HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Questions
1. What is the oxidation state of the potassium ion in the compound KCl?
- A. +1
- B. -1
- C. +2
- D. -2
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In the compound KCl (potassium chloride), potassium is in Group 1 of the periodic table, which means it has a valence electron of 1. Chlorine is in Group 17 and gains one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration by forming an ionic bond with potassium. As a result, the potassium ion in KCl has a +1 oxidation state. Therefore, the correct answer is +1. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the oxidation state of the potassium ion in KCl.
2. Which of these intermolecular forces might represent attraction between atoms of a noble gas?
- A. Dipole-dipole interaction
- B. London dispersion force
- C. Keesom interaction
- D. Hydrogen bonding
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Noble gases are non-polar molecules without a permanent dipole moment. The only intermolecular force applicable to noble gases is the London dispersion force, also known as Van der Waals forces. This force is a temporary attractive force resulting from the formation of temporary dipoles in non-polar molecules. Dipole-dipole interactions, Keesom interactions, and hydrogen bonding involve significant dipoles or hydrogen atoms bonded to electronegative atoms, which do not apply to noble gases.
3. How many electrons are in a neutral atom of neon?
- A. 9
- B. 10
- C. 11
- D. 12
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The atomic number of neon is 10, which represents the number of protons in its nucleus. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons to maintain electrical neutrality. Therefore, a neutral atom of neon contains 10 electrons, matching the 10 protons within the nucleus. Choice A (9 electrons) is incorrect as it doesn't correspond to the atomic number of neon. Choices C (11 electrons) and D (12 electrons) are also incorrect as they do not align with the correct atomic number of neon.
4. What form of radiation is composed of electrons traveling at around 16,000 km/sec?
- A. Alpha radiation
- B. Beta radiation
- C. Gamma radiation
- D. Delta radiation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Beta radiation is composed of high-energy electrons (β- particles) or positrons (β+ particles) traveling at considerable speeds. In this case, the electrons traveling at around 16,000 km/sec align with the characteristics of beta radiation, making it the correct choice. Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, gamma radiation is electromagnetic radiation of high frequency, and delta radiation is not a recognized form of radiation, making them all incorrect choices.
5. 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.
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