Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a molecule and a compound?

Accepted Answer

A compound is a type of molecule that contains at least two different elements joined together chemically.

Question 2

A neutral atom of magnesium (Mg) has an atomic number of 12 and an atomic weight of 24. Using the information provided, how many neutrons does a neutral magnesium atom have?

Accepted Answer

$$24 - 12 = 12$$ neutrons

Question 3

Which of the following statements about isotopes is correct?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

A patient is given a radioactive isotope of iodine (Iodine-131) for thyroid imaging. Which property of isotopes makes this possible?

Accepted Answer

Some isotopes are unstable and spontaneously decompose, emitting radiation that can be detected.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why water (H$$_2O) is a $$polar molecule?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen attracts shared electrons more strongly, creating partial charges on the molecule.

Question 6

Which type of chemical bond is primarily responsible for holding the two strands of DNA together?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds

Question 7

A sodium atom (Na) loses one electron to become Na$$^+. $$What type of ion is formed and why?

Accepted Answer

A cation, because it has more protons than electrons.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes an exchange reaction? Use the following example: $$AB + CD \rightarrow AD + CB$$

Accepted Answer

Atoms or groups are exchanged between molecules, forming new products.

Question 9

Which of the following is a real-life example of a solution in the human body, and what are its solute and solvent?

Accepted Answer

Blood plasma, where glucose is the solute and water is the solvent.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The polar water molecules surround and separate the Na$$^+$$ and Cl$$^-$$ ions due to their partial charges.

Question 11

A chemical reaction in the body releases energy as it breaks down glucose. Which type of reaction is this, and what is its energy profile?

Accepted Answer

Catabolic and exergonic

Question 12

Which of the following is the correct sequence for determining the number of neutrons in an atom using the periodic table?

Accepted Answer

Round the atomic weight to the nearest whole number, then subtract the atomic number.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about covalent bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms and are the strongest type of chemical bond.

Question 14

A water strider can walk on the surface of a pond due to which property of water, and what is the underlying chemical explanation?

Accepted Answer

High surface tension caused by hydrogen bonding between water molecules.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a reversible reaction in the body?

Accepted Answer

A reaction that can proceed in both directions, as indicated by arrows pointing both ways: $$A + B \rightleftharpoons AB$$

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a synthesis reaction in the body?

Accepted Answer

Formation of a protein from amino acids: $$A + B \rightarrow AB$$

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why carbon-14 can be used for dating ancient organic materials?

Accepted Answer

Carbon-14 is unstable and decays at a predictable rate, allowing scientists to estimate the age of materials based on the amount of decay.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct example of a decomposition reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$AB \rightarrow A + B$$

Question 20

Which of the following statements about the strength of chemical bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bonds are the strongest, followed by ionic bonds, and then hydrogen bonds.

Basic Chemistry Concepts for Anatomy & Physiology

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