Nursing Elites

1. Carbon-12 and carbon-14 are isotopes. What do they have in common?

• A. Number of nuclear particles
• B. Number of protons
• C. Number of neutrons
• D. Mass number

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons (which determines the element) but different numbers of neutrons. Both carbon-12 and carbon-14 have 6 protons (hence they are both carbon atoms) but different numbers of neutrons: carbon-12 has 6 neutrons, while carbon-14 has 8 neutrons. Therefore, the correct answer is the number of neutrons. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because isotopes may have different numbers of nuclear particles (protons + neutrons), protons, and mass numbers, respectively.

2. What are the columns of the periodic table called?

• A. Periods
• B. Families
• C. Groups
• D. Rows

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the periodic table, columns are referred to as groups, not periods, families, or rows. These groups share similar chemical properties due to the arrangement of elements within each group, which is based on the number of valence electrons. The vertical columns help classify elements with similar characteristics. Periods refer to the rows of the periodic table, while families or groups are the vertical columns.

3. What are bases or alkaline solutions known as?

• A. Hydrogen acceptors
• B. Solutions of low pH
• C. Hydrogen donors
• D. Amphoteric

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bases or alkaline solutions are known as 'hydrogen acceptors.' They accept protons (H+) in chemical reactions, as opposed to acids that donate protons. This property allows bases to neutralize acids and form salts. Choice B, 'Solutions of low pH,' is incorrect because bases have high pH values, not low. Choice C, 'Hydrogen donors,' is incorrect as bases do not donate protons but accept them. Choice D, 'Amphoteric,' refers to substances that can act as both acids and bases, which is not the definition of bases. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

4. Which type of change occurs when no change is made to the chemical composition of a substance?

• A. Chemical
• B. Physical
• C. Nuclear
• D. Mechanical

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A physical change refers to alterations in the state of matter without modifying the chemical composition of the substance. Examples of physical changes include changes in state (solid, liquid, gas), shape, size, or phase. In a physical change, the substance may look different or behave differently, but its chemical structure remains the same. On the other hand, chemical changes involve the breaking and forming of chemical bonds, resulting in the creation of entirely new substances with different chemical properties. Nuclear changes involve alterations in the nucleus of an atom, such as radioactive decay. Mechanical changes refer to changes in the position or motion of an object caused by applied forces, like pushing, pulling, or twisting.

5. What type of chemical reaction involves the combination of two elements to form a product?

• A. Decomposition
• B. Combustion
• C. Synthesis
• D. Double replacement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A synthesis reaction involves the combination of two or more substances to form a single, more complex product. In the context of chemical reactions, it specifically refers to the combination of two elements to form a compound. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Decomposition reactions involve the breakdown of a single compound into simpler substances (opposite of synthesis). Combustion reactions involve a substance reacting with oxygen to produce heat and light, not the combination of elements. Double replacement reactions involve the exchange of ions between two compounds, leading to the formation of two new compounds, not the combination of two elements.

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