how many amino acids are essential for human life

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Test

1. How many amino acids are essential for human life?

A. 22
B. 20
C. 18
D. 24

Correct answer: B

Rationale: There are 20 essential amino acids required for human life. These amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet. They play crucial roles in various physiological functions and are necessary for protein synthesis and overall health. Choice A is incorrect because there are not 22 essential amino acids. Choice C is incorrect as there are more than 18 essential amino acids. Choice D is incorrect as there are not 24 essential amino acids for human life.

2. What is the pH of a neutral solution?

A. 7
B. 0
C. 14
D. 4

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 7. A neutral solution has a pH of 7. In the pH scale, values below 7 are acidic, 7 is neutral, and values above 7 are basic. Therefore, a solution with a pH of 7 is considered neutral as it is neither acidic nor basic. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a pH of 0 indicates a strong acid, a pH of 14 indicates a strong base, and a pH of 4 indicates an acidic solution. None of these values represent a neutral solution.

3. What is the process of breaking bonds and forming new bonds to create new chemical compounds?

A. Physical reaction
B. Chemical reaction
C. Nuclear reaction
D. Mechanical reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A chemical reaction involves the breaking and forming of bonds to create new substances. During a chemical reaction, the original chemical bonds are broken, and new bonds are formed to produce one or more new substances with different properties from the reactants. This transformation is a fundamental concept in chemistry and distinguishes chemical reactions from physical, nuclear, or mechanical reactions. Choice A, 'Physical reaction,' does not involve the breaking and forming of chemical bonds but rather changes in physical state or appearance. Choice C, 'Nuclear reaction,' involves changes in the nuclei of atoms, not the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. Choice D, 'Mechanical reaction,' refers to reactions involving physical forces or movements, not the breaking and forming of chemical bonds as in a chemical reaction.

4. What is the oxidation state of the potassium ion in the compound KCl?

A. +1
B. -1
C. +2
D. -2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the compound KCl (potassium chloride), potassium is in Group 1 of the periodic table, which means it has a valence electron of 1. Chlorine is in Group 17 and gains one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration by forming an ionic bond with potassium. As a result, the potassium ion in KCl has a +1 oxidation state. Therefore, the correct answer is +1. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the oxidation state of the potassium ion in KCl.

5. How many protons does Potassium have?

A. 18
B. 19
C. 20
D. 21

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Potassium, with the atomic symbol K, has 19 protons, which is equal to its atomic number. The number of protons determines the element's identity, and in the case of Potassium, it is 19. Choice A (18) is incorrect as it does not correspond to Potassium's proton number. Choice C (20) and Choice D (21) are also incorrect as they do not match the actual number of protons in Potassium.