HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test
1. 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.
2. Which compound contains a polar covalent bond?
- A. O
- B. F
- C. Br
- D. H₂O
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The compound 'H₂O' (water) contains a polar covalent bond. In a water molecule, the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms. As a result, the electrons in the O-H bonds are unevenly shared, leading to a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms. This unequal sharing of electrons creates a polar covalent bond in water. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they represent individual elements, not compounds, and do not involve the concept of polar covalent bonds.
3. Which factor does not affect the reaction rate of a chemical reaction?
- A. Temperature
- B. Surface area
- C. Concentration of reactants
- D. Color of the reactants
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The color of reactants is not a factor that affects the rate of a chemical reaction. Temperature, surface area, and concentration of reactants are known factors that influence the reaction rate. Temperature plays a significant role in altering the reaction rate by affecting the kinetic energy of molecules. Surface area impacts the rate by providing more area for collisions to occur. Concentration affects the frequency of effective collisions. On the other hand, the color of reactants is a physical property that does not directly affect the speed of a chemical reaction.
4. Which one is not a hydrocarbon?
- A. Methane (CH4)
- B. Pyridine (C5H5N)
- C. Ethane (C2H6)
- D. Propane (C3H8)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Pyridine (C5H5N). Pyridine is not a hydrocarbon because it contains nitrogen (N) in its molecular structure, in addition to carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms. Hydrocarbons consist solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), and propane (C3H8) are all examples of hydrocarbons as they only contain carbon and hydrogen atoms, making them organic compounds known for their combustion properties.
5. 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.
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