HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Questions
1. What type of reaction occurs when an acid and a base react to form water and salt?
- A. Neutralization reaction
- B. Decomposition reaction
- C. Combustion reaction
- D. Redox reaction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A neutralization reaction is the correct answer. In this type of reaction, an acid and a base combine to form water and salt. The acid donates a proton (H+) to the base, forming water, while the remaining ions combine to form a salt. This reaction results in the neutralization of both the acid and the base, hence the name 'neutralization reaction.' Choice B, decomposition reaction, is incorrect because it refers to a reaction where a compound breaks down into simpler substances. Choice C, combustion reaction, is incorrect as it involves a substance reacting with oxygen to produce heat and light. Choice D, redox reaction, is incorrect because it involves the transfer of electrons between reactants.
2. Which of the following is a characteristic of an exothermic reaction?
- A. It absorbs heat
- B. It releases heat
- C. It remains neutral
- D. It requires energy input
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An exothermic reaction is characterized by the release of heat. During an exothermic reaction, energy is released in the form of heat to the surroundings, resulting in a temperature increase. This distinguishes it from endothermic reactions, which absorb heat from the surroundings. Choice A is incorrect because exothermic reactions do not absorb heat; instead, they release heat. Choice C is incorrect as exothermic reactions do not remain neutral; they involve a net release of energy. Choice D is incorrect as exothermic reactions do not require energy input; instead, they release energy.
3. Which chemical reaction involves the breaking of a compound into its components?
- A. Decomposition reaction
- B. Combustion reaction
- C. Neutralization reaction
- D. Single displacement reaction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decomposition reaction. A decomposition reaction involves breaking down a compound into its components. During this reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. This process is the opposite of a synthesis reaction where multiple substances combine to form a more complex compound. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because combustion reaction involves burning a substance in oxygen, neutralization reaction involves the reaction between an acid and a base to form water and a salt, and single displacement reaction involves an element displacing another in a compound.
4. How can water be boiled at room temperature?
- A. By lowering the pressure
- B. By increasing the pressure
- C. By decreasing the volume
- D. By raising the boiling point
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The boiling point of water is directly affected by pressure. By lowering the pressure, water can boil at a lower temperature, even at room temperature. This occurs because at lower pressures, the molecules of water have less resistance to escaping into the vapor phase, thus enabling boiling to occur at lower temperatures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increasing the pressure, decreasing the volume, or raising the boiling point would actually require higher temperatures to boil water rather than achieving boiling at room temperature.
5. Which gas is released during photosynthesis?
- A. Carbon dioxide
- B. Oxygen
- C. Nitrogen
- D. Helium
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During photosynthesis, plants utilize carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. Oxygen is released as a byproduct of this process, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms that depend on it for respiration. Therefore, the correct answer is oxygen. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Carbon dioxide is utilized in photosynthesis, nitrogen is not directly involved in the process, and helium is not a gas released during photosynthesis.
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