1. Which mineral is crucial for bone strength and is stored in bones and teeth?

A. Calcium
B. Iron
C. Magnesium
D. Potassium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Calcium. Calcium is crucial for bone strength as it is a key mineral stored in bones and teeth. It plays a vital role in maintaining bone density and strength, helping to prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Without an adequate intake of calcium, individuals may be at risk of developing weak and brittle bones. Iron (B), Magnesium (C), and Potassium (D) are important minerals for various bodily functions, but they are not primarily responsible for bone strength and storage in bones and teeth.

2. Which of the following is an example of a weak acid?

A. Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
B. Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
C. Acetic acid (CH3COOH)
D. Nitric acid (HNO3)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weak acids only partially dissociate in water, releasing a lower concentration of hydrogen ions.

3. Which statement accurately describes the relationship between electron configuration and the periodic table?

A. Elements within the same period have similar electron configurations.
B. Elements within the same group have similar electron configurations in their outermost shell.
C. Electron configuration has no influence on an element's position on the periodic table.
D. The number of electron shells an element has determines its group on the periodic table.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Elements within the same group have similar electron configurations in their outermost shell. This explains why elements in the same group often share similar chemical properties.

4. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to develop:

A. A physical barrier against pathogens
B. An inflammatory response
C. Immunological memory to a specific pathogen
D. Phagocytes to engulf pathogens

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Immunological memory to a specific pathogen.' Vaccines work by introducing a harmless form of a pathogen or a piece of it to stimulate the immune system. This exposure triggers the production of antibodies and memory cells specific to that pathogen. These memory cells 'remember' the pathogen, allowing the immune system to respond more effectively and rapidly if exposed to the actual pathogen in the future. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because vaccines do not create a physical barrier, induce a general inflammatory response, or directly cause phagocytes to engulf pathogens; instead, vaccines enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and combat specific pathogens.

5. Which of the following is a common property of bases?

A. Conductivity in aqueous solutions
B. Sour taste
C. Reactivity with metals to produce hydrogen gas
D. Turns red litmus paper blue

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Bases are substances that can accept protons or donate hydroxide ions in a chemical reaction. One common property of bases is that they turn red litmus paper blue. This is a classic test to distinguish between acids (which turn blue litmus paper red) and bases. Conductivity in aqueous solutions (Option A) is a property of both acids and bases, sour taste (Option B) is a property of acids, and reactivity with metals to produce hydrogen gas (Option C) is a property of acids, not bases.

6. Which element has the highest melting point of any element?

A. Tungsten
B. Iron
C. Platinum
D. Carbon

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Diamond's strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms make it incredibly resistant to heat and pressure, giving it the highest melting point.