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 is a balanced equation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A balanced equation is one where the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides, fulfilling the law of conservation of mass. This principle ensures that the total number of atoms of each element is equal in both reactants and products, signifying that no atoms are created or destroyed, but rather rearranged. Choice A is incorrect because a balanced equation has equal numbers of atoms in the reactants and products. Choice C is incorrect as a balanced equation includes both reactants and products. Choice D is incorrect because coefficients are essential in balancing equations by adjusting the number of atoms present.
Question 3 of 9
What is the typical oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds?
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.
Question 4 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 5 of 9
One factor that affects rates of reaction is concentration. Which of these statements about concentration is/are correct?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A higher concentration of reactants causes more effective collisions per unit time, leading to an increased reaction rate. This is because a higher concentration means there are more reactant molecules in a given volume, increasing the likelihood of collisions between them. With more collisions occurring, there is a greater chance of successful collisions leading to the formation of products, hence increasing the reaction rate. Choice B is incorrect as a lower concentration decreases the number of collisions, reducing the reaction rate. Choice C is incorrect as a higher concentration increases collision frequency, which typically results in a higher reaction rate. Choice D is incorrect as a higher concentration usually leads to more collisions, thus increasing the reaction rate.
Question 6 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 7 of 9
Which, if any, of the following statements is false?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Statement A is false. In an endothermic process, solubility typically decreases with an increase in temperature and increases if the temperature decreases. When heat is added to an endothermic process, it disrupts the intermolecular forces holding the solute particles together, making them more likely to dissolve. Therefore, higher temperatures generally lead to increased solubility in an endothermic process. Statement B is correct as in an exothermic process, solubility usually decreases with an increase in temperature due to the excess heat causing solute particles to come out of solution. As Statements A and B are contradictory, the answer cannot be 'All of the Above' or 'None of the Above.'
Question 8 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 9 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.