Liberty University | Complete Chapter 1 Accounting
Principles, Financial Statements, and Business
Transactions Explained
Questions & Answers
Q1. What is the accounting equation and why is it important?
A1. The accounting equation is Assets = Liabilities + Equity. It ensures that financial statements
remain balanced, reflecting resources, obligations, and ownership interest accurately. It
underpins double-entry accounting.
2 Q. Define assets and provide two examples.
A2. Assets are resources owned by a business that provide future economic benefits. Examples
include cash and equipment. They are recorded on the balance sheet to represent company
resources.
Q3. What are liabilities in accounting?
A3. Liabilities are obligations a business owes to outsiders, such as loans or accounts payable.
They represent debts that must be settled through cash, services, or other resources.
Q4. Differentiate equity from liabilities.
A4. Equity represents owners’ claims after liabilities are deducted from assets, while liabilities
,represent creditor obligations. Equity grows from investments and retained earnings, whereas
liabilities arise from borrowing or purchases.
Q5. Explain the purpose of financial statements.
A5. Financial statements communicate a company’s financial performance and position to
stakeholders. They include balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement, enabling
informed decision-making by managers and investors.
Q6. What is revenue recognition principle?
A6. The revenue recognition principle states that revenue should be recorded when earned, not
when cash is received. This ensures financial statements reflect actual performance, matching
efforts with outcomes.
Q7. Define expenses and give two examples.
A7. Expenses are costs incurred in generating revenue, reducing equity. Examples include rent
expense and salaries. They are recorded when incurred, regardless of cash payment timing, under
accrual accounting.
Q8. Why is double-entry accounting important?
A8. Double-entry accounting ensures every transaction affects at least two accounts, keeping the
accounting equation balanced. It prevents errors, provides complete records, and enhances
accuracy of financial statements.
Q9. What is the role of GAAP?
A9. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) provide standardized rules for financial
reporting. They promote consistency, comparability, and reliability, ensuring businesses report
financial information transparently for stakeholders.
, Q10. What are dividends?
A10. Dividends are distributions of profits to shareholders, reducing retained earnings. They are
not expenses but represent a return on investment to owners, recorded when declared by the
company.
Which of the following is an internal source document used to notify the general ledger to make
an accounting entry?
a. Journal voucher
b. Performance reports
c. Instance document
d. Hard-copy documents
a. Journal voucher
Which file is most likely to contain control accounts?
a. General ledger master file
b. Customer master file
c. Inventory master file
d. Accounts receivable master file
a. General ledger master file