MCAT Physical : Subatomic Particles and Elemental Properties

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for MCAT Physical

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Subatomic Particles And Elemental Properties

Which given element has the highest electronegativity?

Possible Answers:

Sodium

Phosphorus

Arsenic

Titanium

Oxygen

Correct answer:

Oxygen

Explanation:

Electronegativity increases from the bottom to the top, and from the left to the right of the periodic table. Of the choices given, oxygen is closest to the top right corner.

Example Question #1 : Subatomic Particles And Elemental Properties

Which of the following has the largest radius?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The answer is . While chloride ion is not farthest downward and right on the periodic table of the answers, it is the largest radius in this case. Potassium ion, although isoelectronic with chloride, would have a smaller radius because it would have more protons pulling at the same number of electrons.

Example Question #2 : Subatomic Particles And Elemental Properties

Which of these elements has an atomic radius that is smaller than its ionic radius?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Chlorine is the only nonmetal listed which would gain electrons to ionize. For a nonmetal, becoming an ion usually means gaining electron(s), and therefore means an increase in radius. Therefore, since  is the only element in this list that will gain electrons to ionize, it is the correct answer.

Example Question #3 : Subatomic Particles And Elemental Properties

Which of these pairs of elements are most chemically similar?

Possible Answers:

Calcium and barium

Copper and cobalt

Hydrogen and helium

Magnesium and potassium

Chlorine and xenon

Correct answer:

Calcium and barium

Explanation:

The most chemically similar elements can are in the same family on the periodic table. Calcium and barium are both in group II of the periodic table. In all other answer choices, the two elements listed are in different families and are therefore chemically dissimilar.

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