HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Questions
1. Which of the following is a characteristic of an exothermic reaction?
- A. It absorbs heat
- B. It releases heat
- C. It remains neutral
- D. It requires energy input
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An exothermic reaction is characterized by the release of heat. During an exothermic reaction, energy is released in the form of heat to the surroundings, resulting in a temperature increase. This distinguishes it from endothermic reactions, which absorb heat from the surroundings. Choice A is incorrect because exothermic reactions do not absorb heat; instead, they release heat. Choice C is incorrect as exothermic reactions do not remain neutral; they involve a net release of energy. Choice D is incorrect as exothermic reactions do not require energy input; instead, they release energy.
2. What is the oxidation state of the potassium ion in the compound KCl?
- A. +1
- B. -1
- C. +2
- D. -2
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In the compound KCl (potassium chloride), potassium is in Group 1 of the periodic table, which means it has a valence electron of 1. Chlorine is in Group 17 and gains one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration by forming an ionic bond with potassium. As a result, the potassium ion in KCl has a +1 oxidation state. Therefore, the correct answer is +1. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the oxidation state of the potassium ion in KCl.
3. Beta radiation is the product of the decomposition of which particle?
- A. Proton
- B. Neutron
- C. Electron
- D. Photon
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Beta radiation is the result of the decomposition of a neutron. During beta decay, a neutron in an atom's nucleus is transformed into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and an antineutrino. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Neutron.' Choice A, 'Proton,' is incorrect because beta decay does not involve the decomposition of a proton. Choice C, 'Electron,' is incorrect because electrons are actually produced during beta decay. Choice D, 'Photon,' is incorrect as beta radiation does not involve the decomposition of photons.
4. 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.
5. Which law states that matter can neither be created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction?
- A. Law of Conservation of Energy
- B. Law of Conservation of Mass
- C. Law of Constant Composition
- D. Law of Multiple Proportions
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, the Law of Conservation of Mass. This law, formulated by Antoine Lavoisier, states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. It is a fundamental principle in chemistry that explains the preservation of mass during chemical reactions, indicating that the total mass of the reactants is equal to the total mass of the products. The other choices are incorrect because: A: The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, not matter. C: The Law of Constant Composition refers to compounds having the same composition by mass regardless of their source or how they were prepared, not about the conservation of matter in reactions. D: The Law of Multiple Proportions describes the ratios in which elements combine to form compounds, not the conservation of mass.
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