HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test Questions
Question 1 of 5
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.
Question 2 of 5
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 3 of 5
What is a mathematical function that gives the amplitude of a wave as a function of position (and sometimes, as a function of time and/or electron spin)?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Wavefunction. The wavefunction is a mathematical function that gives the amplitude of a wave as a function of position (and sometimes, as a function of time and/or electron spin). It is commonly used in quantum mechanics to describe the behavior of particles, particularly electrons, in atomic and molecular systems. The wavefunction provides information about the probability of finding a particle in a particular state or position. Wavelength (Choice A), Frequency (Choice B), and Wavenumber (Choice C) are properties of waves, but they do not directly represent the mathematical function that describes the wave's behavior as the wavefunction does.
Question 4 of 5
How are elements arranged in the periodic table?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the periodic table, the elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number. This organization is based on the number of protons in the nucleus of each element. It provides a systematic way to classify elements and predict their properties. Knowing the atomic number of an element helps determine its placement in the periodic table and its characteristics. Therefore, the correct answer is the order of increasing atomic number as it is fundamental to the structure and properties of the elements. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Alphabetical order does not reflect any underlying property of the elements, metallic properties vary across the table, and neutron content alone is not the basis for the arrangement in the periodic table.
Question 5 of 5
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.