what type of radiation emits helium ions and can be stopped by a piece of paper

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. What are negatively charged ions called?

A. Neutrons
B. Protons
C. Anions
D. Cations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Negatively charged ions are called anions. Anions gain electrons and carry a negative charge, which distinguishes them from cations that are positively charged and neutrons and protons that are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Choice A, Neutrons, are neutral subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom, not negatively charged ions. Choice B, Protons, are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom, not negatively charged ions. Choice D, Cations, are positively charged ions that lose electrons, which is opposite to the behavior of negatively charged ions.

3. Which of these represents a strong acid?

A. CH₃COOH
B. H₂SO₄
C. NH₃
D. KOH

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Among the options provided, H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid) represents a strong acid. Strong acids completely ionize in water to produce a high concentration of H+ ions. Sulfuric acid is a strong acid known for its ability to dissociate almost completely in water, making it a strong acid. Choice A, CH₃COOH (acetic acid), is a weak acid that only partially dissociates in water. Choices C and D, NH₃ (ammonia) and KOH (potassium hydroxide), are bases and not acids.

4. To the nearest whole number, what is the mass of one mole of hydrogen chloride?

A. 36 g/mol
B. 38 g/mol
C. 71 g/mol
D. 74 g/mol

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The molar mass of hydrogen chloride (HCl) is calculated by adding the atomic masses of hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl) together. The atomic mass of hydrogen is approximately 1 g/mol, and the atomic mass of chlorine is approximately 35.5 g/mol. Therefore, the molar mass of hydrogen chloride (HCl) is approximately 1 + 35.5 = 36.5 g/mol. When rounded to the nearest whole number, it is 36 g/mol. Therefore, the correct answer is 36 g/mol. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the accurate molar mass of hydrogen chloride.

5. Which of the following elements is a noble gas?

A. Hydrogen
B. Fluorine
C. Argon
D. Nitrogen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Argon. Argon is a noble gas, part of Group 18 in the periodic table. Noble gases are colorless, odorless, and typically non-reactive under normal conditions. Other elements in this group include helium, neon, krypton, xenon, and radon. Argon finds wide applications in welding, lighting, and scientific research. Choices A, B, and D are not noble gases. Hydrogen is a non-metal, Fluorine is a halogen, and Nitrogen is a diatomic non-metal gas.