Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between mass and weight?

Accepted Answer

Mass is the amount of matter in an object, while weight is mass plus the effects of gravity.

Question 2

Which statement about energy is correct?

Accepted Answer

Energy is the capacity to do work and does not have mass or occupy space.

Question 3

A patient is experiencing muscle cramps due to an imbalance of positive ions inside their cells. Which element is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Potassium ($K^+$)

Question 4

Which of the following is a correct example of a synthesis (anabolic) reaction?

Accepted Answer

Amino acids joining together to form a protein molecule: $A + B \rightarrow AB$

Question 5

Which type of chemical bond involves the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another?

Accepted Answer

Ionic bond

Question 6

What is the main reason noble gases are chemically inert?

Accepted Answer

Their valence shell is complete with 8 electrons (or 2 for Helium).

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, resulting in unequal sharing of electrons.

Question 8

A solution has a pH of 5. How many times more acidic is it compared to a solution with pH 7?

Accepted Answer

$10^2 = 100$ times more acidic

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Water is a poor solvent for ionic substances.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes a buffer in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

A buffer resists abrupt and large swings in pH by releasing or binding hydrogen ions.

Question 11

Which of the following elements is a vital component of activated thyroid hormones?

Accepted Answer

Iodine ($I$)

Question 12

Which type of chemical reaction is represented by the following equation: $AB + C \rightarrow AC + B$?

Accepted Answer

Exchange (displacement) reaction

Question 13

Which of the following statements about organic compounds is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Organic compounds contain carbon and are usually covalently bonded.

Question 14

What is the role of enzymes in chemical reactions within the body?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes act as biological catalysts, increasing the rate of reactions without being chemically changed.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a hydrogen bond?

Accepted Answer

A weak attraction between the electropositive hydrogen of one molecule and an electronegative atom of another molecule.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Glycogen breaking down to release glucose molecules: $AB \rightarrow A + B$

Question 17

Which of the following factors does NOT increase the rate of a chemical reaction?

Accepted Answer

Decreasing the concentration of reactants

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why ionic compounds are called electrolytes?

Accepted Answer

They dissociate in water to form ions that can conduct electrical current.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct representation of the neutralization reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide?

Accepted Answer

$NaOH + HCl \rightarrow NaCl + H_2O$

Question 20

Which of the following statements about carbon is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Carbon is electroneutral and forms four covalent bonds with other elements.

Chapter 2: Chemistry Comes Alive – Basic Chemistry for Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions