HESI A2 Chemistry

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the rate of effusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass, assuming the same conditions. Since Gas A has twice the mass of Gas B, Gas B will effuse faster. Therefore, you will smell Gas A before you smell Gas B. Choice B is incorrect because Gas B will be smelled first due to its faster effusion rate. Choices C and D are incorrect because both gases will eventually be smelled due to their odorous nature, but the order of detection is based on effusion rates, not presence or absence of smell.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Amino acids. Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds to form polypeptide chains, which then fold into complex 3D structures to create proteins. Fatty acids (choice A) are lipids, nucleotides (choice C) are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA, and sugars (choice D) are carbohydrates. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not make up proteins.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: black. Red and white phosphorus are well-known allotropes. Black phosphorus is another important allotrope with a layered structure. It is stable at room temperature and has unique electronic properties. Green, gray, and silver are not commonly recognized allotropic forms of phosphorus, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, H₂O. Water (H₂O) contains a polar covalent bond. This is because oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, creating an unequal sharing of electrons, resulting in a partial negative charge on oxygen and a partial positive charge on hydrogen. This polarity makes water a universal solvent and gives rise to properties like surface tension and hydrogen bonding. Choices A, B, and C (O, F, Br) do not form polar covalent bonds as they do not have significantly different electronegativities compared to the other element in the bond.

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.