HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Questions
1. Which element has an atomic mass greater than that of sodium?
- A. Boron
- B. Oxygen
- C. Fluorine
- D. Silicon
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Silicon has an atomic mass greater than that of sodium. The atomic mass of silicon is approximately 28.0855 u, whereas the atomic mass of sodium is approximately 22.9898 u. Therefore, silicon has a greater atomic mass compared to sodium. Boron, Oxygen, and Fluorine have atomic masses lower than sodium, making them incorrect choices in this context.
2. What is the correct name of ZnSO₄?
- A. Zinc sulfate
- B. Zinc sulfide
- C. Zinc sulfur
- D. Zinc oxide
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct name of ZnSO₄ is zinc sulfate. In this compound, zinc is combined with the polyatomic ion sulfate (SO₄). Sulfate is a common anion formed from sulfur and oxygen atoms. Therefore, the correct name for ZnSO₄ is zinc sulfate. Choice B, Zinc sulfide, is incorrect because sulfide is a different anion (S²⁻) compared to sulfate (SO₄²⁻). Choice C, Zinc sulfur, is incorrect as it does not represent the correct anion in the compound. Choice D, Zinc oxide, is incorrect as it involves an oxygen anion, not sulfate.
3. Which of these represents a strong acid?
- A. CH₃COOH
- B. H₂SO₄
- C. NH₃
- D. KOH
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Among the options provided, H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid) represents a strong acid. Strong acids completely ionize in water to produce a high concentration of H+ ions. Sulfuric acid is a strong acid known for its ability to dissociate almost completely in water, making it a strong acid. Choice A, CH₃COOH (acetic acid), is a weak acid that only partially dissociates in water. Choices C and D, NH₃ (ammonia) and KOH (potassium hydroxide), are bases and not acids.
4. How many times more acidic is a substance with a pH of 3 compared to a substance with a pH of 5?
- A. 8
- B. 2
- C. 100
- D. 1,000
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The pH scale is logarithmic, indicating that each pH unit change reflects a 10-fold difference in acidity level. Going from pH 5 to pH 3 involves a difference of 2 units, which translates to a 100-fold increase in acidity level (10^2 = 100 for each unit). Therefore, a substance with a pH of 3 is 1,000 times more acidic than a substance with a pH of 5 (100 * 10 = 1,000). Choice A (8) is incorrect as it does not consider the logarithmic nature of the pH scale. Choice B (2) is incorrect because it represents the difference in pH units, not the increase in acidity level. Choice C (100) is incorrect as it miscalculates the increase in acidity level, which is 1,000 times and not 100 times.
5. What is the oxidation state of the oxygen atom in the compound NaOH?
- A. -2
- B. -1
- C. 0
- D. +2
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the compound NaOH (sodium hydroxide), the oxidation state of the sodium ion (Na) is +1 as it commonly has a +1 charge in ionic compounds. Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. Since the compound is electrically neutral and the overall charge is zero, the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in the compound must be zero. Therefore, considering that sodium has an oxidation state of +1, the oxygen atom in NaOH must have an oxidation state of -1 to balance the charges and overall neutrality of the compound. Choice A (-2) is incorrect as this is not the oxidation state of oxygen in this compound. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen in NaOH does not have an oxidation state of 0. Choice D (+2) is incorrect as oxygen typically has a negative oxidation state in compounds, not a positive one.
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