HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry Questions
1. What is the name of the force that holds ionic compounds together?
- A. Covalent bonds
- B. Ionic bonds
- C. Hydrogen bonds
- D. Metallic bonds
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Ionic bonds are the forces that hold ionic compounds together. In ionic compounds, positively and negatively charged ions are held together by electrostatic forces of attraction, forming a stable structure. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, not the transfer of electrons like in ionic bonds. Hydrogen bonds are a type of intermolecular force, not the primary force in holding ionic compounds together. Metallic bonds are found in metals and involve a 'sea of electrons' that hold metal atoms together, different from the electrostatic attraction between ions in ionic compounds.
2. 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.
3. Which gas is produced when an acid reacts with a carbonate?
- A. Carbon dioxide
- B. Oxygen
- C. Hydrogen
- D. Nitrogen
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When an acid reacts with a carbonate, the chemical reaction typically yields carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide is formed due to the chemical reaction between the acid and the carbonate, releasing this gas as a product. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Carbon dioxide.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen are not the gases produced in this specific acid-carbonate reaction.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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