What is the net ionic equation for the reaction: 2HCl(aq) + Ba(OH)2(aq) → 2H2O(l) + BaCl2(aq)?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the given reaction, the complete ionic equation is: 2H+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) + Ba2+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) → 2H2O(l) + Ba2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq). Spectator ions (Ba2+ and Cl-) do not participate in the net ionic equation, which simplifies to: 2H+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) → 2H2O(l). This equation represents the significant species involved in the reaction, showcasing the formation of water from the combination of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, resulting in the production of water molecules.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Neutralization is the correct term for the reaction between an acid and a base to produce water and a salt. During neutralization, the hydrogen ions from the acid react with the hydroxide ions from the base to form water, and the remaining ions combine to form a salt. Combustion involves a reaction with oxygen, oxidation is the loss of electrons, and decomposition is the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances. These processes do not accurately describe the reaction between an acid and a base to produce water and a salt.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process that involves the silencing of gene expression by inhibiting the translation of mRNA or by degrading mRNA molecules. This mechanism plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and can be used to selectively silence specific genes. By interfering with the expression of specific genes, RNAi can downregulate protein production from those genes. Therefore, option C, 'Inhibits the expression of specific genes,' is the correct role of RNA interference in silencing genes. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because RNA interference does not increase protein production, promote gene mutation, or repair damaged DNA; its primary function is to inhibit gene expression by degrading or interfering with mRNA.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Sulfur dioxide (SOâ‚‚). Sulfur dioxide is an acidic gas because when dissolved in water, it forms sulfurous acid, which imparts acidic properties. Nitrogen (Nâ‚‚), carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚), and oxygen (Oâ‚‚) are not considered acidic gases. Nitrogen is a neutral gas, carbon dioxide forms a weakly acidic solution when dissolved in water, and oxygen is a neutral gas.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'Increases force required.' According to Newton's second law of motion, force is directly proportional to mass and acceleration (F = ma). Therefore, an increase in mass will require an increase in force to produce the same acceleration on an object. Choice B is incorrect because an increase in mass does not decrease the force required; it increases it. Choice C is incorrect as increasing mass does affect the force required. Choice D is incorrect as the relationship between mass and force is predictable according to Newton's laws of motion.