HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which bonds involve a complete sharing of electrons and occur most commonly between atoms that have partially filled outer shells or energy levels?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Covalent. Covalent bonds involve a complete sharing of electrons between atoms, typically atoms that have partially filled outer shells or energy levels. This sharing of electron pairs results in a stable configuration for both atoms involved in the bond. For example, diamond is strong because it involves a vast network of covalent bonds between the carbon atoms in its structure. Choice B, Hydrogen bonds, involve a partial sharing of hydrogen atoms rather than a complete sharing of electrons. Choice C, Proportional bonds, is not a recognized term in chemistry. Choice D, N/A, is not a valid option for this question.
Question 2 of 9
Which law is expressed by the equation: Ptot = Pa + Pb, where P represents pressure, Ptot is the total pressure, and Pa and Pb are component pressures?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Dalton's law. Dalton's law states that in a mixture of non-reacting gases, the total pressure is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of the individual gases. The equation Ptot = Pa + Pb represents Dalton's law, where Ptot is the total pressure, and Pa and Pb are the component pressures. Choice A, Henry's law, deals with the solubility of gases in liquids. Choice C, Boyle's law, describes the inverse relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas at constant temperature. Choice D, Gay-Lussac's law, states that the pressure of a gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature when volume is constant.
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following statements, if any, are correct?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Statement A is correct. pH is a measure of the effective concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, and it is related to the molarity of H+ by the formula pH = - log [H+]. This equation illustrates the logarithmic relationship between pH and the concentration of hydrogen ions. Oxygen ions and hydrogen atoms are not directly related to pH in the same manner as hydrogen ions. Acidity is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, and this concentration is what pH measures. Therefore, option A is the only statement that correctly defines the relationship between pH and the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they provide inaccurate information about the relationship between pH and the ions/atoms mentioned. Option B incorrectly associates pH with oxygen ions, option C mentions hydrogen atoms instead of hydrogen ions, and option D confuses acidity with pH, which is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration, not molarity.
Question 4 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 5 of 9
Under which of the following conditions do real gases approach ideal behavior?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Real gases approach ideal behavior at high pressure and high temperature. At these conditions, the volume of the gas molecules becomes negligible compared to the total volume of the gas. Additionally, the average distance between molecules becomes small enough for intermolecular forces to become less significant, leading to behavior that closely mirrors the assumptions of the ideal gas law. Choice B is incorrect because low pressure does not favor ideal behavior as the volume of gas molecules becomes more significant. Choice C is incorrect as the boiling point of water does not directly relate to ideal gas behavior. Choice D is incorrect because real gases can approach ideal behavior under specific conditions, such as high pressure and high temperature.
Question 6 of 9
What does the term amphoteric mean?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The term 'amphoteric' refers to substances that have the ability to act as both acids and bases depending on the surrounding conditions. This dual nature allows amphoteric substances to donate or accept protons, making them versatile in various chemical reactions. Choice A is incorrect because amphoteric substances can also act as acids. Choice C is incorrect as amphoteric substances can also act as bases. Choice D is incorrect as amphoteric substances can act as either a base or an acid.
Question 7 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 8 of 9
What are mixtures of 2 or more metals called?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Alloys are mixtures of two or more metals, combining their properties to create materials with enhanced characteristics. Examples of alloys include bronze (copper and tin) and steel (iron and carbon). Alloys are commonly used in various industries due to their improved strength, durability, and other desirable qualities. Solutions (Choice A) refer to a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, where one substance is dissolved in another. Compounds (Choice C) are substances composed of two or more elements chemically combined in fixed proportions. Suspensions (Choice D) are heterogeneous mixtures where particles are dispersed but can settle out over time.
Question 9 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.