HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Questions
Question 1 of 5
Where would you expect tap water to fall on the pH scale?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tap water typically falls within the pH range of 6 to 8, making it slightly acidic to neutral. Most municipal water systems aim to provide water that is safe for consumption and falls within this pH range. A pH level of 7 is considered neutral, so tap water may vary slightly on either side of this number but typically remains within the 6 to 8 range to ensure it is safe for consumption. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because tap water is not expected to have a pH as low as 1-3 (highly acidic) or as high as 8-10 (alkaline); it usually falls within the slightly acidic to neutral range, hence falling between 6 and 8 on the pH scale.
Question 2 of 5
What form of radiation is composed of electrons traveling at around 16,000 km/sec?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Beta radiation is composed of high-energy electrons (β- particles) or positrons (β+ particles) traveling at considerable speeds. In this case, the electrons traveling at around 16,000 km/sec align with the characteristics of beta radiation, making it the correct choice. Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, gamma radiation is electromagnetic radiation of high frequency, and delta radiation is not a recognized form of radiation, making them all incorrect choices.
Question 3 of 5
What is the correct name of ZnSOâ‚„?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct name of ZnSOâ‚„ is zinc sulfate. In this compound, zinc is combined with the polyatomic ion sulfate (SOâ‚„). Sulfate is a common anion formed from sulfur and oxygen atoms. Therefore, the correct name for ZnSOâ‚„ is zinc sulfate. Choice B, Zinc sulfide, is incorrect because sulfide is a different anion (S²â») compared to sulfate (SOâ‚„²â»). Choice C, Zinc sulfur, is incorrect as it does not represent the correct anion in the compound. Choice D, Zinc oxide, is incorrect as it involves an oxygen anion, not sulfate.
Question 4 of 5
What is the oxidation state of the oxygen atom in the compound NaOH?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the compound NaOH (sodium hydroxide), the oxidation state of the sodium ion (Na) is +1 as it commonly has a +1 charge in ionic compounds. Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. Since the compound is electrically neutral and the overall charge is zero, the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in the compound must be zero. Therefore, considering that sodium has an oxidation state of +1, the oxygen atom in NaOH must have an oxidation state of -1 to balance the charges and overall neutrality of the compound. Choice A (-2) is incorrect as this is not the oxidation state of oxygen in this compound. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen in NaOH does not have an oxidation state of 0. Choice D (+2) is incorrect as oxygen typically has a negative oxidation state in compounds, not a positive one.
Question 5 of 5
Which of these intermolecular forces would result in the lowest boiling point?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The London dispersion force is the weakest intermolecular force among the options provided. These forces are present in all molecules and are caused by temporary fluctuations in electron density, resulting in temporary dipoles. Since London dispersion forces are generally weaker than dipole-dipole interactions, Keesom interactions, and hydrogen bonding, a substance with London dispersion forces as the primary intermolecular force would have the lowest boiling point due to the weaker intermolecular forces holding the molecules together. Dipole-dipole interactions, Keesom interactions, and hydrogen bonding are stronger intermolecular forces compared to London dispersion forces, resulting in higher boiling points for substances that exhibit these interactions.