what is the ph of acids

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What is the pH of acids?

A. 7.5
B. < 7
C. > 7
D. 7

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: < 7. Acids have a pH lower than 7, indicating higher acidity. A pH below 7 signifies an acidic solution, with lower values indicating stronger acids. Choice A (7.5) is incorrect as it is greater than 7, which is alkaline. Choice C (> 7) is incorrect as values greater than 7 represent alkaline/basic solutions. Choice D (7) is incorrect because a pH of 7 is neutral, not acidic.

2. Which type of radiation involves the emission of helium ions?

A. Beta
B. Alpha
C. Gamma
D. Delta

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Alpha radiation involves the emission of helium ions. Helium ions are composed of two protons and two neutrons, which is the same as the nucleus of a helium atom. This type of radiation has low penetration power and can be stopped by a piece of paper or human skin, making it less harmful compared to other forms of radiation like beta or gamma radiation. Beta radiation involves the emission of high-speed electrons, while gamma radiation involves electromagnetic waves with high energy. Delta radiation is not a recognized form of radiation in this context, making it an incorrect choice.

3. What are the horizontal rows of the periodic table called?

A. Periods
B. Families
C. Groups
D. Columns

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Periods. Rows in the periodic table are called periods. They are arranged horizontally from left to right and represent the energy levels of the elements. Each period starts a new energy level or shell, indicating the number of electron shells an element has. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Families and groups refer to vertical columns in the periodic table that share similar chemical properties, while columns are vertical arrangements of elements known as groups or families.

4. What is the correct electron configuration for nitrogen?

A. 1s² 2s²
B. 1s² 2s² 2p²
C. 1s² 2s² 2p³
D. 1s² 2s² 2p⁴

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The electron configuration of nitrogen is determined by its atomic number, which is 7. Nitrogen has 7 electrons. Following the order of filling orbitals, the electron configuration for nitrogen is 1s² 2s² 2p³. This means the first energy level is filled with 2 electrons in the 1s orbital, the second energy level is filled with 2 electrons in the 2s orbital, and 3 electrons in the 2p orbital. Each orbital can hold a specific number of electrons, and nitrogen, with its 7 electrons, fits this configuration. Choice A is incorrect because it does not account for all the electrons in the nitrogen atom. Choice B is incorrect as it only represents 6 electrons, not the 7 electrons in nitrogen. Choice D is incorrect as it represents 8 electrons, which is not the correct electron configuration for nitrogen.

5. Which of the following represents a hydride ion?

A. H⁻
B. H⁺
C. OH⁻
D. HCl

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The hydride ion is denoted by H⁻, indicating that it has gained an extra electron to complete its valence shell, resulting in a full octet and a net charge of -1. This ion is commonly found in metal hydrides and plays a significant role in various chemical reactions. Option B, H⁺, represents a proton with a positive charge. Option C, OH⁻, represents the hydroxide ion, consisting of oxygen and hydrogen. Option D, HCl, is a compound composed of hydrogen and chlorine ions, not a hydride ion.