which ion would you expect to dominate in water solutions of bases

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which ion would you expect to dominate in water solutions of bases?

A. MgCl₂
B. 2HCl
C. H⁺
D. OH⁻

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In water solutions of bases, the dominant ion would be OH⁻ (hydroxide ion). Bases release OH⁻ ions when dissolved in water, increasing the concentration of hydroxide ions and leading to a higher pH. This is in contrast to acids, which release H⁺ ions. Therefore, in water solutions of bases, the presence of OH⁻ ions signifies the basic nature of the solution. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because MgCl₂ is a salt, 2HCl is a compound consisting of two hydrogen ions and one chloride ion, and H⁺ represents a hydrogen ion typically associated with acids, not bases.

2. Which type of radiation involves the emission of helium ions?

A. Beta
B. Alpha
C. Gamma
D. Delta

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Alpha radiation involves the emission of helium ions. Helium ions are composed of two protons and two neutrons, which is the same as the nucleus of a helium atom. This type of radiation has low penetration power and can be stopped by a piece of paper or human skin, making it less harmful compared to other forms of radiation like beta or gamma radiation. Beta radiation involves the emission of high-speed electrons, while gamma radiation involves electromagnetic waves with high energy. Delta radiation is not a recognized form of radiation in this context, making it an incorrect choice.

3. 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.

4. What type of intermolecular force is a dipole attraction?

A. Strong
B. Weak
C. Medium
D. Very strong

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A dipole attraction is considered a weak intermolecular force. It occurs between molecules with permanent dipoles, where the positive end of one molecule is attracted to the negative end of another molecule. While dipole-dipole interactions are stronger than dispersion forces, they are weaker than hydrogen bonding or ion-dipole interactions. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Weak.' Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because dipole attractions are not classified as strong, medium, or very strong intermolecular forces, but rather fall into the category of weak intermolecular forces.

5. Which compound contains a polar covalent bond?

A. O
B. F
C. Br
D. H₂O

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The compound 'H₂O' (water) contains a polar covalent bond. In a water molecule, the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms. As a result, the electrons in the O-H bonds are unevenly shared, leading to a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms. This unequal sharing of electrons creates a polar covalent bond in water. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they represent individual elements, not compounds, and do not involve the concept of polar covalent bonds.