HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test
1. 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)?
- A. Wavelength
- B. Frequency
- C. Wavenumber
- D. Wavefunction
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.
2. A molecule of water contains hydrogen and oxygen in a 1:8 ratio by mass. This is a statement of _____.
- A. The law of multiple proportions
- B. The law of conservation of mass
- C. The law of conservation of energy
- D. The law of constant composition
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.
3. If oxygen is in a compound, what would its oxidation number be?
- A. 2
- B. -2
- C. 0
- D. -1
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.
4. What is a balanced equation?
- A. A description where reactants and products are not equal
- B. An equation where the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides
- C. A chemical formula showing only reactants
- D. An equation without coefficients
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.
5. What are mixtures of 2 or more metals called?
- A. Solutions
- B. Alloys
- C. Compounds
- D. Suspensions
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.
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