Nursing Elites

1. What is the typical oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds?

• A. -1
• B. -2
• C. 0
• D. -3

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "-2". Oxygen usually exhibits an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds. This is due to oxygen's high electronegativity, which causes it to attract electrons, leading to the gain of two electrons in chemical reactions. Choice A (-1) is incorrect because oxygen rarely has an oxidation state of -1 in compounds. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen does not usually have an oxidation state of zero in compounds. Choice D (-3) is incorrect as oxygen does not commonly have an oxidation state of -3 in compounds.

2. Which element has an atomic mass greater than that of sodium?

• A. Boron
• B. Oxygen
• C. Fluorine
• D. Silicon

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Silicon has an atomic mass greater than that of sodium. The atomic mass of silicon is approximately 28.0855 u, whereas the atomic mass of sodium is approximately 22.9898 u. Therefore, silicon has a greater atomic mass compared to sodium. Boron, Oxygen, and Fluorine have atomic masses lower than sodium, making them incorrect choices in this context.

3. What is the simplest form of a substance that is represented by a letter or letters?

• A. Compound
• B. Mixture
• C. Element
• D. Molecule

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Element.' An element is the most basic form of a substance that cannot be broken down further by chemical reactions. Each element is represented by a unique symbol, typically consisting of one or two letters. Choice A, 'Compound,' is incorrect as compounds are formed by the combination of two or more elements. Choice B, 'Mixture,' is also incorrect as mixtures are composed of two or more substances physically combined. Choice D, 'Molecule,' refers to the smallest unit of a compound that retains the chemical properties of that compound, not the simplest form of a substance represented by a symbol.

4. What does the term amphoteric mean?

• A. A substance that only acts as a base
• B. A substance that can act as both a base and an acid
• C. A substance that only acts as an acid
• D. A substance that acts as neither a base nor an acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term 'amphoteric' refers to substances that have the ability to act as both acids and bases depending on the surrounding conditions. This dual nature allows amphoteric substances to donate or accept protons, making them versatile in various chemical reactions. Choice A is incorrect because amphoteric substances can also act as acids. Choice C is incorrect as amphoteric substances can also act as bases. Choice D is incorrect as amphoteric substances can act as either a base or an acid.

5. What is the oxidation state of the chlorine atom in the compound HCl?

• A. +1
• B. -1
• C. +2
• D. -2

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the compound HCl (hydrochloric acid), the hydrogen atom has an oxidation state of +1 based on the rules of assigning oxidation states. Since the overall compound is neutral, the oxidation state of chlorine must be -1 to balance the charge. Chlorine typically has an oxidation state of -1 in binary compounds with nonmetals, such as HCl. Therefore, the correct answer is -1. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the oxidation state of chlorine in HCl is -1, not +1, +2, or -2.

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