HESI A2 Version 1 Chemistry

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In catabolic pathways, complex molecules are broken down into simpler ones, leading to an increase in disorder or entropy. Entropy represents the measure of randomness or disorder in a system. As chemical reactions break down molecules, the overall disorder in the system tends to increase, making entropy the correct answer in this context. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Entropy' as it aligns with the concept of increased disorder in catabolic pathways. Enthalpy, on the other hand, relates to the total heat content of a system and is not specifically associated with disorder or complexity. Glucose and glycogen are molecules involved in energy storage and are not directly related to the increase in disorder observed in catabolic pathways.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A combustion reaction is a type of chemical reaction that involves a substance reacting with oxygen gas to produce heat and light. This reaction is exothermic, releasing energy in the form of heat and light. The correct answer is D because combustion reactions specifically involve oxygen as a reactant, leading to the production of heat and light as byproducts.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D - High specific heat. Water's ability to make hydrogen bonds leads to a high specific heat capacity, which allows it to absorb and release large amounts of heat with minimal temperature change. This property is crucial for maintaining stable temperatures in living organisms and aquatic environments. High specific heat helps regulate body temperature in organisms and prevents sudden temperature fluctuations in water bodies, providing an essential benefit for various biological processes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is a mass spectrometer. A mass spectrometer is a device specifically designed to separate gaseous ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio. The separation occurs as ions pass through the mass spectrometer, allowing for the identification and quantification of compounds present in a sample. This analytical instrument is widely used in chemistry and other scientific fields due to its ability to provide detailed information about the composition of substances.