HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test Questions
Question 1 of 9
Different isotopes of a particular element contain the same number of
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Different isotopes of a particular element contain the same number of protons. Isotopes are defined by the number of neutrons they have, which can vary while the number of protons remains the same. This is because the number of protons in an atom determines its elemental identity. Choice B - Neutrons is incorrect because isotopes can have different numbers of neutrons. Choice C - Protons and neutrons is incorrect because the number of neutrons can vary in isotopes. Choice D - Protons, neutrons, and electrons is incorrect because electrons are not fixed and can vary in an atom, but the number of protons is what defines the element.
Question 2 of 9
How many amino acids are essential for human life?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: There are 20 essential amino acids required for human life. These amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet. They play crucial roles in various physiological functions and are necessary for protein synthesis and overall health. Choice A is incorrect because there are not 22 essential amino acids. Choice C is incorrect as there are more than 18 essential amino acids. Choice D is incorrect as there are not 24 essential amino acids for human life.
Question 3 of 9
What is defined as the distance between adjacent peaks or adjacent troughs on a wave?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Wavelength is correctly defined as the distance between adjacent peaks or adjacent troughs on a wave. It is a crucial characteristic of waves, influencing properties such as color in light waves and pitch in sound waves. By altering the wavelength, significant changes in the wave's perception and attributes can be observed. Choice A, Frequency, refers to the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time and is not related to the distance between peaks or troughs. Choice B, Wavenumber, represents the spatial frequency of a wave in terms of cycles per unit distance, not the distance between adjacent peaks. Choice C, Wave oscillation, does not specifically define the distance between adjacent peaks or troughs but rather the movement of a wave back and forth.
Question 4 of 9
Which, if any, of these statements about solubility is correct?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A. The solubility of a substance is indeed defined as the concentration of a solute that can be dissolved in a solvent to form a saturated solution at a specific temperature and pressure. B. Substances with solubilities much less than 1 g/100 mL of solvent are generally considered insoluble because they do not dissolve in significant amounts in the solvent. C. A saturated solution is one that cannot dissolve any more solute as it has reached its maximum capacity at a specific temperature and pressure. Therefore, all the statements provided are correct, making option D the correct answer.
Question 5 of 9
A molecule of water contains hydrogen and oxygen in a 1:8 ratio by mass. This is a statement of _____.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The statement that a molecule of water contains hydrogen and oxygen in a 1:8 ratio by mass is an example of the law of constant composition. This law states that all samples of a given chemical compound have the same elemental composition. In the case of water (H2O), no matter where you obtain a sample of water, it will always be composed of hydrogen and oxygen in a 1:8 ratio by mass. The law of multiple proportions deals with compounds that can be formed by the combination of elements in different ratios. The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted.
Question 6 of 9
When elements with low electronegativity (almost empty outer shells) react with elements with high electronegativity (mostly full outer shells), they tend to transfer electrons from the low electronegative element to the high electronegative element. This transfer results in the formation of what type of bonds?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ionic. When elements with low electronegativity (almost empty outer shells) react with elements with high electronegativity (mostly full outer shells), they tend to transfer electrons from the low electronegative element to the high electronegative element. This transfer results in the formation of ionic bonds, where one element becomes positively charged (cation) and the other element becomes negatively charged (anion). Ionic bonds are formed through the attraction between these opposite charges, leading to a strong bond between the two elements. Choice A, Hydrogen, is incorrect because hydrogen is not involved in the described electron transfer process to form ionic bonds. Choice B, Covalent, is incorrect because covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, not the transfer of electrons as seen in the formation of ionic bonds. Choice D, Nuclear, is incorrect as nuclear bonds are not a recognized type of chemical bond. Therefore, the most appropriate answer is C: Ionic bonds.
Question 7 of 9
Which type of radiation emits helium ions and can be stopped by a piece of paper?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Alpha radiation emits helium ions, which are helium nuclei without electrons, making them positively charged. These ions are relatively large and heavy compared to beta and gamma radiation. Due to their size and charge, alpha particles interact strongly with matter and are easily stopped. A piece of paper or even human skin can effectively block alpha radiation. Therefore, alpha radiation is the type of radiation that can be stopped by a piece of paper. Beta radiation consists of fast-moving electrons and can penetrate further into materials than alpha radiation, thus not stopped by a piece of paper. Gamma radiation is highly penetrating and requires dense materials like lead or concrete to block it effectively. X-ray radiation, similar to gamma radiation, is also highly penetrating and cannot be stopped by a piece of paper.
Question 8 of 9
What are mixtures of 2 or more metals called?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Alloys are mixtures of two or more metals, combining their properties to create materials with enhanced characteristics. Examples of alloys include bronze (copper and tin) and steel (iron and carbon). Alloys are commonly used in various industries due to their improved strength, durability, and other desirable qualities. Solutions (Choice A) refer to a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, where one substance is dissolved in another. Compounds (Choice C) are substances composed of two or more elements chemically combined in fixed proportions. Suspensions (Choice D) are heterogeneous mixtures where particles are dispersed but can settle out over time.
Question 9 of 9
Which law is expressed by the equation: Ptot = Pa + Pb, where P represents pressure, Ptot is the total pressure, and Pa and Pb are component pressures?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Dalton's law. Dalton's law states that in a mixture of non-reacting gases, the total pressure is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of the individual gases. The equation Ptot = Pa + Pb represents Dalton's law, where Ptot is the total pressure, and Pa and Pb are the component pressures. Choice A, Henry's law, deals with the solubility of gases in liquids. Choice C, Boyle's law, describes the inverse relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas at constant temperature. Choice D, Gay-Lussac's law, states that the pressure of a gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature when volume is constant.