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
What are the s block and p block elements collectively known as?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The s block and p block elements are collectively known as representative elements. These elements are part of the main group elements in the periodic table, excluding the transition elements. The s block elements are located in groups 1 and 2, while the p block elements are found in groups 13 to 18. These elements display a diverse range of chemical behaviors and properties, representing the variety of elements in the periodic table. Choice A, Transition elements, is incorrect because transition elements are the elements in groups 3 to 12, which are located between the s block and the p block elements. Choice B, Active elements, is not a specific term used to refer to the s and p block elements collectively. Choice D, Inactive elements, is incorrect as the s and p block elements are known for their reactivity and participation in a wide range of chemical reactions.
Question 3 of 9
What is the oxidation state of the sulfur atom in sulfuric acid H2SO4?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In sulfuric acid (H2SO4), sulfur has an oxidation state of +6. The oxidation state is determined by considering the overall charge of the compound and the known oxidation states of other elements. In this case, hydrogen is typically +1, and oxygen is -2. To balance the charges and match the compound's overall charge of 0, sulfur must have an oxidation state of +6. Choice A (4) is incorrect because it doesn't balance the charges in the compound. Choices C (8) and D (10) are also incorrect as they are not valid oxidation states for sulfur in this compound.
Question 4 of 9
At what temperature does water boil in °F?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Water boils at 212°F under standard atmospheric pressure. This is the point at which water changes from a liquid to a gas phase. Choice A (210°F) is incorrect as it is below the boiling point of water. Choice C (215°F) and Choice D (220°F) are also incorrect as they are above the boiling point of water.
Question 5 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 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
If oxygen is in a compound, what would its oxidation number be?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oxygen typically has an oxidation number of -2 in compounds because it tends to gain electrons. This is due to its high electronegativity, which leads to oxygen attracting electrons towards itself in a chemical bond. Choice A (2) is incorrect because oxygen doesn't have a +2 oxidation number in compounds. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen rarely has an oxidation number of 0 in compounds. Choice D (-1) is incorrect as oxygen's oxidation number in compounds is typically -2, not -1.
Question 8 of 9
What type of bonds involve an especially strong dipole-dipole force between molecules and are responsible for the unique properties of water and pin DNA into its characteristic shape?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hydrogen bonds involve an especially strong dipole-dipole force between molecules. These bonds are responsible for the unique properties of water, such as its high surface tension and ability to form droplets. Additionally, hydrogen bonds help hold DNA strands together in its characteristic double helix shape, playing a crucial role in DNA structure and stability. Choice A, 'Oxygen links,' is incorrect as it does not accurately describe the type of bonds involved. Choice C, 'Dipolar bonds,' is also incorrect as it is a generalized term and does not specifically refer to the bonds described in the question. Choice D, 'N/A,' is irrelevant and does not provide an answer to the question.
Question 9 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).