Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: OH⁻. In water solutions of bases, OH⁻ ions are dominant as they are responsible for the basic properties. Bases release OH⁻ ions when dissolved in water, leading to an increase in pH. MgCl₂ and 2HCl do not contribute to basicity as they do not release OH⁻ ions. H⁺ ions, found in strong acids, are associated with acidic properties and would not dominate in a base solution.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct formula for silver hydroxide is AgOH. Silver is a transition metal with a +1 charge, and hydroxide is OH⁻. To balance the charges, one silver ion combines with one hydroxide ion to form AgOH. Choice A (AgO) is incorrect because it does not include the hydroxide ion. Choice C (AgH) is incorrect as it suggests silver bonding with hydrogen, which is not the case. Choice D (AgH₂O) is incorrect as it implies silver bonding with water molecules, which is not the formula for silver hydroxide.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Amalgam. An amalgam is an alloy where mercury (Hg) is the solvent and another metal is dissolved in it. This is a common dental material. Electrum (A) is a natural alloy of gold and silver. Solder (C) is a metal alloy used to join other metals. Bronze (D) is an alloy of copper and tin.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The given chemical equation shows aluminum replacing hydrogen in sulfuric acid, which is a single replacement reaction. In this type of reaction, one element displaces another in a compound. Here, Al replaces H in H2SO4 to form Al2(SO4)3 and HNO3. The other choices are incorrect because a decomposition reaction involves a single compound breaking down into simpler substances, a synthesis reaction involves two or more substances combining to form a new compound, and a double replacement reaction involves the exchange of ions between two compounds.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: +2. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, giving it a total charge of +2. Protons have a charge of +1 each, and neutrons have no charge. Therefore, the total charge of an alpha particle is +2. Choice A (-1) is incorrect because it is the charge of an electron. Choice B (+1) is incorrect because it represents the charge of a proton. Choice D (No charge) is incorrect because alpha particles have a positive charge due to the presence of protons.