HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Questions
Question 1 of 9
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.
Question 2 of 9
What is a pentose sugar?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A pentose is a 5-carbon sugar, as the prefix 'pent-' signifies five. Therefore, a pentose sugar consists of five carbon atoms. Choice A, 'A 6 carbon sugar,' is incorrect as a pentose sugar specifically has five carbons. Choice B, 'A 4 carbon sugar,' is incorrect as it describes a tetrose sugar, which has four carbons. Choice D, 'A 7 carbon sugar,' is incorrect as it does not correspond to the definition of a pentose sugar.
Question 3 of 9
When balanced, the reaction Fe + O₂ → FeO will be?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To balance the chemical equation Fe + O₂ → FeO, the coefficients needed are 2 for Fe and 1 for O. Therefore, the balanced equation becomes 2Fe + O₂ → 2FeO, which translates into 2Fe + 3O₂ → 2FeO. This corresponds to option C. Choice A has the incorrect number of oxygen molecules. Choice B has an incorrect number of Fe atoms on the product side. Choice D also has an incorrect number of Fe atoms on the product side.
Question 4 of 9
You contain two odorous gases in vials with porous plugs. Gas A has twice the mass of Gas B. Which observation is most likely?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The rate of effusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass. Since Gas A has twice the mass of Gas B, Gas A will effuse more slowly than Gas B. Therefore, you will likely smell Gas A before you smell Gas B as Gas A will escape and diffuse through the porous plug at a slower rate compared to Gas B. Choice A is correct because Gas A, with its higher molar mass, will take longer to effuse through the porous plug, causing you to smell it first. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not consider the relationship between molar mass and effusion rate.
Question 5 of 9
If fifty-six kilograms of a radioactive substance has a half-life of 12 days, how many days will it take the substance to decay naturally to only 7 kilograms?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To decay from 56 kg to 7 kg, the substance needs to go through 3 half-lives (56 kg · 2 · 2 · 2 = 7 kg). Since each half-life is 12 days, the total time required is 12 days per half-life x 3 half-lives = 36 days. Choice A is incorrect because it does not consider the concept of half-lives. Choice B is incorrect because it represents the duration of a single half-life, not the total time required for the decay. Choice D is incorrect as it does not account for the multiple half-lives needed for the substance to decay from 56 kg to 7 kg.
Question 6 of 9
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 7 of 9
Which two elements are most alike in reactivity?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chlorine (Cl) and Phosphorus (P) are most alike in reactivity among the given pairs. Both elements are nonmetals and belong to Group 7 (halogens) and Group 15 (nitrogen group), respectively. They have similar electronic configurations and can form compounds by gaining or sharing electrons. Chlorine is highly reactive and can easily form ionic compounds, while phosphorus also shows a range of reactivity in its compounds. Choice A (He and H) is incorrect because helium (He) is a noble gas and hydrogen (H) is a nonmetal, so they are not similar in reactivity. Choice B (K and Ar) is incorrect as potassium (K) is a metal and argon (Ar) is a noble gas, having different reactivities. Choice D (Ba and Mg) is incorrect because barium (Ba) and magnesium (Mg) are both metals, but their reactivities differ due to their positions in the periodic table.
Question 8 of 9
Among the following elements, which is a nonmetal?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sulfur is a nonmetal as it is located on the right side of the periodic table. Nonmetals generally exhibit properties such as being brittle, poor conductors of heat and electricity, and having lower melting points compared to metals. Mercury (A), Magnesium (B), and Potassium (D) are all metals due to their metallic properties. Mercury is a liquid metal at room temperature, Magnesium is a solid metal, and Potassium is a solid metal as well. Therefore, the correct answer is C, Sulfur.
Question 9 of 9
Which of these elements has the greatest atomic mass?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Among the elements listed, Tungsten (W) has the greatest atomic mass. The atomic mass of Tungsten is approximately 183.84 atomic mass units (amu), while the atomic masses of the other elements listed are as follows: Gold (Au) is around 196.97 amu, Barium (Ba) is approximately 137.33 amu, and Iodine (I) is about 126.90 amu. Therefore, Tungsten (W) has the greatest atomic mass out of the given elements. Gold (Au) has a higher atomic mass than Barium (Ba) and Iodine (I), making choices A, B, and C incorrect.