Question 1

Which of the following best defines 'matter' as described in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Anything that has mass and occupies space.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT one of the three states in which matter is commonly found?

Accepted Answer

Plasma is not listed; the three states are liquid, gas, and solid.

Question 3

A compound differs from an element in that a compound:

Accepted Answer

Consists of two or more different elements combined in a fixed ratio.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about trace elements is correct?

Accepted Answer

Trace elements are required in extremely small amounts but are essential to life.

Question 5

If a biologist discovers a new organism that requires only 12 elements to survive, which of the following is most likely true?

Accepted Answer

The organism is a plant, since plants typically require fewer elements than humans.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes a compound?

Accepted Answer

A substance with characteristics different from those of its elements.

Question 7

A scientist analyzes a molecule and finds it contains three different elements in a fixed ratio. What is this molecule classified as?

Accepted Answer

A compound

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a trace element in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Iron (Fe)

Question 9

Why do most compounds contain at least three or four elements?

Accepted Answer

Because complex biological molecules require multiple elements to perform diverse functions.

Question 10

Which of the following statements is true regarding the elements required by humans and plants?

Accepted Answer

Humans require 25 elements, while plants require only 17.

Question 11

A student claims that a compound has the same properties as the elements that make it up. Why is this incorrect?

Accepted Answer

Compounds have characteristics different from those of their constituent elements.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why trace elements are important in biology?

Accepted Answer

They are essential for life, even though they are required in extremely small amounts.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a correct statement about elements?

Accepted Answer

An element can be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

Question 14

If a compound is made from sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl), which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

The compound will have properties different from both sodium and chlorine.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the relationship between elements and compounds?

Accepted Answer

Compounds are substances consisting of two or more different elements combined in a fixed ratio.

Question 16

A biologist is studying a molecule that is essential to life but is only needed in microgram quantities. This molecule most likely contains which type of element?

Accepted Answer

A trace element

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct example of matter as defined in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

A rock, because it has mass and occupies space.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why water (H$_2$O) is considered a compound?

Accepted Answer

It consists of two different elements, hydrogen and oxygen, combined in a fixed ratio.

Question 19

Which of the following is a property of compounds but NOT of elements?

Accepted Answer

They have characteristics different from their constituent elements.

Question 20

A student mixes salt (NaCl) and water (H$_2$O) together. Which of the following best describes the result?

Accepted Answer

A mixture, because the substances retain their individual properties.

General Biology Study Notes: Matter, Elements, and Compounds

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards