Question 1

Which property of water allows it to move upward through narrow tubes against gravity, as seen in plant stems?

Accepted Answer

Capillarity

Question 2

A scientist is studying a solution with a hydrogen ion concentration of $$[H^+] = 1 	imes 10$$^{-5}$$ M. What is the pH of this solution?

Accepted Answer

$$pH = 5$$

Question 3

Why does water have a high surface tension compared to most other liquids?

Accepted Answer

Because of hydrogen bonding between water molecules

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a buffer system in biological fluids?

Accepted Answer

A buffer system maintains pH by neutralizing added acids or bases

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a property of water resulting from its polar nature and hydrogen bonding?

Accepted Answer

Low surface tension

Question 6

A solution has a pH of 3. Compared to pure water, how many times greater is its hydrogen ion concentration?

Accepted Answer

1000 times greater

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why sweating cools the human body?

Accepted Answer

Evaporation of water requires energy, which is taken from the skin as heat

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Bases are substances that accept protons

Question 9

If a lake is buffered, what will happen if a small amount of acid is added?

Accepted Answer

The pH will remain relatively stable

Question 10

Which of the following best describes why ice floats on liquid water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds in ice create a lattice that is less dense than liquid water

Question 11

A biologist adds a strong acid to a buffered solution. What is the most likely immediate effect?

Accepted Answer

The buffer will absorb the added $$H^+$$ ions, minimizing the change in pH

Question 12

Which of the following equations correctly represents the dissociation of water?

Accepted Answer

$$H_2O \rightleftharpoons H^+ + OH^-$$

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why water is an excellent solvent for ionic compounds?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules surround and separate ions due to their polarity

Question 14

A solution has a pH of 8. Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

The solution is basic

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-life example of water's adhesive property?

Accepted Answer

Water climbing up a paper towel dipped in water

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the relationship between pH and $$[H^+]$$ concentration?

Accepted Answer

$$pH = -\log_{10}[H^+]$$

Question 17

Why is water's high specific heat important for living organisms?

Accepted Answer

It helps organisms maintain stable internal temperatures

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a heterogeneous mixture?

Accepted Answer

Blood

Question 19

A student adds sodium hydroxide ($$NaOH) to $$water. What happens to the pH of the solution?

Accepted Answer

The pH increases

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why hydrophobic substances do not dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

They are nonpolar and cannot interact with water's polar molecules

Ch.3 study guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions