HESI A2 Chemistry

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Zinc sulfate. ZnSO₄ consists of zinc (Zn) and sulfate (SO₄) ions. The name of an ionic compound follows the pattern of cation name + anion name with appropriate suffixes. In this case, "sulfate" is the correct name for the polyatomic ion SO₄, so the compound is named zinc sulfate. Incorrect choices: B: Zinc sulfide - Sulfide is a different anion (S²⁻) than sulfate. C: Zinc sulfur - Incorrect as it doesn't specify the anion involved. D: Zinc oxide - Oxide is a different anion (O²⁻) than sulfate.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decomposition. In this reaction, a single reactant (AB) breaks down into two or more products (A and B). This aligns with the definition of a decomposition reaction, where a compound is broken down into simpler substances. Choice A (Synthesis) involves combining two or more substances to form a more complex product, which is not the case here. Choices C (Single replacement) and D (Double replacement) involve the exchange of ions or elements between compounds, which is not happening in the given reaction. Thus, based on the breakdown of reactants and products, the correct classification of the reaction is decomposition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, pink. Phenolphthalein is colorless in acidic solutions and turns pink in the presence of a base due to a shift in pH causing a structural change. This color change is a result of the molecule's ability to act as a pH indicator, making it ideal for titrations. Choice A, clear, is incorrect as phenolphthalein is not colorless in the presence of an acid. Choice B, blue, is incorrect as phenolphthalein does not turn blue in any pH range. Choice D, red, is incorrect as phenolphthalein turns pink, not red, in the presence of a base.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Beta radiation. Beta radiation consists of high-energy electrons or positrons traveling at high speeds, typically around 16,000 km/sec. This is because beta particles are emitted during the decay of a radioactive nucleus when a neutron changes into a proton and an electron (beta-minus decay) or a proton changes into a neutron and a positron (beta-plus decay). Alpha radiation (A) consists of helium nuclei, gamma radiation (C) is high-energy electromagnetic radiation, and there is no such thing as delta radiation (D) in the context of nuclear physics.