Nursing Elites

1. Which ion would you expect to dominate in water solutions of bases?

• A. MgCl₂
• B. 2HCl
• C. H⁺
• D. OH⁻

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In water solutions of bases, the dominant ion would be OH⁻ (hydroxide ion). Bases release OH⁻ ions when dissolved in water, increasing the concentration of hydroxide ions and leading to a higher pH. This is in contrast to acids, which release H⁺ ions. Therefore, in water solutions of bases, the presence of OH⁻ ions signifies the basic nature of the solution. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because MgCl₂ is a salt, 2HCl is a compound consisting of two hydrogen ions and one chloride ion, and H⁺ represents a hydrogen ion typically associated with acids, not bases.

2. Which element would you expect to be least reactive?

• A. Li
• B. Cr
• C. Nd
• D. Xe

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Xenon (Xe) is a noble gas located in Group 18 of the periodic table. Noble gases are known for their stable and unreactive nature due to having a full outer shell of electrons. Therefore, xenon would be expected to be the least reactive among the given elements. Choice A (Li) is a metal in Group 1 of the periodic table, which tends to be reactive, especially with water. Choice B (Cr) is a transition metal known for its reactivity in some forms. Choice C (Nd) is a rare earth element, which can exhibit varying reactivity depending on the compound or environment.

3. Where would you expect tap water to fall on the pH scale?

• A. Between 1 and 3
• B. Between 4 and 6
• C. Between 6 and 8
• D. Between 8 and 10

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tap water typically falls within the pH range of 6 to 8, making it slightly acidic to neutral. Most municipal water systems aim to provide water that is safe for consumption and falls within this pH range. A pH level of 7 is considered neutral, so tap water may vary slightly on either side of this number but typically remains within the 6 to 8 range to ensure it is safe for consumption. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because tap water is not expected to have a pH as low as 1-3 (highly acidic) or as high as 8-10 (alkaline); it usually falls within the slightly acidic to neutral range, hence falling between 6 and 8 on the pH scale.

4. What type of bond is present in sodium chloride?

• A. Covalent
• B. Ionic
• C. Metallic
• D. Hydrogen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ionic bonds are found in sodium chloride. In an ionic bond, one atom donates an electron to another atom, resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions that are held together by electrostatic forces of attraction. Sodium chloride is a classic example of an ionic compound, where sodium (Na) donates an electron to chlorine (Cl), forming Na+ and Cl- ions that are attracted to each other, creating a crystal lattice structure. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, which is not the case in sodium chloride. Metallic bonds occur in metals where electrons are delocalized and shared across a lattice, unlike the specific transfer seen in ionic bonds. Hydrogen bonds are a type of intermolecular force, not the primary bond type present in sodium chloride.

5. 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.

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