Nursing Elites

1. The number of protons in an atom determines its:

• A. Mass number
• B. Atomic number
• C. Atomic weight
• D. Valence electron count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in an atom is known as the atomic number. The atomic number uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. It is a fundamental property of an element and directly influences its chemical behavior and interactions. The mass number, on the other hand, is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom, not just protons. Atomic weight is the average mass of an element's isotopes considering their relative abundance, not solely based on the number of protons. Valence electron count refers to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, influencing its ability to form bonds and participate in chemical reactions, but it is not determined by the number of protons in the atom.

2. Which statement is true about the pH of a solution?

• A. A solution cannot have a pH less than 0.
• B. A solution always has a pH of 7.
• C. A solution's pH is not influenced by its chemical composition.
• D. A solution with a pH of 14 is considered acidic.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, 7 neutral, and 14 the most basic. A solution with a pH less than 0 would be outside the defined pH range, as 0 is the lower limit. Therefore, a solution cannot have a pH less than 0. Choice B is incorrect because a pH of 7 is considered neutral, not always the pH of a solution. Choice C is incorrect because a solution's pH is influenced by its chemical composition. Choice D is incorrect as a solution with a pH of 14 is considered highly basic, not acidic.

3. Which of the following is an example of an aromatic hydrocarbon?

• A. Ethane
• B. Benzene
• C. Propane
• D. Butene

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Benzene is indeed an example of an aromatic hydrocarbon. Aromatic hydrocarbons are characterized by having a cyclic structure with alternating single and double bonds (pi bonds). Benzene fits this description, making it aromatic. On the other hand, ethane, propane, and butene are aliphatic hydrocarbons, which do not have the distinct cyclic structure of aromatic hydrocarbons. Ethane, propane, and butene are aliphatic hydrocarbons, which contain only single bonds and are not cyclic in nature. Therefore, they are not examples of aromatic hydrocarbons.

4. Which property of a substance resists a change in its shape?

• A. Density
• B. Mass
• C. Inertia
• D. Elasticity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Elasticity refers to a material's ability to resist deformation and return to its original shape after stress is applied. It is the property that resists a change in shape. Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance. Mass is the amount of matter in an object, while inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. Viscosity, not mentioned in the question, is the resistance of a fluid to flow, not shape change.

5. What is the term for the reaction between an acid and a base to produce water and a salt?

• A. Combustion
• B. Neutralization
• C. Oxidation
• D. Decomposition

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neutralization is the correct term for the reaction between an acid and a base to produce water and a salt. During neutralization, the hydrogen ions from the acid react with the hydroxide ions from the base to form water, and the remaining ions combine to form a salt. Combustion involves a reaction with oxygen, oxidation is the loss of electrons, and decomposition is the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances. These processes do not accurately describe the reaction between an acid and a base to produce water and a salt.

Similar Questions