Question 1

Which of the following best explains why water is considered the most important inorganic compound in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Water is the most abundant compound in living cells and has properties such as high heat capacity, high heat of vaporization, and polar solvent abilities.

Question 2

A patient is suffering from dehydration. Which property of water is most directly responsible for its ability to help maintain body temperature during rehydration therapy?

Accepted Answer

High heat capacity

Question 3

Which of the following statements about acids and bases is correct?

Accepted Answer

Acids are proton donors and bases are proton acceptors.

Question 4

A solution has a hydrogen ion concentration of $$[H^+] = 1 	imes 10$$^{-5}$$ \ \mathrm{mol/L}. $$What is its pH?

Accepted Answer

$$5$$

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of buffers in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Buffers maintain homeostasis by resisting abrupt changes in pH by releasing or binding hydrogen ions.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a neutralization reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{HCl} + \mathrm{NaOH} \rightarrow \mathrm{NaCl} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}$$

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a property of water that makes it vital for life?

Accepted Answer

Ability to act as a major energy source for cells

Question 8

A patient has a blood pH of 7.25. Which of the following best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

The blood is acidic.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why salts are important in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Salts dissociate into ions in water, forming electrolytes that are essential for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the pH scale is correct?

Accepted Answer

A solution with pH 4 is 100 times more acidic than a solution with pH 6.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct example of an inorganic compound found in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Sodium chloride ($$\mathrm{NaCl})$$

Question 12

A solution is found to have equal concentrations of $$[H^+]$$ and $$[OH^-]. $$What is the pH of this solution, and what does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

pH 7; neutral

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between organic and inorganic compounds?

Accepted Answer

Organic compounds contain carbon and are usually large and covalently bonded, while inorganic compounds do not contain carbon (with some exceptions).

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-life example of water's cushioning property in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Cerebrospinal fluid protecting the brain from trauma

Question 15

If a solution has a pH of 9, which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

The solution is basic and has a low concentration of $$[H^+]$$ ions.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of electrolytes in the body?

Accepted Answer

Electrolytes are ions that conduct electrical currents in solution and are essential for nerve and muscle function.

Question 17

A buffer system in the blood involves the following equilibrium: $$\mathrm{CO}_2 + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \leftrightarrow \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{CO}_3 \leftrightarrow \mathrm{H}^+ + \mathrm{HCO}_3^-. $$What will happen if a large amount of acid is added to the blood?

Accepted Answer

The buffer will bind excess $$\mathrm{H}^+$$ ions, minimizing the change in pH.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the dissociation of salts in water?

Accepted Answer

Salts dissociate into cations and anions, neither of which are $$\mathrm{H}^+ or$$ $$\mathrm{OH}^-.$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world application of the high heat of vaporization of water in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Sweating cools the body as water evaporates from the skin, removing heat.

Biochemistry Foundations for Anatomy & Physiology: Water, Electrolytes, Acids, and Bases

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards