HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Questions
1. What is the name of the group of elements that contains chlorine, fluorine, and iodine?
- A. Alkali metals
- B. Halogens
- C. Transition metals
- D. Noble gases
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Halogens.' Halogens are a group of elements that include chlorine, fluorine, and iodine. These elements are part of Group 17 in the periodic table. They share similar properties such as high reactivity and the ability to readily form compounds. Choice A, 'Alkali metals,' is incorrect as alkali metals are found in Group 1 of the periodic table, which includes elements like lithium and sodium. Choice C, 'Transition metals,' is incorrect as transition metals are located in the middle section of the periodic table, not in Group 17. Choice D, 'Noble gases,' is incorrect as noble gases are in Group 18 and include elements like helium and neon, which are chemically inert.
2. What determines polarity in a molecule?
- A. Bond length
- B. Bond strength
- C. Electronegativity
- D. Molecular weight
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Polarity in a molecule is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the atoms forming the bond. The greater the difference in electronegativity, the more polar the bond and molecule become. This difference leads to an uneven distribution of electron density within the bond, creating partial positive and negative charges on the atoms involved. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Bond length and strength do not determine polarity, and molecular weight is not directly related to the polarity of a molecule.
3. Which gas is released during photosynthesis?
- A. Carbon dioxide
- B. Oxygen
- C. Nitrogen
- D. Helium
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During photosynthesis, plants utilize carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. Oxygen is released as a byproduct of this process, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms that depend on it for respiration. Therefore, the correct answer is oxygen. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Carbon dioxide is utilized in photosynthesis, nitrogen is not directly involved in the process, and helium is not a gas released during photosynthesis.
4. What is the oxidation state of the sulfur atom in sulfuric acid H2SO4?
- A. 4
- B. 6
- C. 8
- D. 10
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In sulfuric acid (H2SO4), sulfur has an oxidation state of +6. The oxidation state is determined by considering the overall charge of the compound and the known oxidation states of other elements. In this case, hydrogen is typically +1, and oxygen is -2. To balance the charges and match the compound's overall charge of 0, sulfur must have an oxidation state of +6. Choice A (4) is incorrect because it doesn't balance the charges in the compound. Choices C (8) and D (10) are also incorrect as they are not valid oxidation states for sulfur in this compound.
5. 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.
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