HESI A2
Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test
1. What is the term used when an atom gains one or more electrons?
- A. Cation
- B. Anion
- C. Isotope
- D. Electron
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is called an anion. An anion is formed when an atom gains one or more electrons, leading to an excess of negative charge. Choice A, 'Cation,' is incorrect because a cation is formed when an atom loses electrons, resulting in a positively charged ion. Choice C, 'Isotope,' refers to atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons and is not related to gaining electrons. Choice D, 'Electron,' is the particle that an atom gains to become an anion, not the term for the atom itself after gaining electrons.
2. 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.
3. What happens in a single displacement reaction?
- A. A compound decomposes into two substances.
- B. An active element displaces a less active element.
- C. A precipitate solid forms from the reaction of two solutions.
- D. The oxidation states of atoms in the reactants change.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a single displacement reaction, an active element displaces a less active element in a compound. This process involves one element replacing another in a compound, resulting in the formation of a new compound. Option A is incorrect because a single displacement reaction does not involve the decomposition of a compound into two substances. Option C is incorrect because it describes a precipitation reaction, not a single displacement reaction. Option D is incorrect because it describes oxidation-reduction reactions, not specifically single displacement reactions.
4. What is the process of breaking bonds and forming new bonds to create new chemical compounds?
- A. Physical reaction
- B. Chemical reaction
- C. Nuclear reaction
- D. Mechanical reaction
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A chemical reaction involves the breaking and forming of bonds to create new substances. During a chemical reaction, the original chemical bonds are broken, and new bonds are formed to produce one or more new substances with different properties from the reactants. This transformation is a fundamental concept in chemistry and distinguishes chemical reactions from physical, nuclear, or mechanical reactions. Choice A, 'Physical reaction,' does not involve the breaking and forming of chemical bonds but rather changes in physical state or appearance. Choice C, 'Nuclear reaction,' involves changes in the nuclei of atoms, not the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. Choice D, 'Mechanical reaction,' refers to reactions involving physical forces or movements, not the breaking and forming of chemical bonds as in a chemical reaction.
5. Which branch of chemistry deals with the quantities and numeric relationships between compounds in a chemical reaction?
- A. Stoichiometry
- B. Molecular chemistry
- C. Atomic chemistry
- D. Thermodynamics
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Stoichiometry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in chemical reactions. It involves the calculation of quantities of substances consumed and produced in a chemical reaction based on the balanced chemical equation. Choice B, 'Molecular chemistry,' is incorrect as it focuses on the structure, properties, and reactions of molecules. Choice C, 'Atomic chemistry,' is incorrect as it primarily deals with the study of atoms and their interactions. Choice D, 'Thermodynamics,' is incorrect as it pertains to the study of energy and heat transfer in chemical and physical processes.
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