HESI A2
Chemistry Hesi A2
1. Which of the following compounds is ionic?
- A. NaCl
- B. H₂O
- C. HCl
- D. NH₃
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is NaCl (sodium chloride). Ionic compounds are formed by the transfer of electrons between a metal and a nonmetal. In NaCl, sodium (Na) is a metal, and chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal. Sodium donates an electron to chlorine, leading to the formation of the ionic bond between them. This results in the formation of an ionic compound, where positively charged sodium ions are attracted to negatively charged chloride ions, creating a crystal lattice structure. Choices B, C, and D are not ionic compounds. H₂O (water) is a covalent compound formed by the sharing of electrons between two nonmetals (oxygen and hydrogen). HCl (hydrogen chloride) and NH₃ (ammonia) are also covalent compounds involving nonmetals sharing electrons, not transferring them.
2. Which substance shows a decrease in solubility in water with an increase in temperature?
- A. NaCl
- B. O
- C. KI
- D. CaCl
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Potassium iodide (KI) shows a decrease in solubility in water with an increase in temperature. This is due to the dissolution of KI in water being an endothermic process. When the temperature rises, the equilibrium shifts toward the solid state, leading to a decrease in solubility. Therefore, as the temperature increases, KI becomes less soluble in water. Choice A (NaCl) and Choice D (CaCl) do not exhibit a decrease in solubility with an increase in temperature. NaCl and CaCl are generally more soluble in water at higher temperatures. Choice B (Oxygen) is a gas and not typically considered in solubility discussions involving solids or liquids dissolving in water.
3. How many electrons are in a neutral atom of neon?
- A. 9
- B. 10
- C. 11
- D. 12
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The atomic number of neon is 10, which represents the number of protons in its nucleus. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons to maintain electrical neutrality. Therefore, a neutral atom of neon contains 10 electrons, matching the 10 protons within the nucleus. Choice A (9 electrons) is incorrect as it doesn't correspond to the atomic number of neon. Choices C (11 electrons) and D (12 electrons) are also incorrect as they do not align with the correct atomic number of neon.
4. What is the oxidation state of the nitrogen atom in the compound NH3?
- A. -3
- B. -1
- C. +1
- D. +3
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the compound NH3, nitrogen is bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Hydrogen is always assigned an oxidation state of +1. Since the overall charge of NH3 is zero, the oxidation state of nitrogen must be -1 to balance out the hydrogen's +1 oxidation state. Therefore, the correct oxidation state of the nitrogen atom in NH3 is -1. Choice A (-3) is incorrect because it does not account for the electronegativity of hydrogen. Choice C (+1) and Choice D (+3) are incorrect as the nitrogen atom in NH3 needs to balance the +1 oxidation state of each hydrogen atom, resulting in a total of -3 to maintain the compound's charge neutrality.
5. What does a blood sample with a pH of 3 indicate?
- A. It is strongly acidic.
- B. It is strongly basic.
- C. It is weakly acidic.
- D. It is weakly basic.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A blood pH of 3 is significantly low, indicating a strong acidity level. The normal blood pH range is 7.35 to 7.45; therefore, a pH of 3 is far below the normal range, showing a highly acidic condition in the blood sample. Choice B is incorrect because a pH of 3 is not basic at all. Choice C is incorrect as a pH of 3 is not weakly acidic but strongly acidic. Choice D is wrong as a blood pH of 3 does not indicate a weakly basic condition.
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