HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Questions
1. What is the pH of a neutral solution?
- A. 7
- B. 0
- C. 14
- D. 4
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 7. A neutral solution has a pH of 7. In the pH scale, values below 7 are acidic, 7 is neutral, and values above 7 are basic. Therefore, a solution with a pH of 7 is considered neutral as it is neither acidic nor basic. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a pH of 0 indicates a strong acid, a pH of 14 indicates a strong base, and a pH of 4 indicates an acidic solution. None of these values represent a neutral solution.
2. 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.
3. Which type of chemical reaction involves an active metal reacting with an ionic compound to create a new compound?
- A. Combustion
- B. Single replacement
- C. Synthesis
- D. Decomposition
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Single replacement.' In a single replacement reaction, an active metal replaces another element in an ionic compound, resulting in the formation of a new compound. Option A, 'Combustion,' involves a substance rapidly reacting with oxygen to release energy in the form of heat and light. Option C, 'Synthesis,' involves the combination of two or more substances to form a more complex product. Option D, 'Decomposition,' involves the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances.
4. What is the correct electron configuration for magnesium?
- A. 1s² 2s²
- B. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶
- C. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s²
- D. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p¹
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The electron configuration of an element is determined by following the Aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level. Magnesium has an atomic number of 12, meaning it has 12 electrons. The electron configuration of magnesium fills the 1s, 2s, 2p, and 3s orbitals to accommodate all 12 electrons. Therefore, the correct electron configuration for magnesium is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s². Choice A is incorrect as it only includes 4 electrons and stops at the 2s orbital. Choice B is incorrect as it includes 8 electrons and stops at the 2p orbital. Choice D is incorrect as it includes 13 electrons and extends to the 3p orbital, which is beyond the actual electron configuration of magnesium.
5. What are bases or alkaline solutions known as?
- A. Hydrogen acceptors
- B. Solutions of low pH
- C. Hydrogen donors
- D. Amphoteric
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Bases or alkaline solutions are known as 'hydrogen acceptors.' They accept protons (H+) in chemical reactions, as opposed to acids that donate protons. This property allows bases to neutralize acids and form salts. Choice B, 'Solutions of low pH,' is incorrect because bases have high pH values, not low. Choice C, 'Hydrogen donors,' is incorrect as bases do not donate protons but accept them. Choice D, 'Amphoteric,' refers to substances that can act as both acids and bases, which is not the definition of bases. Therefore, the correct answer is A.
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