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(Chemical and Physical Foundations) Flashcards

7 cards from real MCAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. A buffer solution contains 0.10 M acetic acid and 0.15 M sodium acetate (pKa = 4.76). What is the pH of this buffer?

    Answer: 4.94

    Using Henderson-Hasselbalch: pH = 4.76 + log(0.15/0.10) = 4.76 + 0.18 = 4.94.

  2. Which quantum number determines the shape of an atomic orbital?

    Answer: Angular momentum quantum number (l)

    The angular momentum quantum number (l) defines the shape of an orbital (s, p, d, f).

  3. A 70 kg person stands on a scale in an elevator accelerating upward at 2 m/s². What does the scale read? (g = 10 m/s²)

    Answer: 840 N

    Apparent weight = m(g + a) = 70(10 + 2) = 840 N.

  4. Which of the following molecules has the highest boiling point?

    Answer: NH3

    NH3 has the highest boiling point due to hydrogen bonding between molecules, which requires more energy to overcome.

  5. An ideal gas undergoes an isothermal expansion. Which thermodynamic statement is correct?

    Answer: ΔU = 0 and w < 0

    In isothermal expansion of an ideal gas, ΔU = 0 (temperature constant), and the gas does positive work on surroundings (w < 0 in sign convention where w = work done on system).

  6. A wave has a frequency of 500 Hz and travels at 340 m/s in air. What is its wavelength?

    Answer: 0.68 m

    Wavelength = v/f = 340/500 = 0.68 m.

  7. In a galvanic cell, which statement correctly describes electrode behavior?

    Answer: Oxidation occurs at the anode; electrons flow toward the cathode

    In a galvanic cell, oxidation occurs at the anode (releasing electrons) and electrons flow through the external circuit to the cathode where reduction occurs.