HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Questions
1. What is the net charge of an ionic compound?
- A. 0
- B. -1
- C. +1
- D. Variable
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 0. Ionic compounds have a net charge of 0 because they are formed by the combination of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) in a way that neutralizes their charges. This balanced combination results in an electrically neutral compound. Therefore, the net charge of an ionic compound is typically 0. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because ionic compounds are designed to have a total neutral charge, with the positive charges balancing out the negative charges.
2. Which substance has a pH value greater than 7?
- A. Water
- B. Vinegar
- C. Lemon juice
- D. Baking soda
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Baking soda. Baking soda has a pH greater than 7, making it basic. pH values above 7 indicate alkalinity, and baking soda, being a base, has a pH higher than 7. Water, vinegar, and lemon juice have pH values below 7, indicating acidity. Water is neutral with a pH of 7, while vinegar and lemon juice are acidic with pH values lower than 7.
3. How many times more acidic is a substance with a pH of 3 compared to a substance with a pH of 5?
- A. 8
- B. 2
- C. 100
- D. 1,000
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The pH scale is logarithmic, indicating that each pH unit change reflects a 10-fold difference in acidity level. Going from pH 5 to pH 3 involves a difference of 2 units, which translates to a 100-fold increase in acidity level (10^2 = 100 for each unit). Therefore, a substance with a pH of 3 is 1,000 times more acidic than a substance with a pH of 5 (100 * 10 = 1,000). Choice A (8) is incorrect as it does not consider the logarithmic nature of the pH scale. Choice B (2) is incorrect because it represents the difference in pH units, not the increase in acidity level. Choice C (100) is incorrect as it miscalculates the increase in acidity level, which is 1,000 times and not 100 times.
4. A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 20 years. How many grams of a 6-gram sample will remain after 40 years?
- A. 8
- B. 6
- C. 3
- D. 1.5
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the original sample to decay. After each half-life period, half of the initial sample remains. In this case, after the first 20 years, half of the 6-gram sample (3 grams) will remain. After another 20 years (total of 40 years), half of the remaining 3 grams will remain, which is 1.5 grams. Therefore, 3 grams will be left after 40 years. Choice A is incorrect as it doesn't consider the concept of half-life and incorrectly suggests an increase in the sample. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes no decay over time. Choice D is incorrect as it miscalculates the remaining amount after two half-life periods.
5. Which of the following is a characteristic property of acids?
- A. Sour taste
- B. Bitter taste
- C. Reacts with bases
- D. Slippery feel
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Sour taste.' Acids are known to have a sour taste, which is a fundamental characteristic property of acids. This taste distinguishes acids from bases, which are more likely to have a bitter taste. The sour taste of acids is due to the presence of hydrogen ions in them. Therefore, when identifying an acid based on taste, the sour taste serves as a key indicator. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Bitter taste is associated with bases, not acids. While acids do react with bases (Choice C), this is not a characteristic property of acids but rather a chemical behavior. Slippery feel (Choice D) is a property of bases, not acids.
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