you would expect an amino acid to contain which two functional groups

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which two functional groups would you expect an amino acid to contain?

A. R-NH2 and R-COOH
B. R-CHO and R-CO-NH
C. R-OH and R-COOR
D. R-O-R and R-COOH

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Amino acids are organic compounds that are characterized by the presence of an amino group (NH2) and a carboxylic acid group (COOH) in their chemical structure. These two functional groups, found in option A, are fundamental components of amino acids and play crucial roles in their classification and biological functions. Option B contains an aldehyde group (CHO) and an amide group (CO-NH), which are not characteristic functional groups of amino acids. Option C includes a hydroxyl group (OH) and an ester group (COOR), which are not typically present in amino acids. Option D presents ether (R-O-R) and carboxylic acid (COOH) functional groups, which do not represent the functional groups commonly found in amino acids.

2. What are the three types of radiation?

A. Alpha, beta, gamma
B. Alpha, beta, delta
C. Gamma, delta, epsilon
D. Beta, gamma, epsilon

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Alpha, beta, gamma. Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, beta radiation comprises electrons or positrons, and gamma radiation is high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Choice B, delta, is incorrect as delta is not a type of radiation. Choice C, gamma, delta, epsilon, and Choice D, beta, gamma, epsilon, are incorrect as they do not include the three standard types of radiation.

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. In what type of covalent compounds are dispersion forces typically found?

A. Polar
B. Non-polar
C. Ionic
D. Hydrogen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dispersion forces, also known as London dispersion forces, are the weakest intermolecular forces that occur in non-polar covalent compounds. These forces result from temporary shifts in electron density within molecules, creating temporary dipoles. As a result, non-polar molecules, which lack a permanent dipole moment, can experience these dispersion forces. Polar compounds exhibit stronger intermolecular forces such as dipole-dipole interactions or hydrogen bonding, while ionic compounds involve electrostatic interactions between ions. Therefore, the correct answer is non-polar (choice B). Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because dispersion forces are typically found in non-polar covalent compounds, not polar, ionic, or hydrogen-bonded compounds.

5. 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.