Nursing Elites

1. What is a balanced equation?

• A. A description where reactants and products are not equal
• B. An equation where the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides
• C. A chemical formula showing only reactants
• D. An equation without coefficients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A balanced equation is one where the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides, fulfilling the law of conservation of mass. This principle ensures that the total number of atoms of each element is equal in both reactants and products, signifying that no atoms are created or destroyed, but rather rearranged. Choice A is incorrect because a balanced equation has equal numbers of atoms in the reactants and products. Choice C is incorrect as a balanced equation includes both reactants and products. Choice D is incorrect because coefficients are essential in balancing equations by adjusting the number of atoms present.

2. What does the term amphoteric mean?

• A. A substance that only acts as a base
• B. A substance that can act as both a base and an acid
• C. A substance that only acts as an acid
• D. A substance that acts as neither a base nor an acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term 'amphoteric' refers to substances that have the ability to act as both acids and bases depending on the surrounding conditions. This dual nature allows amphoteric substances to donate or accept protons, making them versatile in various chemical reactions. Choice A is incorrect because amphoteric substances can also act as acids. Choice C is incorrect as amphoteric substances can also act as bases. Choice D is incorrect as amphoteric substances can act as either a base or an acid.

3. Where would you expect tap water to fall on the pH scale?

• A. Between 1 and 3
• B. Between 4 and 6
• C. Between 6 and 8
• D. Between 8 and 10

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tap water typically falls within the pH range of 6 to 8, making it slightly acidic to neutral. Most municipal water systems aim to provide water that is safe for consumption and falls within this pH range. A pH level of 7 is considered neutral, so tap water may vary slightly on either side of this number but typically remains within the 6 to 8 range to ensure it is safe for consumption. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because tap water is not expected to have a pH as low as 1-3 (highly acidic) or as high as 8-10 (alkaline); it usually falls within the slightly acidic to neutral range, hence falling between 6 and 8 on the pH scale.

4. Which type of chemical bond is the strongest?

• A. Ionic
• B. Hydrogen
• C. Covalent
• D. Metallic

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Covalent bonds, especially those formed between non-metals, are the strongest type of chemical bond. In covalent bonds, atoms share electrons, creating a strong bond that requires a significant amount of energy to break. Choice A, ionic bonds, are strong but generally weaker than covalent bonds as they involve the transfer of electrons rather than sharing. Choice B, hydrogen bonds, are relatively weak intermolecular forces, not true chemical bonds. Choice D, metallic bonds, are strong but typically not as strong as covalent bonds. Metallic bonds involve a 'sea of electrons' shared between metal atoms, providing strength but with less directional bonding compared to covalent bonds.

5. What are the horizontal rows of the periodic table called?

• A. Periods
• B. Families
• C. Groups
• D. Columns

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Periods. Rows in the periodic table are called periods. They are arranged horizontally from left to right and represent the energy levels of the elements. Each period starts a new energy level or shell, indicating the number of electron shells an element has. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Families and groups refer to vertical columns in the periodic table that share similar chemical properties, while columns are vertical arrangements of elements known as groups or families.

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