Dr. Zohra Sattar Waxali earned her doctorate in chemistry and biochemistry from Northwestern University, specializing in the metallomes of cardiac cells and stem cells, and their impact on biological function. Her research encompasses the development of arsenoplatin chemotherapeutics, stapled peptide estrogen receptor inhibitors, and antimicrobial natural products.
, PhD (Chemistry)
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Welcome to our Introduction to Chemistry Quiz! Dive into the fascinating world of chemistry and test your understanding of fundamental concepts. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to refresh your knowledge, this quiz is perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Explore the basics of atoms, elements, compounds, and chemical reactions through a series of engaging questions designed to challenge and educate. From understanding the periodic table to grasping the principles of bonding and molecular structure, this quiz covers essential topics to lay a strong foundation in chemistry.
Each question is crafted to provide insight and clarity, ensuring a Read morerewarding learning experience. So, if you're ready to embark on a journey of discovery and unlock the secrets of the molecular world, take our Introduction to Chemistry Quiz today! Test your knowledge, expand your understanding, and ignite your passion for science.
Introduction to Chemistry Questions and Answers
1.
A.
Molecular formula
B.
Structural formula
C.
Mixture
D.
9 separate substances
Correct Answer
A. Molecular formula
Explanation is the molecular formula for ethanol. This means that a molecule for ethanol has two carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. However, it does not tell us how those molecules are collected- for that we need a structural formula. It does tell us that those nine atoms are bonded together to form a single substance.
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2.
How many bonds does nitrogen typically form?
A.
1
B.
2
C.
3
D.
4
Correct Answer
C. 3
Explanation Nitrogen typically forms 3 bonds. The mnemonic "HONC if you love chemistry" may help you remember the number of bonds for each of the four most common elements of life: H1, O2, N3, and C4.
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3.
How many bonds does hydrogen typically form?
A.
1
B.
2
C.
3
D.
4
Correct Answer
A. 1
Explanation Hydrogen typically forms 1 bond. The mnemonic "HONC if you love chemistry" may help you remember the number of bonds for each of the four most common elements of life: H1, O2, N3, and C4.
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4.
How many bonds does oxygen typically form?
A.
1
B.
2
C.
3
D.
4
Correct Answer
B. 2
Explanation Oxygen typically forms 2 bonds. The mnemonic "HONC if you love chemistry" may help you remember the number of bonds for each of the four most common elements of life: H1, O2, N3, and C4.
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5.
How many bonds does carbon typically form?
A.
1
B.
2
C.
3
D.
4
Correct Answer
D. 4
Explanation Carbon typically forms 4 bonds. The mnemonic "HONC if you love chemistry" may help you remember the number of bonds for each of the four most common elements of life: H1, O2, N3, and C4.
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6.
H-O-H is an example of a ________ formula
A.
Molecular
B.
Structural
Correct Answer
B. Structural
Explanation H-O-H is the structural formula for water. Note that it provides the bonding arrangement for the molecular formula for water ()
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7.
is the _____ formula for water.
A.
Molecular
B.
Structural
Correct Answer
A. Molecular
Explanation  is the molecular formula for water. Note that it does not show how the atoms are arranged in space- for that you need the structural formula.
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8.
Which of the following is the correct formula for propene?
A.
C4H10
B.
C3H8
C.
C4H8
D.
C3H6
Correct Answer
D. C3H6
Explanation The correct formula for propene is C3H6. Propene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon with three carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. It is an alkene, which means it contains a double bond between two carbon atoms. The formula C3H6 accurately represents the molecular structure of propene.
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9.
Which of the following compounds has only single bonds?
A.
Octene
B.
C3H4
C.
C7H16
D.
Decyne
Correct Answer
C. C7H16
Explanation The compound C7H16 has only single bonds. This can be determined by the molecular formula, which shows that there are 7 carbon atoms and 16 hydrogen atoms. In order for all the atoms to have a complete octet, each carbon atom must form 4 bonds, and each hydrogen atom must form 1 bond. Since there are no other elements or functional groups present in the compound, all the bonds must be single bonds.
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10.
What happens when you expose Sodium to water?
A.
Sodium dissolves completely, forming a clear solution.
B.
Sodium reacts vigorously, producing hydrogen gas and a solution of sodium hydroxide.
C.
Sodium remains unchanged, forming a thin layer on the water's surface.
D.
Sodium reacts slowly, forming sodium oxide and releasing heat.
Correct Answer
B. Sodium reacts vigorously, producing hydrogen gas and a solution of sodium hydroxide.
Explanation When sodium is exposed to water, it undergoes a highly exothermic reaction, meaning it releases a large amount of heat. This reaction is so vigorous that it can cause the sodium to ignite, producing a bright flame. Additionally, hydrogen gas is rapidly produced during this reaction, which often leads to the formation of bubbles. The resulting solution contains sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a strong base.
The chemical equation for this reaction is:
2Na(s) + 2Hâ‚‚O(l) → 2NaOH(aq) + Hâ‚‚(g)
This reaction demonstrates the high reactivity of sodium with water due to its position in the periodic table and its tendency to lose electrons easily. It also serves as a cautionary example of the dangers associated with handling reactive metals such as sodium in the presence of water or moisture.
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11.
What is chemistry?
A.
The study of living things
B.
The study of matter and how it changes
C.
The art of mixing chemicals together and the determination of the products that form
D.
A measure of the compatibility between two people
Correct Answer
B. The study of matter and how it changes
Explanation chemistry is the study of matter and how it changes.
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12.
What do chemists do? Please choose the best answer
A.
They mix chemicals
B.
They study matter and how it changes
C.
They create new drugs
D.
They analyze substances
Correct Answer
B. They study matter and how it changes
Explanation Since chemistry is the study of matter and how it changes, chemists do exactly that. Some of the other answers are true but are examples of what a chemist may do, not what he or she does overall.
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13.
What is a chemical?
A.
A pure form of matter, also known as a substance.
B.
A dangerous form of matter
C.
A toxic form of matter
D.
A chemical is a mixture of elements
Correct Answer
A. A pure form of matter, also known as a substance.
Explanation Chemists use a very broad definition of a chemical: it is a pure form of matter,also known as a substance. It does not have to be toxic or dangerous, although in common usage it may have that connotation. It can be a single element such as gold, or a combination of elements such as methane. However those atoms must be bonded together to form a single substance: a chemical is a pure form of matter, not a mixture.
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14.
Scientists use chemistry to provide ____________ answers to problems, which arguably provide the deepest answers to many problems.
A.
Mathematical
B.
Molecular
C.
Subatomic
D.
Long
Correct Answer
B. Molecular
Explanation A molecular answer to a problem is often full of useful information, since from that structure one can determine physical and chemical answers, and with that foundation, biological or even psychological answers, for example, follow. A chemical structure is often the root answer to any matter-based topic. Otherwise known as practical problems.
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15.
What is a substance?
A.
A single chemical or a mixture of chemicals
B.
Two or more atoms bonded together
C.
Any small sample which has been chemically investigated
D.
A pure form of matter
Correct Answer
D. A pure form of matter
Explanation A substance is a pure form of matter. It may be a single element or atom (in which case there are no bonds), it cannot be a mixture.
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16.
The study of how matter changes generally refers to the __________study of matter.
A.
Physical
B.
Chemical
C.
Biological
D.
Toxicological
Correct Answer
B. Chemical
Explanation Scientists define chemistry as the study of matter and how it changes to emphasize both the physical study of matter (not changing its structure) as well as the chemical study of matter - converting it into other substances. By changing matter we are not converting it into other elements or energy, we are simply rearranging the atoms we start with- this is a chemical change. Converting one element such as hydrogen into another element such as helium (which liberates huge amounts of energy) is a nuclear process, not a chemical process.
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17.
The field of natural products is a branch of chemistry that focuses on those substances that are not man-made but rather exist in the natural world.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation The field of natural products is a branch of chemistry that focuses on those substances that are never exclusively man-made but rather exist in the natural world and how these substances can be applied to real-world problems.
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18.
What is matter?
A.
Anything that has mass
B.
Anything that has mass and takes up space
C.
Anything that has mass or volume
D.
As the word implies, matter is anything that is important
Correct Answer
B. Anything that has mass and takes up space
Explanation Matter is defined as anything that has mass and takes up space. Note the only reason to include the volume (taking up space) requirement is for oddball situations that may be hypothetical only such as a black hole (all mass and no volume) or a perfect vacuum (volume but no mass). Most chemists might think that all matter is important, but that's just an opinion.
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19.
Which of the following is not an example of matter?
A.
A grain of sand
B.
Air
C.
Energy
D.
A very small rock
Correct Answer
C. Energy
Explanation Energy does not take up space and does not have mass, so it is not matter.
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20.
Which of the following is an example of matter?
A.
Happiness
B.
Energy
C.
A very small rock
D.
Running
Correct Answer
C. A very small rock
Explanation A rock has a definite mass and takes up space, so it is a form of matter.
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21.
What do all chemists do?
A.
They all smoke cigarettes
B.
They study the elements of life
C.
They mix chemicals
D.
They study matter
Correct Answer
D. They study matter
Explanation Since chemistry is the study of matter and how it changes, all chemists study matter. They may only study gold for example, which is not an element of life. They may be physical chemists, meaning they have no need to mix chemicals. Hopefully very few of them smoke cigarettes
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22.
A chemist walks into his laboratory, and using a device known as a mass spectrometer, determines the structure of a substance he is interested in. He then performs medical tests on the substance to see if it has potential as an experimental medicine. In chronological order, what two types of chemists did he behave as?
A.
Organic,, medicinal
B.
Synthetic, polymer
C.
Combinatorial, analytical
D.
Analytical, medicinal
Correct Answer
D. Analytical, medicinal
Explanation He is an analytical chemist when analyzing his substance, and medicinal chemist when testing it medically
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23.
Which fields are considered pre-requisite to chemistry, meaning that they provide a foundation for studying chemistry, also meaning that they are a more basic, less applied field of study than chemistry?
A.
Math and physics
B.
Biology and the social sciences
C.
Genetics and molecular orbital theory
D.
Math and biology
Correct Answer
A. Math and pHysics
Explanation Chemistry is the central science and some foundational, prerequisite fields for chemistry include math and physics. More applied fields include biology and the social sciences, such as psychology and anthropology.
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24.
Watson and Crick determined that all living things have DNA molecules in each cell. Based on this, what types of chemists are Watson and Crick?
A.
Biochemists
B.
Analytical chemists
C.
Medicinal chemists
D.
Physical chemists
Correct Answer
A. Biochemists
Explanation Although Watson, Crick and Franklin used all branches of chemistry in their discovery (for example Franklin was an expert analytical chemist, relying on x-ray crystallography), they were acting as biochemists when they determined a molecule common to all living things.
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25.
Polymer chemists investigate the extremely long repeating chains of molecules known as polymers, also commonly known as
A.
Strands
B.
Plastics
C.
Links
D.
Rubber
Correct Answer
B. Plastics
Explanation Long repeating chains of molecules are known as polymers, commonly known as plastics. They are usually organic, such as nylon or polypropylene.
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26.
A tentative explanation for a set of observations that can be tested by further experimentation is referred to as
A.
Hypothesis
B.
A law
C.
A theory
D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Hypothesis
Explanation A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon or a set of observations that can be tested through further experimentation or investigation. It is often formulated based on existing knowledge or observations and serves as a tentative solution to a scientific question or problem.
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27.
Choose the response that includes all the items listed below that are pure substances.
1. orange juice 2. blood 3. ocean water 4. oxygen 5. vegetable soup
A.
1 only
B.
2 and 4
C.
1 3 4
D.
4 only
Correct Answer
D. 4 only
Explanation Only oxygen is a pure substance. Orange juice has water, vitamin C, etc. Blood has water, red blood cells, hemoglobin, etc. The ocean has salt, water, fish, and vegetable soup, which has lots of yummy things in it.
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28.
Which of the following processes demonstrates a physical property?
A.
Hydrochloric acid is poured on sugar, forming carbon and steam
B.
Cyanide is ingested, and the patient dies
C.
Gasoline is ignited
D.
Water is heated until it boils
E.
The surface of aluminum foil becomes gray over time as it forms aluminum oxide
Correct Answer
D. Water is heated until it boils
Explanation All involve a chemical change to form new substances except boiling water, which remains as water, just in the gaseous form
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29.
Which one of the following is an example of a physical property?
A.
Dynamite explodes
B.
Meat rots if it is not refrigerated
C.
Gasoline burns
D.
Ice floats on top of liquid water
E.
A silver platter tarnishes
Correct Answer
D. Ice floats on top of liquid water
Explanation A physical property is a characteristic of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing the substance's chemical composition. In the case of ice floating on liquid water, this is an example of a physical property known as density. Ice has a lower density than liquid water, which causes it to float.
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30.
All of the following are properties of tin. Which one is a chemical property of tin?
A.
Tin can be hammered into a thin sheet.
B.
At 40 degree C a sheet of tin becomes soft
C.
When a bar of tin is bent, it emits an audible “cry”.
D.
Tin erodes when added to hydrochloric acid, and a clear gas forms.
Correct Answer
D. Tin erodes when added to hydrochloric acid, and a clear gas forms.
Explanation A chemical property of a substance describes its behavior in chemical reactions or interactions with other substances, resulting in a change in its chemical composition. In the case of tin eroding when added to hydrochloric acid and forming a clear gas (likely hydrogen gas), this demonstrates a chemical change in the tin, indicating a chemical property.
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31.
What is the structural formula for water? Please choose the closest answer
A.
H-H-O
B.
O-H-O
C.
H-O-H
D.
Correct Answer
C. H-O-H
Explanation Water has a molecular formula of . Since hydrogen forms a single bond, and oxygen prefers to form two bonds, the most reasonable structural formula is H-O-H. Note that this shows each hydrogen atom with one bond, and oxygen with two bonds.
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32.
What is the relationship between the two substances shown below?
A.
Identical substances
B.
Isotopes
C.
Isomers
D.
Enantiomers
Correct Answer
C. Isomers
Explanation The two molecules are isomers: they have the same molecular formulas but different physical arrangements and connectivity.
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33.
Magnesium hydroxide, present in milk of magnesia, has a molecular formula of , therefore each molecule of magnesium hydroxide contains ____ magnesium atom(s).
A.
1
B.
2
C.
3
D.
4
Correct Answer
A. 1
Explanation refers to magnesium hydroxide, and it means that each molecule of magnesium hydroxide has one magnesium atom, two oxygen atoms, and two hydrogen atoms
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34.
What is the relationship between the two substances shown below?
A.
Isomers
B.
Isotopes
C.
Isotoners
D.
They are identical
Correct Answer
A. Isomers
Explanation The two substances are isomers since they both have a molecular formula of but the the structural formulas are different- note how the "OH" group (known as a hydroxyl group) is on the end of one and in the center of the other isomer.
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35.
Substance A has a molecular formula of and substance B has a molecular formula of What is the relationship between substance A and substance B?
A.
They are isomers
B.
They are not isomers- they are each completely different substances
C.
Not enough information is given- the structural formulas are needed to see if they are isomers.
Correct Answer
B. They are not isomers- they are each completely different substances
Explanation Substances A and B cannot be isomers because they have different molecular formulas. Isomers have the same molecular formulas but different arrangements of the atoms.
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36.
What is wrong with the substance
A.
It is unlikely to exist because hydrogen can only form one bond
B.
It is unlikely to exist because carbon can only form 4 bonds
C.
It does not specify the isomer that has that molecular formula
D.
Nothing. It is a common substance known as methane.
Correct Answer
B. It is unlikely to exist because carbon can only form 4 bonds
Explanation The substance  is unlikely to exist since carbon can only form four bonds; CH4 is a common substance known as methane. There are no isomers for CH5 since it does not exist.
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37.
Which of the following substances are organic?
a. NaCl, commonly known as table salt
b. , commonly known as methane
c. , commonly known as sulfuric acid
d. Au, commonly known as gold
e. , which may be ethanol or dimethyl ether, depending on the isomer
A.
Substances B and E are organic
B.
Substance B is organic and substance E may be organic but it depends on which isomer it refers to
C.
Substances A, C, and D are organic.
D.
None of the substances are organic
E.
Not enough information is provided, since there are specific rules for the manufacture of organic substances
Correct Answer
A. Substances B and E are organic
Explanation Substances B and E are organic since they contain carbon. Either isomer for E is organic since both contain carbon. This question is using the scientific meaning of the term organic.
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38.
Which of the following is true about
A.
It is the molecular formula of an inorganic substance
B.
It is the structural formula for an inorganic substance
C.
It is the molecular formula for an organic substance
D.
It is the structural formula for an organic substance
Correct Answer
C. It is the molecular formula for an organic substance
Explanation This is a molecular formula since the bonds are not explicitly shown. It is an organic substance since it contains carbon. Note that in this particular case, only one isomer is possible. Often, a molecular formula can be the basis for multiple isomers, but in this case, it can only be assembled one way while maintaining four bonds for carbon, two for oxygen, and one for each hydrogen:
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39.
Name the organic functional group in the substance below
A.
Alkene
B.
Alkyne
C.
Alcohol
D.
Aldehyde
Correct Answer
A. Alkene
Explanation this substance is 1-butene. It contains the alkane (single bonded carbon) and alkene (double bonded carbon) functional groups
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40.
The substance below includes which functional group?
A.
Alkyne
B.
Ether
C.
Alcohol
D.
Aldehyde
Correct Answer
B. Ether
Explanation Only the ether (an oxygen atom with carbons on either side is present. No alcohol (OH), alkyne (triple bond), or aldehyde (C=O with a hydrogen on one side) is present
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41.
Which functional groups are common to all of the substances below
A.
Alkene, alkane, and ester
B.
Alkene, ketone, and ether
C.
Ether, alkane, and aldehyde
D.
Alkane, alkene, ether, ester, and ketone
Correct Answer
A. Alkene, alkane, and ester
Explanation All of the substances contain carbon-carbon single bonds (alkanes), carbon-carbon double bonds (alkenes), and esters, (a C=0 with an oxygen also attached to the carbon). No ethers, ketones, or other functional groups are present.
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42.
Name the substance below
A.
Butane
B.
Butanol
C.
Propanol
D.
Butanone
Correct Answer
B. Butanol
Explanation This is a four carbon alcohol so the name is butanol.
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43.
Which functional group is not present in the cocaine structure shown below?
A.
Alkene
B.
Ester
C.
Amine
D.
Aldehyde
Correct Answer
D. Aldehyde
Explanation an aldehyde group is a carbonyl group (C=O) connected to a hydrogen atom. It isn't there.
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44.
Name the organic functional group in the substance below
A.
Alkene
B.
Alkyne
C.
Alcohol
D.
Ketone
E.
Ether
F.
Aldehyde
Correct Answer
D. Ketone
Explanation a carbonyl group (C=O) with carbons on either side is a ketone
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45.
Name the organic functional group in the substance below
A.
Alkene
B.
Alkyne
C.
Alcohol
D.
Aldehyde
Correct Answer
A. Alkene
Explanation a C=C bond is an alkene
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46.
Name the organic functional group in the substance below
A.
Alkene
B.
Alkyne
C.
Alcohol
D.
Aldehyde
E.
Ketone
F.
Ether
G.
Ester
Correct Answer
G. Ester
Explanation a carbonyl group (C=O) connected to an oxygen is an ester.
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47.
What is the molecular formula of the substance below?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer
A.
48.
Name the organic functional group in the substance below
A.
Alkene
B.
Alkyne
C.
Alcohol
D.
Aldehyde
Correct Answer
D. Aldehyde
Explanation Note the carbonyl group with a hydrogen at the end of the chain...this is an aldehyde
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49.
Name the organic functional group which is present in the substance below
A.
Alkene
B.
Alkyne
C.
Alcohol
D.
Aldehyde
Correct Answer
A. Alkene
Explanation this substance contains alkenes and an obscure functional group called an imine (C=N).
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50.
In order, what are the four numbers below needed to balance the chemical equation?
A.
1,3,2,3
B.
2,9,6,8
C.
2,19,12,14
D.
1,2,1,2
Correct Answer
A. 1,3,2,3
Explanation The numbers needed to balance a chemical equation represent the coefficients of the compounds involved. In this case, the equation requires 1 molecule of the first compound, 3 molecules of the second compound, 2 molecules of the third compound, and 3 molecules of the fourth compound to achieve balance. These coefficients ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
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Zohra Sattar Waxali |PhD (Chemistry)|
Chemistry
Dr. Zohra Sattar Waxali earned her doctorate in chemistry and biochemistry from Northwestern University, specializing in the metallomes of cardiac cells and stem cells, and their impact on biological function. Her research encompasses the development of arsenoplatin chemotherapeutics, stapled peptide estrogen receptor inhibitors, and antimicrobial natural products.
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