Nursing Elites

1. Which substance forms hydroxide ions when placed in water?

• A. Lemon juice
• B. Battery acid
• C. Vinegar
• D. Lye

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, lye. Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is a strong base that forms hydroxide ions (OH-) when placed in water. When lye dissolves in water, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions, making it an alkaline substance. Lemon juice, battery acid, and vinegar do not form hydroxide ions when placed in water. Lemon juice contains citric acid, battery acid contains sulfuric acid, and vinegar contains acetic acid, none of which produce hydroxide ions when dissolved in water.

2. Which of the following is a characteristic of an exothermic reaction?

• A. It absorbs heat
• B. It releases heat
• C. It remains neutral
• D. It requires energy input

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An exothermic reaction is characterized by the release of heat. During an exothermic reaction, energy is released in the form of heat to the surroundings, resulting in a temperature increase. This distinguishes it from endothermic reactions, which absorb heat from the surroundings. Choice A is incorrect because exothermic reactions do not absorb heat; instead, they release heat. Choice C is incorrect as exothermic reactions do not remain neutral; they involve a net release of energy. Choice D is incorrect as exothermic reactions do not require energy input; instead, they release energy.

3. 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.

4. Aluminum (Al) has 13 protons in its nucleus. What is the number of electrons in an Al3+ ion?

• A. 16
• B. 13
• C. 10
• D. 3

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Aluminum (Al) has an atomic number of 13, which indicates it normally has 13 electrons to balance the 13 protons in its nucleus. When Al forms an Al3+ ion, it loses 3 electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Therefore, the Al3+ ion will have 13 - 3 = 10 electrons. Choice A (16) is incorrect as it doesn't take into account the charge of the Al3+ ion. Choice B (13) is incorrect because the Al3+ ion has lost electrons. Choice D (3) is incorrect as it doesn't reflect the total number of electrons lost by the Al atom to form the Al3+ ion.

5. 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.

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