Question 1

Which of the following best explains why water has a high boiling point compared to other molecules of similar size?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules form extensive hydrogen bonds due to their polarity.

Question 2

A solution contains 0.1 M acetic acid ($CH_3COOH$) and 0.1 M sodium acetate ($CH_3COONa$). Using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, calculate the pH if the $pK_a$ of acetic acid is 4.76.

Accepted Answer

$pH = 4.76$

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a hydrophobic interaction?

Accepted Answer

Repulsion between nonpolar molecules in an aqueous environment, causing them to aggregate.

Question 4

A patient is experiencing metabolic acidosis. Which of the following changes would you expect in their bicarbonate buffer system?

Accepted Answer

Decreased $HCO_3^-$ and normal or decreased $CO_2$

Question 5

Which equation is used to relate the pH of a buffer solution to the concentrations of acid and conjugate base?

Accepted Answer

$pH = pK_a + \log_{10} \left( \frac{[A^-]}{[HA]} \right)$

Question 6

Which of the following is a colligative property of water?

Accepted Answer

Boiling point elevation

Question 7

If a person loses a significant amount of water through sweating but does not replace electrolytes, what is the most likely effect on their blood osmolality?

Accepted Answer

Blood osmolality will increase.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of buffers in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Buffers minimize changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added.

Question 9

A solution contains $[H_2CO_3] = 0.01$ M and $[HCO_3^-] = 0.1$ M. If the $pK_a$ of carbonic acid is 6.1, what is the pH of the solution using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation?

Accepted Answer

$pH = 7.1$

Question 10

Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in respiratory alkalosis?

Accepted Answer

A person hyperventilating due to anxiety, causing excessive loss of $CO_2$

Question 11

Which of the following statements about hydrogen bonding in water is correct?

Accepted Answer

Each water molecule can form up to four hydrogen bonds.

Question 12

A buffer is prepared by mixing 0.2 M lactic acid ($pK_a = 3.86$) and 0.02 M sodium lactate. What is the pH of the buffer?

Accepted Answer

$pH = 2.86$

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the effect of adding a nonvolatile solute to pure water?

Accepted Answer

The boiling point of water increases.

Question 14

Which of the following is a consequence of dysfunctional homeostasis in acid-base balance?

Accepted Answer

Development of metabolic acidosis or alkalosis

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why polar molecules are hydrophilic?

Accepted Answer

They can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.

Question 16

A patient with severe diarrhea is losing large amounts of bicarbonate. What acid-base disturbance is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating osmotic pressure ($\Pi$) of a solution?

Accepted Answer

$\Pi = iMRT$

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the main function of the bicarbonate buffer system in blood?

Accepted Answer

To maintain blood pH within a narrow range

Question 19

If the ratio of $[HCO_3^-]$ to $[H_2CO_3]$ in blood decreases, what will happen to the blood pH?

Accepted Answer

Blood pH will decrease.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a colligative property?

Accepted Answer

Viscosity

Water: Structure, Properties, and Biological Importance

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