Nursing Elites

1. Acids are generally characterized by a sour taste and the ability to:

• A. Turn litmus paper red
• B. Conduct electricity in solution
• C. Neutralize bases
• D. React explosively with metals

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Acids are known for their sour taste and their ability to neutralize bases, which is a defining characteristic of their acidic nature. When acids neutralize bases, salts and water are formed, highlighting the unique property of acids. The other options are incorrect: Option A, 'Turn litmus paper red,' is a test for acidity but not a defining characteristic of acids; Option B, 'Conduct electricity in solution,' pertains to the electrolytic properties of acids rather than their defining trait; Option D, 'React explosively with metals,' is not a general characteristic of acids. Therefore, the correct feature associated with acids is their capability to neutralize bases, making option C, 'Neutralize bases,' the correct answer.

2. What is the difference between a phylum and a class?

• A. Phylums are broader and more general
• B. Classes are broader and more general
• C. They are synonyms, used for the same groups
• D. Phylums are for plants, classes are for animals

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In biological classification, a phylum is a higher taxonomic rank than a class. A phylum is a broader category that encompasses multiple classes within it. It represents a group of organisms sharing a common body plan or evolutionary history. On the other hand, a class is a more specific category within a phylum that includes organisms with similar characteristics. Therefore, phyla are broader and more general compared to classes. Choice B is incorrect because classes are more specific categories within phyla. Choice C is incorrect as phyla and classes are distinct hierarchical levels in taxonomy. Choice D is incorrect because phyla and classes are not restricted to specific types of organisms; they can apply to various organisms across the biological kingdom.

3. Which element is present in household bleach and has disinfectant properties?

• A. Sodium
• B. Chlorine
• C. Fluorine
• D. Iodine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Chlorine. Chlorine is the element present in household bleach that provides disinfectant properties due to its oxidizing ability. Chlorine is effective in killing bacteria and other microorganisms. Sodium (Choice A) is a component of common table salt and not the active disinfectant in bleach. Fluorine (Choice C) is not typically found in household bleach but is used in fluoride products. Iodine (Choice D) is used as a disinfectant in some contexts but is not the primary element in household bleach.

4. What determines the defining characteristic of an element?

• A. Neutrons in its nucleus
• B. Electrons surrounding the nucleus
• C. Protons in its nucleus
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The defining characteristic of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus, which is referred to as the atomic number. The number of protons uniquely identifies an element. The correct answer is choice C because the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom defines its elemental identity, as different elements have a unique number of protons. Neutrons and electrons do play essential roles in the atom, but they do not determine the defining characteristic of an element. Neutrons contribute to the stability of the nucleus and isotopes of an element, while electrons are involved in chemical bonding and the reactivity of an atom.

5. Which of the following is NOT an example of an intermolecular force?

• A. Hydrogen bonding
• B. Dipole-dipole interactions
• C. Ionic bonding
• D. London dispersion forces

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ionic bonding is not considered an intermolecular force but an intramolecular force. Intermolecular forces occur between different molecules, while intramolecular forces act within a molecule. Hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces are intermolecular forces. Hydrogen bonding involves a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom, dipole-dipole interactions occur between polar molecules, and London dispersion forces are temporary attractions between nonpolar molecules.

Similar Questions