Question 1

Which of the following best explains why water is an effective solvent for ionic compounds such as sodium chloride (NaCl)?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules are polar, allowing their partial charges to interact with and stabilize both Na$^+$ and Cl$^-$ ions.

Question 2

A patient is admitted to the hospital with a blood pH of 7.1. Which of the following best describes their condition and the physiological risk?

Accepted Answer

The patient is experiencing acidosis, which can lead to a coma.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about isotopes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

A cation has lost electrons and is positively charged, while an anion has gained electrons and is negatively charged.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why water has a high heat capacity?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds between water molecules require a large amount of energy to break, allowing water to absorb significant heat before changing temperature.

Question 6

A solution is made by dissolving 10 g of NaCl in 100 mL of water. In this solution, which is the solute and which is the solvent?

Accepted Answer

NaCl is the solute; water is the solvent.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the process of hydrolysis in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis is a decomposition reaction that uses water to break down molecules into smaller components.

Question 8

Which of the following equations correctly represents the dissociation of sodium chloride (NaCl) in water?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{NaCl} \rightarrow \mathrm{Na}^+ + \mathrm{Cl}^-$

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why enzymes are important in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes act as biological catalysts, lowering the activation energy required for reactions and increasing reaction rates.

Question 10

A molecule of glucose (C$_6$H$_{12}$O$_6$) is dissolved in water. Which term best describes glucose in this context?

Accepted Answer

Hydrophilic

Question 11

Which of the following best describes a buffer in the context of human physiology?

Accepted Answer

A buffer is a weak acid and its salt that resists changes in pH by accepting or donating hydrogen ions.

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding the atomic structure of an atom?

Accepted Answer

Most of the mass of an atom is concentrated in the nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes an ionic bond?

Accepted Answer

An ionic bond involves the attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about the pH scale?

Accepted Answer

A solution with a pH of 7 is neutral.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why nonpolar molecules such as fats do not dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

Nonpolar molecules are hydrophobic and do not interact with the polar water molecules.

Question 16

A chemical reaction in which two smaller molecules combine to form a larger molecule, releasing water in the process, is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of an electrolyte in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Sodium ion (Na$^+$)

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of hydrogen bonds in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between partial charges in polar molecules, helping to stabilize the structure of large biological molecules.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes an exergonic reaction?

Accepted Answer

An exergonic reaction releases energy, often in the form of heat or light.

Question 20

Which of the following is true about the electron shells of atoms?

Accepted Answer

Atoms are most stable when their valence shell is full.

Basic Biochemistry for Anatomy & Physiology: Matter, Atoms, and Chemical Principles

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