what is the charge of an alpha particle

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What is the charge of an alpha particle?

A. -1
B. +1
C. +2
D. No charge

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, resulting in a total charge of +2 due to the presence of two positively charged protons. Therefore, the correct answer is C, indicating a charge of +2. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because an alpha particle is positively charged due to the two protons it contains, resulting in a charge of +2.

2. What is the molarity of a solution containing 45 moles of NaCl in 4 liters?

A. 0.11 M NaCl
B. 0.45 M NaCl
C. 1.8 M NaCl
D. 8.9 M NaCl

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the molarity of a solution, you use the formula: Molarity (M) = moles of solute / liters of solution. In this case, M = 45 moles / 4 L = 11.25 M. The correct answer is 0.11 M NaCl. Choice B is incorrect as it doesn't match the calculated value. Choice C is also incorrect as it is significantly higher than the correct molarity. Choice D is incorrect as it is excessively high compared to the calculated value.

3. What type of chemical reaction involves the reaction of a compound with oxygen?

A. Decomposition
B. Synthesis
C. Combustion
D. Single replacement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Combustion. A combustion reaction is characterized by a compound reacting with oxygen. During this process, heat and light are often produced as energy is released in the form of heat. Combustion is a common type of reaction involving organic compounds, like hydrocarbons, reacting with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because decomposition involves a compound breaking down into simpler substances, synthesis involves the combination of two or more substances to form a more complex one, and single replacement involves an element replacing another element in a compound.

4. Which of the following pH values is most likely for lemon juice?

A. 3
B. 5
C. 7
D. 9

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lemon juice is highly acidic with a pH around 2-3, making it more acidic than neutral substances. A pH of 5 is too high for lemon juice, indicating less acidity. Similarly, pH 7 is neutral, and pH 9 would be alkaline, which is not characteristic of lemon juice. Therefore, the correct answer is option A (pH 3).

5. What can stop the penetration of gamma radiation?

A. Aluminum foil
B. Glass
C. Several feet of concrete
D. Piece of paper

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Gamma radiation is highly penetrative and requires dense materials to block it effectively. While aluminum foil and glass are not sufficient to stop gamma radiation, several feet of concrete is needed due to its high density and ability to absorb gamma radiation effectively. A piece of paper is too thin and lacks the density required to block gamma radiation, making it an ineffective shield.