PSI Barbering Practice Exam

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Study for the PSI Barbering Exam. Prepare yourself with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations designed to help you succeed. Build your confidence and knowledge as you get ready for your licensing exam in the barbering profession!

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Which of the following substances is considered inorganic?

Wood
Coal
Water
Vegetable oil

The correct answer is: Water

Water is considered an inorganic substance because it does not contain carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds, which are characteristic of organic compounds. Inorganic substances are typically defined as compounds that do not contain carbon, or that are not based on carbon atoms, and water falls squarely within this category as it is composed of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom (H2O). In contrast, wood, coal, and vegetable oil are all organic substances. Wood and coal are derived from plant materials, which inherently contain carbon compounds. Vegetable oil is extracted from plants and is composed of triglycerides, which also contain carbon and are classified as organic due to their structural composition. This distinction is crucial in the study of chemistry, particularly when differentiating between organic and inorganic substances and understanding their properties and reactions.