Nursing Elites

1. What is the oxidation state of the nitrogen atom in the compound NH3?

• A. -3
• B. -1
• C. +1
• D. +3

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the compound NH3, nitrogen is bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Hydrogen is always assigned an oxidation state of +1. Since the overall charge of NH3 is zero, the oxidation state of nitrogen must be -1 to balance out the hydrogen's +1 oxidation state. Therefore, the correct oxidation state of the nitrogen atom in NH3 is -1. Choice A (-3) is incorrect because it does not account for the electronegativity of hydrogen. Choice C (+1) and Choice D (+3) are incorrect as the nitrogen atom in NH3 needs to balance the +1 oxidation state of each hydrogen atom, resulting in a total of -3 to maintain the compound's charge neutrality.

2. Which of the following substances is a base?

• A. Water
• B. Sodium chloride
• C. Ammonia
• D. Salt

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Ammonia' (Choice C) as it is a common example of a base. Bases are substances that release hydroxide ions (OH-) in aqueous solutions, helping to increase the pH level. Ammonia is a weak base that can accept a proton (H+) to form ammonium hydroxide. In contrast, water (Choice A), sodium chloride (Choice B), and salt (Choice D) are not bases; water is neutral, while sodium chloride and salt are neutral compounds composed of a cation and an anion.

3. 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.

4. Which element would you expect to be least reactive?

• A. Li
• B. Cr
• C. Nd
• D. Xe

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Xenon (Xe) is a noble gas located in Group 18 of the periodic table. Noble gases are known for their stable and unreactive nature due to having a full outer shell of electrons. Therefore, xenon would be expected to be the least reactive among the given elements. Choice A (Li) is a metal in Group 1 of the periodic table, which tends to be reactive, especially with water. Choice B (Cr) is a transition metal known for its reactivity in some forms. Choice C (Nd) is a rare earth element, which can exhibit varying reactivity depending on the compound or environment.

5. What are mixtures of 2 or more metals called?

• A. Solutions
• B. Alloys
• C. Compounds
• D. Suspensions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Alloys are mixtures of two or more metals, combining their properties to create materials with enhanced characteristics. Examples of alloys include bronze (copper and tin) and steel (iron and carbon). Alloys are commonly used in various industries due to their improved strength, durability, and other desirable qualities. Solutions (Choice A) refer to a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, where one substance is dissolved in another. Compounds (Choice C) are substances composed of two or more elements chemically combined in fixed proportions. Suspensions (Choice D) are heterogeneous mixtures where particles are dispersed but can settle out over time.

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