what is the charge of a gamma ray

HESI A2

Chemistry Hesi A2

1. What is the charge of a gamma ray?

A. -1
B. +1
C. +2
D. No charge

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with no charge. They are neutral particles that do not possess any electric charge. This characteristic allows them to be unaffected by electric or magnetic fields. Additionally, gamma rays travel at the speed of light in a vacuum. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as gamma rays do not carry a charge of -1, +1, or +2; they are neutral entities.

2. If fifty-six kilograms of a radioactive substance has a half-life of 12 days, how many days will it take the substance to decay naturally to only 7 kilograms?

A. 8
B. 12
C. 36
D. 48

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To decay from 56 kg to 7 kg, the substance needs to go through 3 half-lives (56 kg ÷ 2 ÷ 2 ÷ 2 = 7 kg). Since each half-life is 12 days, the total time required is 12 days per half-life x 3 half-lives = 36 days. Choice A is incorrect because it does not consider the concept of half-lives. Choice B is incorrect because it represents the duration of a single half-life, not the total time required for the decay. Choice D is incorrect as it does not account for the multiple half-lives needed for the substance to decay from 56 kg to 7 kg.

3. What charge do Group IIIA elements have?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Group IIIA elements, also known as Group 13 elements, have a common oxidation state of +3. This is because they have three valence electrons and tend to lose these electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, resulting in a +3 charge. Choice A (+1) and Choice B (+2) are incorrect because Group IIIA elements typically lose all three valence electrons to attain a stable configuration, leading to a +3 charge. Choice D (0) is incorrect as these elements do not gain electrons but rather lose them, resulting in a positive charge.

4. What defines a balanced chemical equation?

A. An equation where the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides
B. An equation where there are more products than reactants
C. An equation where the number of molecules is balanced
D. An equation with equal masses on both sides

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A balanced chemical equation is one in which the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. This balance ensures the law of conservation of mass is upheld, where the total mass of the reactants equals the total mass of the products. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B is incorrect as a balanced equation has an equal number of products and reactants. Option C is incorrect as balancing refers to the number of atoms, not molecules. Option D is incorrect as balancing is based on the number of atoms, not masses. Therefore, option A is the correct choice as it accurately describes a balanced chemical equation.

5. What is the correct name of ZnSO₄?

A. Zinc sulfate
B. Zinc sulfide
C. Zinc sulfur
D. Zinc oxide

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct name of ZnSO₄ is zinc sulfate. In this compound, zinc is combined with the polyatomic ion sulfate (SO₄). Sulfate is a common anion formed from sulfur and oxygen atoms. Therefore, the correct name for ZnSO₄ is zinc sulfate. Choice B, Zinc sulfide, is incorrect because sulfide is a different anion (S²⁻) compared to sulfate (SO₄²⁻). Choice C, Zinc sulfur, is incorrect as it does not represent the correct anion in the compound. Choice D, Zinc oxide, is incorrect as it involves an oxygen anion, not sulfate.