Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why water is considered a 'universal solvent' in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Water's polarity allows it to surround and separate many ionic and polar molecules.

Question 2

A neutral atom of phosphorus has an atomic number of 15 and an atomic mass of 31. How many neutrons does it have?

Accepted Answer

16

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the difference between a cation and an anion?

Accepted Answer

A cation is positively charged due to loss of electrons; an anion is negatively charged due to gain of electrons.

Question 4

Which property of water is most directly responsible for the ability of plants to transport water from their roots to their leaves against gravity?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion and adhesion (capillary action)

Question 5

A sample of sodium (Na) forms an ion with a +1 charge. Which of the following is true for this ion?

Accepted Answer

It has one more proton than electron.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why ice floats on liquid water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds arrange water molecules in ice into a lattice that is less dense than liquid water.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct electron configuration for a neutral atom of sulfur (atomic number 16)?

Accepted Answer

2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 6 in the third

Question 8

A hospital patient is given an intravenous solution with a pH of 5. Which of the following statements is correct about this solution?

Accepted Answer

It is acidic and contains more H+ ions than OH- ions.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes an isotope?

Accepted Answer

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Question 10

Which of the following chemical bonds is primarily responsible for holding the two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom together in a single water molecule?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bond

Question 11

A chemical equation is written as: 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O. What does the coefficient '2' in front of H2O indicate?

Accepted Answer

Two molecules of water are produced in the reaction.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why table salt (NaCl) dissolves easily in water?

Accepted Answer

The polarity of water molecules allows them to surround and separate Na+ and Cl- ions.

Question 13

Which of the following is true about the atomic number of an element?

Accepted Answer

It is unique for each element and equals the number of protons.

Question 14

A molecule of glucose (C6H12O6) contains how many total atoms?

Accepted Answer

24

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a polar covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

Electrons are shared unequally, resulting in partial charges.

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-life example of evaporative cooling?

Accepted Answer

Sweating during exercise lowers body temperature as water evaporates from the skin.

Question 17

If an atom has 17 protons, 18 neutrons, and 17 electrons, what is its atomic mass?

Accepted Answer

35

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why noble gases are generally unreactive?

Accepted Answer

They have a full outermost electron shell, making them stable.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about subatomic particles is correct?

Accepted Answer

Neutrons have no charge and are located in the nucleus.

Question 20

A solution has a pH of 9. Which of the following is true about this solution?

Accepted Answer

It is basic and has more OH- ions than H+ ions.

Basic Chemistry Study Notes for General Chemistry

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards