HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry
1. What is the oxidation state of the oxygen atom in the compound NaOH?
- A. -2
- B. -1
- C. 0
- D. +2
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the compound NaOH (sodium hydroxide), the oxidation state of the sodium ion (Na) is +1 as it commonly has a +1 charge in ionic compounds. Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. Since the compound is electrically neutral and the overall charge is zero, the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in the compound must be zero. Therefore, considering that sodium has an oxidation state of +1, the oxygen atom in NaOH must have an oxidation state of -1 to balance the charges and overall neutrality of the compound. Choice A (-2) is incorrect as this is not the oxidation state of oxygen in this compound. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen in NaOH does not have an oxidation state of 0. Choice D (+2) is incorrect as oxygen typically has a negative oxidation state in compounds, not a positive one.
2. Which type of radiation emits helium ions and can be stopped by a piece of paper?
- A. Beta radiation
- B. Alpha radiation
- C. Gamma radiation
- D. X-ray radiation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Alpha radiation emits helium ions, which are helium nuclei without electrons, making them positively charged. These ions are relatively large and heavy compared to beta and gamma radiation. Due to their size and charge, alpha particles interact strongly with matter and are easily stopped. A piece of paper or even human skin can effectively block alpha radiation. Therefore, alpha radiation is the type of radiation that can be stopped by a piece of paper. Beta radiation consists of fast-moving electrons and can penetrate further into materials than alpha radiation, thus not stopped by a piece of paper. Gamma radiation is highly penetrating and requires dense materials like lead or concrete to block it effectively. X-ray radiation, similar to gamma radiation, is also highly penetrating and cannot be stopped by a piece of paper.
3. Which statement is true of a saturated solution?
- A. It has more solute than can dissolve in the solvent.
- B. It has less solute that can dissolve in the solvent.
- C. It has the maximum concentration of the solute dissolved in the solvent.
- D. It contains a precipitate that lowers the concentration of the solute in the solvent.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A saturated solution contains the maximum concentration of solute that can be dissolved in a specific amount of solvent at a particular temperature. Once a solution is saturated, adding more solute will not increase its concentration since the excess solute will not dissolve and will instead form a precipitate, indicating that the solution is at its maximum capacity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a saturated solution has reached its limit in dissolving solute, so it cannot contain more solute than it can dissolve (choice A), less solute than it can dissolve (choice B), or a precipitate that lowers the concentration of the solute in the solvent (choice D).
4. The molar mass of some gases is as follows: carbon monoxide—28.01 g/mol; helium—4.00 g/mol; nitrogen—28.01 g/mol; and oxygen—32.00 g/mol. Which would you expect to diffuse most rapidly?
- A. Carbon monoxide
- B. Helium
- C. Nitrogen
- D. Oxygen
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the molar mass of the gas. Helium has the lowest molar mass among the given gases, making it the lightest and fastest gas to diffuse. Therefore, helium would be expected to diffuse most rapidly compared to carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and oxygen. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and oxygen have higher molar masses than helium, so they would diffuse more slowly. Therefore, the correct answer is helium.
5. What is matter that has a definite shape and volume?
- A. Liquid
- B. Solid
- C. Gas
- D. Plasma
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Matter that has a definite shape and volume is referred to as a solid. Solids maintain their shape and volume under normal conditions, unlike liquids that have a definite volume but take the shape of their container, gases that have neither a definite shape nor volume, and plasma which is a state of matter with no definite shape or volume and consists of charged particles.
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