HESI A2 chemistry practice questions, set 9

HESI A2 · chemistry

HESI A2 chemistry practice questions set 9

You work the formulas, bonds, and reactions that show up on HESI science modules. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the HESI A2 exam guide or more HESI A2 practice questions.

Five chemistry questions with answers

Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.

Question 1

Which is a property of an ionic compound?

  1. A. Low melting point
  2. B. Poor conductivity
  3. C. Shared electrons
  4. D. Crystalline shape
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Crystalline shape

Ionic compounds are composed of positively and negatively charged ions that are held together by strong electrostatic forces. These ions arrange themselves in a repeating pattern to form a stable and orderly structure known as a crystalline shape. This is a characteristic property of ionic compounds, making choice D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because ionic compounds typically have high melting points, good conductivity in the molten or dissolved state, and do not involve shared electrons but rather the transfer of electrons between atoms.

Question 2

What is the chemical reaction that involves breaking down a compound into component parts?

  1. A. Decomposition
  2. B. Synthesis
  3. C. Combustion
  4. D. Single replacement
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Decomposition

Decomposition is the correct answer because in a decomposition reaction, a compound is broken down into simpler substances. This type of reaction involves the splitting of a compound into its component parts, often through the use of heat, light, or electricity. Synthesis (choice B) is the opposite process where simpler substances are combined to form a more complex compound. Combustion (choice C) is a reaction involving rapid oxidation often accompanied by heat and light. Single replacement (choice D) is a reaction where one element replaces another in a compound.

Question 3

What happens in a single displacement reaction?

  1. A. A compound decomposes into two substances.
  2. B. An active element displaces a less active element.
  3. C. A precipitate solid forms from the reaction of two solutions.
  4. D. The oxidation states of atoms in the reactants change.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — An active element displaces a less active element.

In a single displacement reaction, an active element displaces a less active element in a compound. This process involves one element replacing another in a compound, resulting in the formation of a new compound. Option A is incorrect because a single displacement reaction does not involve the decomposition of a compound into two substances. Option C is incorrect because it describes a precipitation reaction, not a single displacement reaction. Option D is incorrect because it describes oxidation-reduction reactions, not specifically single displacement reactions.

Question 4

What charge do Group VIA elements typically have?

  1. A. -1
  2. B. -2
  3. C. -3
  4. D. 0
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — -2

Group VIA elements, also known as Group 16 elements, typically have a charge of -2. This is because they have 6 valence electrons and tend to gain 2 electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration, resulting in a -2 charge. Choice A (-1) is incorrect as Group VIA elements need to gain 2 electrons for stability, not just 1. Choice C (-3) is incorrect because Group VIA elements do not need to gain 3 electrons to achieve stability. Choice D (0) is incorrect as Group VIA elements need to gain electrons to reach a stable configuration, resulting in a negative charge.

Question 5

What are the products of combustion of a hydrocarbon in excess oxygen?

  1. A. Carbon dioxide and water
  2. B. Naphthalene
  3. C. Chlorine and bromine
  4. D. Carbonium ions
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Carbon dioxide and water

The correct answer is A: Carbon dioxide and water. During the combustion of a hydrocarbon in excess oxygen, the hydrocarbon reacts to produce carbon dioxide and water vapor as the final products. This reaction is known as complete combustion, where the hydrocarbon combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because naphthalene is a specific hydrocarbon compound, chlorine and bromine are not typically formed during the combustion of hydrocarbons in excess oxygen, and carbonium ions are not the products of this reaction.

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Ten more HESI A2 chemistry questions

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Question 6

What is the primary function of enzymes?

  1. A. To provide energy for reactions
  2. B. To speed up reactions
  3. C. To decrease activation energy
  4. D. To act as a catalyst
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Question 7

What can stop the penetration of beta radiation particles?

  1. A. Plastic
  2. B. Glass
  3. C. Aluminum foil
  4. D. Concrete
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Question 8

Which element would you expect to be least reactive?

  1. A. Li
  2. B. Cr
  3. C. Nd
  4. D. Xe
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Question 9

What are the three types of intermolecular forces?

  1. A. Ionic, covalent, hydrogen
  2. B. Hydrogen bonding, dipole interactions, dispersion forces
  3. C. Van der Waals, ionic, covalent
  4. D. Hydrogen, Van der Waals, dispersion forces
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Question 10

What does the mass of one mole of a substance represent?

  1. A. Atomic mass
  2. B. Mass number
  3. C. Molecular weight
  4. D. Molar mass
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Question 11

Which element has the highest electronegativity?

  1. A. Fluorine
  2. B. Chlorine
  3. C. Nitrogen
  4. D. Oxygen
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Question 12

What type of bond is an electrostatic attraction between two oppositely charged ions?

  1. A. Covalent
  2. B. Metallic
  3. C. Ionic
  4. D. Hydrogen
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Question 13

What is the number of protons in the atomic nucleus of an alkali metal?

  1. A. 9
  2. B. 10
  3. C. 11
  4. D. 12
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Question 14

Who was the English scientist who made accurate observations on how pressure and volume are related?

  1. A. Charles
  2. B. Combine
  3. C. Boyle
  4. D. Gay-Lussac
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Question 15

What color does phenolphthalein turn in the presence of an acid?

  1. A. Clear
  2. B. Blue
  3. C. Pink
  4. D. Red
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About these HESI A2 chemistry questions

HESI A2 chemistry practice questions, set 9 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the HESI A2 exam guide.

The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.