HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Questions
1. Which of the following substances is a base?
- A. Water
- B. Sodium chloride
- C. Ammonia
- D. Salt
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Ammonia' (Choice C) as it is a common example of a base. Bases are substances that release hydroxide ions (OH-) in aqueous solutions, helping to increase the pH level. Ammonia is a weak base that can accept a proton (H+) to form ammonium hydroxide. In contrast, water (Choice A), sodium chloride (Choice B), and salt (Choice D) are not bases; water is neutral, while sodium chloride and salt are neutral compounds composed of a cation and an anion.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. What type of reactions take place in the nucleus to achieve stable nuclear configurations?
- A. Chemical
- B. Nuclear
- C. Physical
- D. Mechanical
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Nuclear reactions occur within the nucleus to achieve stable nuclear configurations. These reactions involve changes in the composition of atomic nuclei, leading to the formation of more stable elements. Chemical reactions occur in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus, while physical and mechanical processes do not directly impact the stability of nuclear configurations. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Nuclear.'
5. Among the following elements, which is a nonmetal?
- A. Mercury
- B. Magnesium
- C. Sulfur
- D. Potassium
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sulfur is a nonmetal as it is located on the right side of the periodic table. Nonmetals generally exhibit properties such as being brittle, poor conductors of heat and electricity, and having lower melting points compared to metals. Mercury (A), Magnesium (B), and Potassium (D) are all metals due to their metallic properties. Mercury is a liquid metal at room temperature, Magnesium is a solid metal, and Potassium is a solid metal as well. Therefore, the correct answer is C, Sulfur.
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