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. Arsenic and silicon are examples of ___________.

A. metals
B. nonmetals
C. metalloids
D. heavy metals

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Arsenic and silicon are both examples of metalloids. Metalloids have properties that lie between those of metals and nonmetals. They exhibit characteristics of both groups, making them versatile elements with various applications in different industries. Choice A (metals) is incorrect as arsenic and silicon do not exhibit typical metallic properties. Choice B (nonmetals) is incorrect as they do not possess all the properties of nonmetals. Choice D (heavy metals) is incorrect as heavy metals refer to a different group of elements with high atomic weights, and arsenic and silicon are not categorized as heavy metals.

3. To the nearest whole number, what is the mass of one mole of water?

A. 16 g/mol
B. 18 g/mol
C. 20 g/mol
D. 22 g/mol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The molar mass of water (H₂O) is calculated by adding the atomic masses of two hydrogen atoms (each with a molar mass of approximately 1 g/mol) and one oxygen atom (with a molar mass of approximately 16 g/mol). Therefore, the molar mass of water is approximately 18 g/mol, making choice B the correct answer. Choice A (16 g/mol) is incorrect because it represents the molar mass of oxygen, not water. Choices C (20 g/mol) and D (22 g/mol) are incorrect as they do not correspond to the molar mass of water.

4. What is the correct formula for potassium chloride?

A. NaCl
B. KCl
C. KCl
D. ClK

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct formula for potassium chloride is KCl. In chemical formulas, the symbol for the cation (positive ion) comes first followed by the symbol for the anion (negative ion). Potassium is represented by the symbol K, while chloride is represented by the symbol Cl. Therefore, the formula for potassium chloride is KCl. Choice A (NaCl) is the formula for sodium chloride, not potassium chloride. Choice C is a duplicate of choice B, and choice D (ClK) is an incorrect arrangement of the symbols for potassium and chloride.

5. 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.