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
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 3 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 4 of 9
Which of the following lists four factors that affect rates of reaction?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The factors that influence rates of reaction are temperature, particle size, concentration, and the presence of a catalyst. Temperature affects the speed of molecules, particle size impacts the available surface area for reactions, concentration influences the collision frequency between reactant molecules, and catalysts accelerate reactions by providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they either include irrelevant factors that do not affect reaction rates (barometric pressure, container material, elevation, and volatility) or lack important factors that do influence reaction rates (like a catalyst).
Question 5 of 9
The volume of a gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature at constant pressure. This is a statement of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Charles' Law states that the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature at constant pressure. This means that as the temperature of a gas increases, its volume also increases proportionally, and vice versa. This relationship between temperature and volume is a key feature of Charles' Law. The Combined Gas Law involves the relationships between pressure, volume, and temperature of a gas. Boyle's Law describes the inverse relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas at constant temperature. The Ideal Gas Law combines Boyle's Law, Charles' Law, and Avogadro's Law into a single expression. Therefore, the correct answer is Charles' Law, as it specifically describes the direct relationship between the temperature and volume of a gas.
Question 6 of 9
Bonds involve electrons that are not equally shared, and may be deemed as an intermediate between the extremes represented by and bonds.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chemical bonds involve electrons that are not equally shared, and may be deemed as an intermediate between the extremes represented by covalent and ionic bonds. This is the most accurate statement among the choices as it correctly describes the nature of chemical bonds, highlighting their intermediate position between covalent bonds (where electrons are shared) and ionic bonds (where electrons are transferred). 'Ionic bonds' (choice A) are not the correct answer because they represent a type of chemical bond where electrons are transferred, not shared. 'Covalent bonds' (choice B) are not the correct answer either because they represent a type of chemical bond where electrons are shared equally. 'Polar bonds' (choice D) are not the correct answer as they involve an unequal sharing of electrons but do not represent the intermediate position between covalent and ionic bonds as chemical bonds do. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Chemical bonds.'
Question 7 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 8 of 9
Who was the English scientist who made accurate observations on how pressure and volume are related?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The English scientist who made accurate observations on how pressure and volume are related was Robert Boyle. Boyle's law states that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume when the temperature is constant. This fundamental gas law was discovered by Robert Boyle in the 17th century and laid the groundwork for our understanding of the behavior of gases. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Charles refers to Charles's law, not Boyle. Combine is not related to the topic, and Gay-Lussac is associated with Gay-Lussac's law, not Boyle's law.
Question 9 of 9
What is the spontaneous, random movement of small particles suspended in a liquid, caused by the unbalanced impacts of molecules on the particle?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Brownian motion is the correct choice as it specifically refers to the spontaneous, random movement of small particles suspended in a liquid, caused by the unbalanced impacts of molecules on the particle. This phenomenon was observed and documented by Robert Brown, leading to the discovery of the existence of molecules. Grey's kinesis and Boyle's wave are not scientifically recognized terms related to this concept.