HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: To find moles of KBr, use formula moles = concentration (M) x volume (L). Given 4 M KBr solution in 25 mL, convert mL to L (25 mL = 0.025 L). Calculate moles = 4 mol/L x 0.025 L = 0.1 mol. Therefore, the correct answer is B (0.1 mol). Option A (0.035 mol) is too low, C (0.18 mol) is too high, and D (1.6 mol) is significantly higher due to incorrect calculations.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Silicon. Silicon has an atomic mass greater than that of sodium (Na). Sodium has an atomic mass of 22.99 g/mol, whereas silicon has an atomic mass of 28.09 g/mol. Therefore, silicon's atomic mass is greater than that of sodium. Boron (A), oxygen (B), and fluorine (C) all have atomic masses lower than sodium, making them incorrect choices in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: +1. In KCl, potassium is a group 1 element, which always has an oxidation state of +1 in its compounds. Chlorine, a group 17 element, has an oxidation state of -1 in most compounds. Therefore, the oxidation state of potassium in KCl must be +1 to balance the -1 oxidation state of chlorine. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the known oxidation states of potassium and chlorine in this compound.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct formula for calcium carbonate is CaCO₃. Calcium carbonate consists of one calcium ion (Ca²⁺) and one carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻). The calcium ion has a 2+ charge while the carbonate ion has a 2- charge, so they combine in a 1:1 ratio to balance the charges. Therefore, the correct formula is CaCO₃. Choice A (CaSO₃) is incorrect because it represents calcium sulfite, not calcium carbonate. Choice C (Ca(OH)₂) is incorrect as it represents calcium hydroxide, not calcium carbonate. Choice D (CH₃OH) is incorrect as it represents methanol, not calcium carbonate.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for the correct answer (C): A saturated solution has the maximum concentration of solute dissolved in the solvent. At this point, the rate of dissolution equals the rate of crystallization, achieving a dynamic equilibrium. As a result, adding more solute will not increase its concentration further. Choice A is incorrect because a saturated solution has exactly the right amount of solute dissolved. Choice B is incorrect because a saturated solution is at its maximum solubility. Choice D is incorrect because a precipitate would indicate an unsaturated solution.