Nursing Elites

1. Which law states that matter can neither be created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction?

• A. Law of Conservation of Energy
• B. Law of Conservation of Mass
• C. Law of Constant Composition
• D. Law of Multiple Proportions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, the Law of Conservation of Mass. This law, formulated by Antoine Lavoisier, states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. It is a fundamental principle in chemistry that explains the preservation of mass during chemical reactions, indicating that the total mass of the reactants is equal to the total mass of the products. The other choices are incorrect because: A: The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, not matter. C: The Law of Constant Composition refers to compounds having the same composition by mass regardless of their source or how they were prepared, not about the conservation of matter in reactions. D: The Law of Multiple Proportions describes the ratios in which elements combine to form compounds, not the conservation of mass.

2. What is the oxidation state of the oxygen atom in the compound NaOH?

• A. -2
• B. -1
• C. 0
• D. +2

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the compound NaOH (sodium hydroxide), the oxidation state of the sodium ion (Na) is +1 as it commonly has a +1 charge in ionic compounds. Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. Since the compound is electrically neutral and the overall charge is zero, the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in the compound must be zero. Therefore, considering that sodium has an oxidation state of +1, the oxygen atom in NaOH must have an oxidation state of -1 to balance the charges and overall neutrality of the compound. Choice A (-2) is incorrect as this is not the oxidation state of oxygen in this compound. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen in NaOH does not have an oxidation state of 0. Choice D (+2) is incorrect as oxygen typically has a negative oxidation state in compounds, not a positive one.

3. 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.

4. What is the primary function of enzymes?

• A. To provide energy for reactions
• B. To speed up reactions
• C. To decrease activation energy
• D. To act as a catalyst

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes function to speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. They act as biological catalysts, providing an alternative pathway for the reaction to proceed more rapidly without being consumed in the process. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because enzymes do not provide energy for reactions (they do not generate energy), their primary function is not to decrease activation energy (though they do lower it), and while they act as catalysts, the primary function is to speed up reactions by lowering activation energy.

5. 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.

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