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 type of bond is an electrostatic attraction between two oppositely charged ions?

A. Covalent
B. Metallic
C. Ionic
D. Hydrogen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An ionic bond forms when one atom transfers electrons to another, resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions. The attraction between these oppositely charged ions creates an electrostatic bond, known as an ionic bond. Choice A, covalent bonds, involve the sharing of electrons, not the transfer. Choice B, metallic bonds, occur between metal atoms and involve a 'sea of electrons' that are delocalized. Choice D, hydrogen bonds, are much weaker interactions between hydrogen atoms and other electronegative atoms like oxygen or nitrogen.

3. Which of the following best describes an endothermic reaction?

A. A reaction that absorbs heat
B. A reaction that releases heat
C. A reaction that does not involve heat
D. A reaction that remains at a constant temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An endothermic reaction is a process that absorbs heat from its surroundings. When a reaction absorbs heat, it leads to a decrease in the temperature of the surroundings, making choice A the correct description. In an endothermic reaction, energy is taken in from the surroundings, resulting in a decrease in temperature around the reaction site. Choice B is incorrect because a reaction that releases heat is known as an exothermic reaction. Choice C is incorrect as all reactions involve heat to some extent. Choice D is incorrect as an endothermic reaction does not remain at a constant temperature but rather absorbs heat, leading to a temperature decrease in the surroundings.

4. Which is a property of an ionic compound?

A. Low melting point
B. Poor conductivity
C. Shared electrons
D. Crystalline shape

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ionic compounds are composed of positively and negatively charged ions that are held together by strong electrostatic forces. These ions arrange themselves in a repeating pattern to form a stable and orderly structure known as a crystalline shape. This is a characteristic property of ionic compounds, making choice D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because ionic compounds typically have high melting points, good conductivity in the molten or dissolved state, and do not involve shared electrons but rather the transfer of electrons between atoms.

5. Which two elements are most alike in reactivity?

A. He and H
B. K and Ar
C. Cl and P
D. Ba and Mg

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chlorine (Cl) and Phosphorus (P) are most alike in reactivity among the given pairs. Both elements are nonmetals and belong to Group 7 (halogens) and Group 15 (nitrogen group), respectively. They have similar electronic configurations and can form compounds by gaining or sharing electrons. Chlorine is highly reactive and can easily form ionic compounds, while phosphorus also shows a range of reactivity in its compounds. Choice A (He and H) is incorrect because helium (He) is a noble gas and hydrogen (H) is a nonmetal, so they are not similar in reactivity. Choice B (K and Ar) is incorrect as potassium (K) is a metal and argon (Ar) is a noble gas, having different reactivities. Choice D (Ba and Mg) is incorrect because barium (Ba) and magnesium (Mg) are both metals, but their reactivities differ due to their positions in the periodic table.