what is the charge of an alpha particle

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What is the charge of an alpha particle?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, resulting in a total charge of +2 due to the presence of two positively charged protons. Therefore, the correct answer is C, indicating a charge of +2. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because an alpha particle is positively charged due to the two protons it contains, resulting in a charge of +2.

2. Which particles are emitted during radioactivity?

A. Electrons
B. Protons
C. Radiation
D. Neutrons

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During radioactivity, radiation is emitted from an unstable nucleus. This radiation can take various forms like alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. These particles or rays are emitted as a result of the unstable nucleus's attempt to achieve a more stable configuration. Therefore, the correct answer is radiation (Choice C). Electrons (Choice A), protons (Choice B), and neutrons (Choice D) are not typically emitted during radioactivity, as the emission is primarily in the form of radiation.

3. What is the name of the phase change from liquid to gas?

A. Condensation
B. Sublimation
C. Evaporation
D. Melting

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Evaporation.' This phase change occurs when a liquid turns into a gas. During evaporation, molecules gain enough energy to break free from the liquid phase and enter the gas phase, without the need for the liquid to reach its boiling point. Choice A, 'Condensation,' is the opposite phase change where gas turns into a liquid. Choice B, 'Sublimation,' is the phase change from solid directly to gas, skipping the liquid phase. Choice D, 'Melting,' is the phase change from solid to liquid.

4. What is the molarity of a solution containing 45 moles of NaCl in 4 liters?

A. 0.11 M NaCl
B. 0.45 M NaCl
C. 1.8 M NaCl
D. 8.9 M NaCl

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the molarity of a solution, you use the formula: Molarity (M) = moles of solute / liters of solution. In this case, M = 45 moles / 4 L = 11.25 M. The correct answer is 0.11 M NaCl. Choice B is incorrect as it doesn't match the calculated value. Choice C is also incorrect as it is significantly higher than the correct molarity. Choice D is incorrect as it is excessively high compared to the calculated value.

5. Which element has an atomic mass greater than that of sodium?

A. Boron
B. Oxygen
C. Fluorine
D. Silicon

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Silicon has an atomic mass greater than that of sodium. The atomic mass of silicon is approximately 28.0855 u, whereas the atomic mass of sodium is approximately 22.9898 u. Therefore, silicon has a greater atomic mass compared to sodium. Boron, Oxygen, and Fluorine have atomic masses lower than sodium, making them incorrect choices in this context.