1. Which of the following best describes the chemical property of an element? A) The color of the element B) The phase (solid, liquid, gas) at room temperature C) The ability to form bonds with other elements D) The density of the element Answer: C) The ability to form bonds with other elements. Rationale: Chemical properties describe an element's potential to undergo some chemical change or reaction by virtue of its composition. The ability to form bonds is a fundamental chemical property that determines the reactivity of an element. 2. A nurse administers a medication that alters the patient's physiological pH. Which buffer system in the human body is primarily responsible for maintaining pH homeostasis? A) Bicarbonate buffer system B) Phosphate buffer system C) Protein buffer system D) Hydrogen buffer system Answer: A) Bicarbonate buffer system. Rationale: The bicarbonate buffer system is the primary means of keeping pH levels in the human body within the normal range. It involves the equilibrium between bicarbonate (HCO3-) and carbonic acid (H2CO3), which can neutralize excess acids or bases in the bloodstream. 3. In the context of chemical energetics, what is the significance of Gibbs free energy in biochemical reactions? A) It predicts the direction of chemical reactions. B) It measures the pressure of a gas involved in a reaction. C) It determines the color change in a reaction. D) It calculates the volume of reactants consumed.