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 is the typical oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds?

A. -1
B. -2
C. 0
D. -3

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "-2". Oxygen usually exhibits an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. This is due to oxygen's high electronegativity, which causes it to attract electrons, leading to the gain of two electrons in chemical reactions. Choice A (-1) is incorrect because oxygen rarely has an oxidation state of -1 in compounds. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen does not usually have an oxidation state of zero in compounds. Choice D (-3) is incorrect as oxygen does not commonly have an oxidation state of -3 in compounds.

3. What charge do alpha radiation particles have?

A. -2
B. 0
C. +2
D. +1

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: +2. Alpha radiation particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, giving them a net charge of +2. This positive charge is due to the presence of the two protons in the nucleus of the alpha particle. Choice A (-2) is incorrect as alpha particles have a positive charge. Choice B (0) is incorrect as alpha particles carry a charge. Choice D (+1) is incorrect as alpha particles have a higher positive charge due to the presence of two protons.

4. 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.

5. What is the charge of noble gases?

A. -1
B. 0
C. 1
D. 2

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 0. Noble gases have a charge of 0 because they have full valence shells and are inert. This makes them stable and unreactive, resulting in a charge of 0 as they do not readily gain or lose electrons. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because noble gases do not typically form ions by gaining or losing electrons, so they do not carry a charge of -1, 1, or 2.