Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. What is the typical oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds?

• A. -1
• B. -2
• C. 0
• D. -3

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "-2". Oxygen usually exhibits an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. This is due to oxygen's high electronegativity, which causes it to attract electrons, leading to the gain of two electrons in chemical reactions. Choice A (-1) is incorrect because oxygen rarely has an oxidation state of -1 in compounds. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen does not usually have an oxidation state of zero in compounds. Choice D (-3) is incorrect as oxygen does not commonly have an oxidation state of -3 in compounds.

4. 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.

5. What charge do Group IIA elements typically have?

• A. 1
• B. +2
• C. -3
• D. 0

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Group IIA elements belong to the alkaline earth metals group in the periodic table. These elements typically have a charge of +2 because they readily lose two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Therefore, the correct answer is B - +2. Choice A (1) is incorrect because Group IIA elements lose two electrons, not one. Choice C (-3) is incorrect because Group IIA elements do not gain electrons to have a negative charge. Choice D (0) is incorrect because Group IIA elements do lose electrons and have a positive charge, not a neutral charge.

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