what is the primary function of enzymes
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Questions

1. What is the primary function of enzymes?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes function to speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. They act as biological catalysts, providing an alternative pathway for the reaction to proceed more rapidly without being consumed in the process. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because enzymes do not provide energy for reactions (they do not generate energy), their primary function is not to decrease activation energy (though they do lower it), and while they act as catalysts, the primary function is to speed up reactions by lowering activation energy.

2. What is the correct name of ZnSO₄?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct name of ZnSO₄ is zinc sulfate. In this compound, zinc is combined with the polyatomic ion sulfate (SO₄). Sulfate is a common anion formed from sulfur and oxygen atoms. Therefore, the correct name for ZnSO₄ is zinc sulfate. Choice B, Zinc sulfide, is incorrect because sulfide is a different anion (S²⁻) compared to sulfate (SO₄²⁻). Choice C, Zinc sulfur, is incorrect as it does not represent the correct anion in the compound. Choice D, Zinc oxide, is incorrect as it involves an oxygen anion, not sulfate.

3. A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 20 years. How many grams of a 6-gram sample will remain after 40 years?

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.

4. Which element is considered a noble gas?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Neon.' Noble gases are a group of elements with very low reactivity. Neon is one of these elements, known for its stable and unreactive nature. Oxygen, hydrogen, and argon do not belong to the noble gas group. Oxygen is a reactive non-metal, hydrogen is a non-metal and the first element in the periodic table, and argon is a noble gas like neon but not the correct answer in this case.

5. Which substance shows a decrease in solubility in water with an increase in temperature?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Potassium iodide (KI) shows a decrease in solubility in water with an increase in temperature. This is due to the dissolution of KI in water being an endothermic process. When the temperature rises, the equilibrium shifts toward the solid state, leading to a decrease in solubility. Therefore, as the temperature increases, KI becomes less soluble in water. Choice A (NaCl) and Choice D (CaCl) do not exhibit a decrease in solubility with an increase in temperature. NaCl and CaCl are generally more soluble in water at higher temperatures. Choice B (Oxygen) is a gas and not typically considered in solubility discussions involving solids or liquids dissolving in water.

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