HESI A2 Chemistry Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carbon dioxide. When an acid reacts with a carbonate, it produces carbon dioxide gas due to the chemical reaction. The acid donates hydrogen ions to the carbonate, forming carbonic acid, which then breaks down into water and carbon dioxide. Oxygen (B), hydrogen (C), and nitrogen (D) are not produced during this specific reaction and are not part of the chemical equation for the reaction between an acid and a carbonate.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Na. Sodium's chemical symbol is Na because it is derived from its Latin name "natrium." N represents nitrogen, Cl represents chlorine, and H represents hydrogen, making them incorrect choices. Remember to consider the element's name origins for accurate symbol identification.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ammonia. Ammonia is a base because it can accept protons (H+ ions) to form ammonium ions (NH4+). It can also react with water to form ammonium hydroxide, which is a strong base. Water (choice A) is neutral, not a base. Sodium chloride (choice B) is a salt formed from the reaction of a strong acid and a strong base, not a base itself. "Salt" (choice D) is a general term for any ionic compound formed from the neutralization of an acid and a base, not specifically a base.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fluorine. Fluorine has the highest electronegativity because it has the smallest atomic size among the choices, leading to a stronger attraction for electrons. This makes it more likely to attract electrons in a chemical bond. Chlorine, Nitrogen, and Oxygen have lower electronegativities compared to Fluorine due to their larger atomic sizes, resulting in weaker electron-attracting capabilities. Remember, electronegativity generally increases across a period from left to right in the periodic table.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Argon. Noble gases are elements in Group 18 of the periodic table with full valence electron shells, making them stable and non-reactive. Argon is a noble gas with 8 valence electrons, fulfilling the octet rule. Hydrogen (A) is a nonmetal in Group 1, Fluorine (B) is a halogen in Group 17, and Nitrogen (D) is a nonmetal in Group 15, none of which are noble gases.