Nursing Elites

1. What is the oxidation state of the potassium ion in the compound KCl?

• A. +1
• B. -1
• C. +2
• D. -2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the compound KCl (potassium chloride), potassium is in Group 1 of the periodic table, which means it has a valence electron of 1. Chlorine is in Group 17 and gains one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration by forming an ionic bond with potassium. As a result, the potassium ion in KCl has a +1 oxidation state. Therefore, the correct answer is +1. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the oxidation state of the potassium ion in KCl.

2. The three important allotropic forms of phosphorus are red, white, and ___________.

• A. green
• B. gray
• C. black
• D. silver

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The three important allotropic forms of phosphorus are red, white, and black. These forms indicate the different physical properties and reactivity of phosphorus under various conditions. Red phosphorus is more stable and less reactive than white phosphorus, while black phosphorus is the least reactive form. Choice C, 'black,' is the correct answer as it completes the sequence of allotropic forms of phosphorus. Choices A, 'green,' B, 'gray,' and D, 'silver,' are incorrect as they do not represent recognized forms of phosphorus.

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 of these represents a strong acid?

• A. CH₃COOH
• B. H₂SO₄
• C. NH₃
• D. KOH

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Among the options provided, H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid) represents a strong acid. Strong acids completely ionize in water to produce a high concentration of H+ ions. Sulfuric acid is a strong acid known for its ability to dissociate almost completely in water, making it a strong acid. Choice A, CH₃COOH (acetic acid), is a weak acid that only partially dissociates in water. Choices C and D, NH₃ (ammonia) and KOH (potassium hydroxide), are bases and not acids.

5. What can stop the penetration of alpha particles?

• A. Aluminum foil
• B. Glass
• C. Piece of paper
• D. Plastic

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Alpha particles can be stopped by a piece of paper due to their low penetration power. The paper acts as a shield, effectively blocking the alpha particles from passing through. In contrast, materials like aluminum foil, glass, and plastic are not as effective as a simple piece of paper in stopping alpha particles. Aluminum foil is more effective against beta particles, gamma rays, and x-rays due to its higher density. Glass and plastic also provide some protection against beta particles and gamma rays, but they are less effective than a piece of paper against alpha particles.

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