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. In which state of matter are particles packed tightly together in a fixed position?
- A. Liquid
- B. Solid
- C. Gas
- D. Plasma
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a 'solid' state, particles are tightly packed in fixed positions, maintaining a definite shape and volume. This arrangement allows solids to maintain a rigid structure. Liquids have particles that are close together but can move past each other, giving them the ability to flow and take the shape of their container. Gases have particles that are far apart and move freely, leading to their ability to expand to fill any container. Plasma is an ionized gas where particles have high energy levels and are not packed tightly together, making it an uncommon state of matter on Earth.
3. To the nearest whole number, what is the mass of one mole of water?
- A. 16 g/mol
- B. 18 g/mol
- C. 20 g/mol
- D. 22 g/mol
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The molar mass of water (H₂O) is calculated by adding the atomic masses of two hydrogen atoms (each with a molar mass of approximately 1 g/mol) and one oxygen atom (with a molar mass of approximately 16 g/mol). Therefore, the molar mass of water is approximately 18 g/mol, making choice B the correct answer. Choice A (16 g/mol) is incorrect because it represents the molar mass of oxygen, not water. Choices C (20 g/mol) and D (22 g/mol) are incorrect as they do not correspond to the molar mass of water.
4. How does increasing the concentration of reactants affect a chemical reaction?
- A. Decreases the reaction rate
- B. Increases the reaction rate
- C. Stops the reaction
- D. Has no effect
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Increasing the concentration of reactants leads to more reactant particles being available, which, in turn, increases the likelihood of successful collisions between particles. This higher frequency of collisions results in a higher reaction rate. Therefore, option B, 'Increases the reaction rate,' is the correct answer. Choice A, 'Decreases the reaction rate,' is incorrect because higher reactant concentration usually speeds up the reaction. Choice C, 'Stops the reaction,' is incorrect as increasing concentration promotes more collisions, enhancing the reaction. Choice D, 'Has no effect,' is incorrect because changing reactant concentration directly impacts the reaction rate in most cases.
5. Which chemical reaction involves the breaking of a compound into its components?
- A. Decomposition reaction
- B. Combustion reaction
- C. Neutralization reaction
- D. Single displacement reaction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decomposition reaction. A decomposition reaction involves breaking down a compound into its components. During this reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. This process is the opposite of a synthesis reaction where multiple substances combine to form a more complex compound. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because combustion reaction involves burning a substance in oxygen, neutralization reaction involves the reaction between an acid and a base to form water and a salt, and single displacement reaction involves an element displacing another in a compound.
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