Ten questions on chemical change in ordinary life, each explained by what the atoms are actually doing.
Chemistry becomes far more interesting once it moves from naming things to explaining change. This quiz covers compounds and mixtures, states of matter, acids and bases, and the everyday reactions, rusting, burning, breathing, that go on constantly without much notice. It leaves the periodic table and element symbols to Periodic Table Basics so the two complement each other. The explanations describe what the atoms are doing rather than asking you to memorise the outcome.
Every question in this quiz is listed below with its correct answer and the reasoning behind it. Play first if you would rather not see the answers — or read through as a study sheet.
Play it insteadAnswer: C. H2O
Why: Two hydrogen atoms bond to one oxygen atom. H2O2, with an extra oxygen, is hydrogen peroxide and behaves very differently.
Answer: C. Acidic
Why: Below 7 is acidic, above is alkaline and 7 is neutral. The scale is logarithmic, so each step is a tenfold change.
Answer: B. Sodium chloride
Why: It is one sodium atom bonded to one chlorine atom. Sodium bicarbonate, easily confused with it, is baking soda.
Answer: C. Protons and neutrons
Why: Protons and neutrons sit in the nucleus while electrons occupy the space around it. Nearly all an atom's mass is in that tiny central region.
Answer: A. Carbon dioxide
Why: Respiration consumes oxygen and produces carbon dioxide. Nitrogen passes in and out largely unchanged, since the body does not use it.
Answer: C. Two or more elements chemically bonded together
Why: In a compound the elements are bonded and the result has its own properties. A mixture, by contrast, can be separated without breaking any bonds.
Answer: A. Solid, liquid and gas
Why: These three are distinguished by how tightly particles are held and how freely they move. Plasma is a fourth state, common in stars but rare in daily life.
Answer: C. Oxidation
Why: Iron reacts with oxygen and water to form hydrated iron oxide. Painting or galvanising works by keeping oxygen and moisture away from the metal.
Answer: D. Speeds up the reaction without being consumed by it
Why: A catalyst provides an easier route for the reaction and emerges unchanged. Enzymes are biological catalysts performing this role in living things.
Answer: A. Oxygen
Why: Burning is rapid reaction with oxygen, releasing heat and light. Removing oxygen is why smothering a fire puts it out.
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