you would expect an amino acid to contain which two functional groups

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which two functional groups would you expect an amino acid to contain?

A. R-NH2 and R-COOH
B. R-CHO and R-CO-NH
C. R-OH and R-COOR
D. R-O-R and R-COOH

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Amino acids are organic compounds that are characterized by the presence of an amino group (NH2) and a carboxylic acid group (COOH) in their chemical structure. These two functional groups, found in option A, are fundamental components of amino acids and play crucial roles in their classification and biological functions. Option B contains an aldehyde group (CHO) and an amide group (CO-NH), which are not characteristic functional groups of amino acids. Option C includes a hydroxyl group (OH) and an ester group (COOR), which are not typically present in amino acids. Option D presents ether (R-O-R) and carboxylic acid (COOH) functional groups, which do not represent the functional groups commonly found in amino acids.

2. What is a benefit of water's ability to make hydrogen bonds?

A. Lack of cohesiveness
B. Low surface tension
C. Use as a nonpolar solvent
D. High specific heat

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, high specific heat. Water's ability to form hydrogen bonds results in a high specific heat capacity, allowing it to absorb and release a large amount of heat energy with minimal temperature change. This property is essential for moderating temperature changes in organisms and maintaining stable environmental conditions for life processes. Choices A, lack of cohesiveness, and C, use as a nonpolar solvent, are incorrect. Water actually has high cohesiveness due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds, and it is a polar solvent, not nonpolar. Choice B, low surface tension, is also incorrect as water's hydrogen bonding contributes to its relatively high surface tension.

3. Which compound contains a polar covalent bond?

A. O
B. F
C. Br
D. H₂O

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The compound 'H₂O' (water) contains a polar covalent bond. In a water molecule, the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms. As a result, the electrons in the O-H bonds are unevenly shared, leading to a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms. This unequal sharing of electrons creates a polar covalent bond in water. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they represent individual elements, not compounds, and do not involve the concept of polar covalent bonds.

4. What are mixtures of 2 or more metals called?

A. Solutions
B. Alloys
C. Compounds
D. Suspensions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Alloys are mixtures of two or more metals, combining their properties to create materials with enhanced characteristics. Examples of alloys include bronze (copper and tin) and steel (iron and carbon). Alloys are commonly used in various industries due to their improved strength, durability, and other desirable qualities. Solutions (Choice A) refer to a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, where one substance is dissolved in another. Compounds (Choice C) are substances composed of two or more elements chemically combined in fixed proportions. Suspensions (Choice D) are heterogeneous mixtures where particles are dispersed but can settle out over time.

5. What charge do alpha radiation particles have?

A. -2
B. 0
C. +2
D. +1

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: +2. Alpha radiation particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, giving them a net charge of +2. This positive charge is due to the presence of the two protons in the nucleus of the alpha particle. Choice A (-2) is incorrect as alpha particles have a positive charge. Choice B (0) is incorrect as alpha particles carry a charge. Choice D (+1) is incorrect as alpha particles have a higher positive charge due to the presence of two protons.