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. How many neutrons are in an atom of carbon-12?
- A. 2
- B. 4
- C. 6
- D. 24
Correct answer: C
Rationale: An atom of carbon-12 has 6 neutrons. The atomic number of carbon is 6, representing the number of protons. The atomic mass of carbon-12 is 12. To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass: 12 - 6 = 6 neutrons. Choice A, 2, is incorrect as it does not reflect the correct calculation for neutrons in carbon-12. Choice B, 4, is incorrect as it does not match the correct number of neutrons in carbon-12. Choice D, 24, is incorrect as it is significantly higher than the actual number of neutrons in carbon-12.
3. What creates a dipole in a covalent bond?
- A. Unequal sharing of electrons
- B. Equal sharing of electrons
- C. Exchange of electrons
- D. Transfer of electrons
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A dipole is created in a covalent bond when there is an unequal sharing of electrons between the atoms involved. This results in a partial positive charge on one atom and a partial negative charge on the other, leading to a separation of charges and the formation of a dipole. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a dipole is specifically formed due to unequal sharing of electrons, not equal sharing, exchange, or transfer of electrons in a covalent bond.
4. What is 0 K equal to in °C?
- A. -300°C
- B. -273°C
- C. -250°C
- D. -200°C
Correct answer: B
Rationale: 0 Kelvin, also known as absolute zero, is equal to -273°C. This is the point at which all molecular motion stops, making it the lowest possible temperature on the Kelvin scale. Choice A (-300°C) is incorrect as it is not the correct conversion of 0 K to °C. Choice C (-250°C) and Choice D (-200°C) are also incorrect as they do not correspond to the accurate conversion of 0 K to °C.
5. Radioactive isotopes are frequently used in medicine. What kind of half-life would a medical isotope probably have?
- A. Seconds-long
- B. Days-long
- C. Years-long
- D. Many years long
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Medical isotopes used in diagnosis and treatment need to have a relatively short half-life to minimize radiation exposure to patients. If the half-life were too long (such as many years) or even years-long, the radiation would persist for too long and could be harmful to the patient. Seconds-long half-lives would not provide enough time for the isotope to be effective. Days-long half-lives strike a balance between providing enough time for the isotope to be used effectively and minimizing radiation exposure.
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