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.'
3. What does a blood sample with a pH of 3 indicate?
- A. It is strongly acidic.
- B. It is strongly basic.
- C. It is weakly acidic.
- D. It is weakly basic.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A blood pH of 3 is significantly low, indicating a strong acidity level. The normal blood pH range is 7.35 to 7.45; therefore, a pH of 3 is far below the normal range, showing a highly acidic condition in the blood sample. Choice B is incorrect because a pH of 3 is not basic at all. Choice C is incorrect as a pH of 3 is not weakly acidic but strongly acidic. Choice D is wrong as a blood pH of 3 does not indicate a weakly basic condition.
4. Radioactive isotopes are frequently used in medicine. What kind of half-life would a medical isotope probably have?
- A. Seconds-long
- B. Days-long
- C. Years-long
- D. Many years long
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Medical isotopes used in diagnosis and treatment need to have a relatively short half-life to minimize radiation exposure to patients. If the half-life were too long (such as many years) or even years-long, the radiation would persist for too long and could be harmful to the patient. Seconds-long half-lives would not provide enough time for the isotope to be effective. Days-long half-lives strike a balance between providing enough time for the isotope to be used effectively and minimizing radiation exposure.
5. What does the mass number minus the atomic number equal?
- A. Number of electrons
- B. Number of neutrons
- C. Number of protons
- D. Number of isotopes
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The mass number of an atom represents the total number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. The atomic number indicates the number of protons in the nucleus. The difference between the mass number and the atomic number provides the number of neutrons present in the nucleus of an atom. Therefore, mass number minus atomic number equals the number of neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because the number of electrons is not determined by the mass number and atomic number. Choice C is incorrect as it represents the number of protons, not the difference between the mass number and atomic number. Choice D is incorrect as isotopes refer to atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, not the difference between mass number and atomic number.
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