HESI A2
HESI A2 Chemistry
1. What is 0 K equal to in °C?
- A. -300°C
- B. -273°C
- C. -250°C
- D. -200°C
Correct answer: B
Rationale: 0 Kelvin, also known as absolute zero, is equal to -273°C. This is the point at which all molecular motion stops, making it the lowest possible temperature on the Kelvin scale. Choice A (-300°C) is incorrect as it is not the correct conversion of 0 K to °C. Choice C (-250°C) and Choice D (-200°C) are also incorrect as they do not correspond to the accurate conversion of 0 K to °C.
2. Cobalt-60 has a half-life of 5 years. If you start with 20 g of cobalt-60, how much is left after 10 years?
- A. 15 g
- B. 10 g
- C. 5 g
- D. 2.5 g
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cobalt-60's half-life of 5 years means that after 5 years, half of the initial amount remains. Therefore, after 10 years, a quarter (half of a half) of the initial amount will remain. Starting with 20 g, after 10 years, 5 g of cobalt-60 will be left. Choice A (15 g) is incorrect because it assumes a linear decrease, not considering the exponential decay characteristic of radioactive substances. Choice B (10 g) is incorrect as it overlooks that after 10 years, more decay has occurred. Choice D (2.5 g) is incorrect as it represents only an eighth of the initial amount after 10 years, not a quarter.
3. What can stop the penetration of alpha particles?
- A. Aluminum foil
- B. Glass
- C. Piece of paper
- D. Plastic
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Alpha particles can be stopped by a piece of paper due to their low penetration power. The paper acts as a shield, effectively blocking the alpha particles from passing through. In contrast, materials like aluminum foil, glass, and plastic are not as effective as a simple piece of paper in stopping alpha particles. Aluminum foil is more effective against beta particles, gamma rays, and x-rays due to its higher density. Glass and plastic also provide some protection against beta particles and gamma rays, but they are less effective than a piece of paper against alpha particles.
4. A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 20 years. How many grams of a 6-gram sample will remain after 40 years?
- A. 8
- B. 6
- C. 3
- D. 1.5
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the original sample to decay. After each half-life period, half of the initial sample remains. In this case, after the first 20 years, half of the 6-gram sample (3 grams) will remain. After another 20 years (total of 40 years), half of the remaining 3 grams will remain, which is 1.5 grams. Therefore, 3 grams will be left after 40 years. Choice A is incorrect as it doesn't consider the concept of half-life and incorrectly suggests an increase in the sample. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes no decay over time. Choice D is incorrect as it miscalculates the remaining amount after two half-life periods.
5. Which type of radiation involves the emission of helium ions?
- A. Beta
- B. Alpha
- C. Gamma
- D. Delta
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Alpha radiation involves the emission of helium ions. Helium ions are composed of two protons and two neutrons, which is the same as the nucleus of a helium atom. This type of radiation has low penetration power and can be stopped by a piece of paper or human skin, making it less harmful compared to other forms of radiation like beta or gamma radiation. Beta radiation involves the emission of high-speed electrons, while gamma radiation involves electromagnetic waves with high energy. Delta radiation is not a recognized form of radiation in this context, making it an incorrect choice.
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