HESI A2
Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test
1. What is the coefficient of O after the following equation is balanced?
- A. 1
- B. 2
- C. 3
- D. 4
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a balanced chemical equation, the coefficient of oxygen (O) in O2 is already 2, so there is no need to adjust its coefficient further. Therefore, the coefficient of O remains as 1. Since the coefficient of O2 is 2, each O atom is represented by the coefficient of 1, and it does not change during the balancing process. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they suggest changing the coefficient of oxygen, which is not necessary for O2 in a balanced equation.
2. What is the charge of a beta particle?
- A. -1
- B. +1
- C. +2
- D. No charge
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A beta particle has a charge of -1. Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons emitted during radioactive decay processes. Since electrons carry a charge of -1, beta particles also carry a charge of -1. This negative charge indicates that beta particles are negatively charged. Option B is incorrect as it suggests a positive charge, which is not the case for beta particles. Option C is incorrect as it indicates a higher positive charge, which is not true for beta particles. Option D is incorrect as beta particles do have a charge, which is negative.
3. What type of chemical reaction involves the combination of two elements to form a product?
- A. Decomposition
- B. Combustion
- C. Synthesis
- D. Double replacement
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A synthesis reaction involves the combination of two or more substances to form a single, more complex product. In the context of chemical reactions, it specifically refers to the combination of two elements to form a compound. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Decomposition reactions involve the breakdown of a single compound into simpler substances (opposite of synthesis). Combustion reactions involve a substance reacting with oxygen to produce heat and light, not the combination of elements. Double replacement reactions involve the exchange of ions between two compounds, leading to the formation of two new compounds, not the combination of two elements.
4. Which of the following substances is a base?
- A. Water
- B. Sodium chloride
- C. Ammonia
- D. Salt
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Ammonia' (Choice C) as it is a common example of a base. Bases are substances that release hydroxide ions (OH-) in aqueous solutions, helping to increase the pH level. Ammonia is a weak base that can accept a proton (H+) to form ammonium hydroxide. In contrast, water (Choice A), sodium chloride (Choice B), and salt (Choice D) are not bases; water is neutral, while sodium chloride and salt are neutral compounds composed of a cation and an anion.
5. What is the main component of air?
- A. Oxygen
- B. Nitrogen
- C. Carbon dioxide
- D. Argon
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Nitrogen is the main component of air, constituting approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and argon are also present in smaller amounts, but nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the air. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A, oxygen, is essential for respiration but makes up only about 21% of the atmosphere. Choice C, carbon dioxide, is vital for photosynthesis but exists in trace amounts in the air. Choice D, argon, is a noble gas found in relatively small quantities in the atmosphere.
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