HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test
1. What is the typical oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds?
- A. -1
- B. -2
- C. 0
- D. -3
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "-2". Oxygen usually exhibits an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. This is due to oxygen's high electronegativity, which causes it to attract electrons, leading to the gain of two electrons in chemical reactions. Choice A (-1) is incorrect because oxygen rarely has an oxidation state of -1 in compounds. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen does not usually have an oxidation state of zero in compounds. Choice D (-3) is incorrect as oxygen does not commonly have an oxidation state of -3 in compounds.
2. Where would you expect tap water to fall on the pH scale?
- A. Between 1 and 3
- B. Between 4 and 6
- C. Between 6 and 8
- D. Between 8 and 10
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Tap water typically falls within the pH range of 6 to 8, making it slightly acidic to neutral. Most municipal water systems aim to provide water that is safe for consumption and falls within this pH range. A pH level of 7 is considered neutral, so tap water may vary slightly on either side of this number but typically remains within the 6 to 8 range to ensure it is safe for consumption. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because tap water is not expected to have a pH as low as 1-3 (highly acidic) or as high as 8-10 (alkaline); it usually falls within the slightly acidic to neutral range, hence falling between 6 and 8 on the pH scale.
3. What is the simplest form of a substance that is represented by a letter or letters?
- A. Compound
- B. Mixture
- C. Element
- D. Molecule
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Element.' An element is the most basic form of a substance that cannot be broken down further by chemical reactions. Each element is represented by a unique symbol, typically consisting of one or two letters. Choice A, 'Compound,' is incorrect as compounds are formed by the combination of two or more elements. Choice B, 'Mixture,' is also incorrect as mixtures are composed of two or more substances physically combined. Choice D, 'Molecule,' refers to the smallest unit of a compound that retains the chemical properties of that compound, not the simplest form of a substance represented by a symbol.
4. What charge do Group IIA elements typically have?
- A. 1
- B. +2
- C. -3
- D. 0
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Group IIA elements belong to the alkaline earth metals group in the periodic table. These elements typically have a charge of +2 because they readily lose two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Therefore, the correct answer is B - +2. Choice A (1) is incorrect because Group IIA elements lose two electrons, not one. Choice C (-3) is incorrect because Group IIA elements do not gain electrons to have a negative charge. Choice D (0) is incorrect because Group IIA elements do lose electrons and have a positive charge, not a neutral charge.
5. What is the name of the bond formed when two atoms share electrons?
- A. Covalent bond
- B. Ionic bond
- C. Metallic bond
- D. Hydrogen bond
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share electrons, creating a stable electron configuration. This sharing allows both atoms to achieve a full outer shell of electrons, leading to a stable molecule. In contrast, an ionic bond involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of ions with opposite charges. Metallic bonds are formed between metal atoms and involve a 'sea of electrons' that are delocalized and free to move. Hydrogen bonds are a type of intermolecular force, not a true chemical bond, and occur between a hydrogen atom and a highly electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen.
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