Portage Learning CHEM 121 Module 1 Exam | Foundations of General Chemistry w/ Lab (2026) Actual Q&A PDF

CHEM 121 Module 1 | Foundations of General Chemistry
w/Lab Exam Q&A | Portage Learning
These are original practice questions written for study. They cover common CHEM 121
Module 1 | Foundations of General Chemistry topics: matter and its classification,
states of matter, physical and chemical properties and changes, measurements,
significant figures, dimensional analysis, density, temperature conversions, scientific
method, and introductory atomic theory, with NCLEX-style clinical framing.



Question 1:
A nurse is reviewing a client's lab report that shows a blood glucose level of 5.5 mmol/L.
Which domain of chemistry does this measurement represent?
A. Macroscopic domain
B. Microscopic domain
C. Symbolic domain
D. Nuclear domain

Correct answer: A
Rationale: The macroscopic domain includes properties and phenomena that can be
sensed directly, such as a blood glucose reading from a lab report.



Question 2:
A nurse is teaching a client about how a drug works at the receptor level. Which domain
of chemistry does this represent?
A. Macroscopic domain
B. Microscopic domain
C. Symbolic domain
D. Observational domain

Correct answer: B
Rationale: The microscopic domain involves objects too small to be sensed directly,
such as atoms, molecules, and receptors.



Question 3:
A nurse is documenting a chemical reaction using a balanced equation. Which domain
of chemistry does this represent?
A. Macroscopic domain
B. Microscopic domain

,C. Symbolic domain
D. Physical domain

Correct answer: C
Rationale: The symbolic domain uses specialized language, including chemical
formulas and equations, to represent chemical phenomena.



Question 4:
Which of the following is the best definition of matter?
A. Anything that has mass and occupies space
B. Anything that has weight and occupies space
C. Energy that is transformed into physical objects
D. The study of atoms and molecules only

Correct answer: A
Rationale: Matter is defined as anything that has mass and takes up space (volume).



Question 5:
A nurse is explaining the states of matter to a client. Which state has a definite shape
and definite volume?
A. Solid
B. Liquid
C. Gas
D. Plasma

Correct answer: A
Rationale: Solids have both a definite shape and a definite volume.



Question 6:
Which state of matter has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container?
A. Solid
B. Liquid
C. Gas
D. Plasma

Correct answer: B
Rationale: Liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape; they conform to their
container.

, Question 7:
Which state of matter takes both the shape and volume of its container?
A. Solid
B. Liquid
C. Gas
D. Crystal

Correct answer: C
Rationale: Gases have neither a definite shape nor a definite volume.



Question 8:
A nurse is reviewing the properties of a substance. Which of the following is a physical
property?
A. It reacts with oxygen to form rust
B. It melts at 1538°C
C. It burns in air
D. It neutralizes an acid

Correct answer: B
Rationale: Melting point is a physical property; it does not change the substance's
chemical identity.



Question 9:
Which of the following is a chemical property of iron?
A. It is a solid at room temperature
B. It reacts with oxygen to form rust
C. It has a density of 7.87 g/cm³
D. It melts at 1538°C

Correct answer: B
Rationale: Reactivity with oxygen is a chemical property; it describes how a substance
changes into a new substance.



Question 10:
Which of the following is a chemical change?
A. Ice melting
B. Sugar dissolving in water
C. Iron rusting
D. Boiling water