HESI A2 Chemistry Practice Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 2. Helium-4 has an atomic number of 2, which represents the number of protons in its nucleus. Since the atomic number is the sum of protons and neutrons, and helium-4 has 2 protons, it must also have 2 neutrons to make the total atomic mass 4. Therefore, there are 2 neutrons in an atom of helium-4. Choice B: 3 is incorrect because it does not match the atomic number of helium-4. Choice C: 4 is incorrect as it is the total atomic mass of helium-4, not the number of neutrons. Choice D: 6 is incorrect as it does not correspond to the atomic structure of helium-4.

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: 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: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Heating increases kinetic energy of particles. 2. Higher kinetic energy results in faster movement. 3. Faster movement leads to increased collisions. 4. Increased collisions enhance diffusion rate. Summary of incorrect choices: B. Space between particles increasing doesn't directly affect diffusion rate. C. Density of particles decreasing doesn't necessarily impact diffusion rate. D. Size of particles increasing doesn't affect diffusion rate directly.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pyridine (C5H5N) because it is not a hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons are compounds composed of only carbon and hydrogen atoms. Pyridine contains nitrogen in addition to carbon and hydrogen, making it a heterocyclic compound. Methane, ethane, and propane are all hydrocarbons as they only contain carbon and hydrogen atoms. Pyridine is not a hydrocarbon as it contains nitrogen in its chemical structure, making it the only non-hydrocarbon option among the choices.