where would you expect tap water to fall on the ph scale

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry

1. Where would you expect tap water to fall on the pH scale?

A. Between 1 and 3
B. Between 4 and 6
C. Between 6 and 8
D. Between 8 and 10

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tap water typically falls within the pH range of 6 to 8, making it slightly acidic to neutral. Most municipal water systems aim to provide water that is safe for consumption and falls within this pH range. A pH level of 7 is considered neutral, so tap water may vary slightly on either side of this number but typically remains within the 6 to 8 range to ensure it is safe for consumption. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because tap water is not expected to have a pH as low as 1-3 (highly acidic) or as high as 8-10 (alkaline); it usually falls within the slightly acidic to neutral range, hence falling between 6 and 8 on the pH scale.

2. What does a blood sample with a pH of 3 indicate?

A. It is strongly acidic.
B. It is strongly basic.
C. It is weakly acidic.
D. It is weakly basic.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A blood pH of 3 is significantly low, indicating a strong acidity level. The normal blood pH range is 7.35 to 7.45; therefore, a pH of 3 is far below the normal range, showing a highly acidic condition in the blood sample. Choice B is incorrect because a pH of 3 is not basic at all. Choice C is incorrect as a pH of 3 is not weakly acidic but strongly acidic. Choice D is wrong as a blood pH of 3 does not indicate a weakly basic condition.

3. What is the name of the device that separates gaseous ions by their mass-to-charge ratio?

A. mass spectrometer
B. interferometer
C. magnetometer
D. capacitance meter

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A mass spectrometer is a device specifically designed to separate gaseous ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio. This separation process involves ionization, acceleration of the sample, and the deflection of ions in a magnetic field according to their mass-to-charge ratio. The other options, 'interferometer,' 'magnetometer,' and 'capacitance meter,' do not perform the specific function of separating gaseous ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, making them incorrect choices.

4. Which particles are emitted during radioactivity?

A. Electrons
B. Protons
C. Radiation
D. Neutrons

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During radioactivity, radiation is emitted from an unstable nucleus. This radiation can take various forms like alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. These particles or rays are emitted as a result of the unstable nucleus's attempt to achieve a more stable configuration. Therefore, the correct answer is radiation (Choice C). Electrons (Choice A), protons (Choice B), and neutrons (Choice D) are not typically emitted during radioactivity, as the emission is primarily in the form of radiation.

5. Which gas is released during photosynthesis?

A. Carbon dioxide
B. Oxygen
C. Nitrogen
D. Helium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During photosynthesis, plants utilize carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. Oxygen is released as a byproduct of this process, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms that depend on it for respiration. Therefore, the correct answer is oxygen. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Carbon dioxide is utilized in photosynthesis, nitrogen is not directly involved in the process, and helium is not a gas released during photosynthesis.