Physical Chemistry : Atoms and Elements

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Physical Chemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Other Atomic Concepts

How many protons, neutrons and electrons are there in a neutral atom of the isotope of lithium-6?

Possible Answers:

Protons: 3

Neutrons: 3

Electrons: 3

Protons: 6

Neutrons: 3

Electrons: 6

Protons: 6

Neutrons: 3

Electrons: 3

Protons: 6

Neutrons: 6

Electrons: 3

Protons: 3

Neutrons: 6

Electrons: 3

Correct answer:

Protons: 3

Neutrons: 3

Electrons: 3

Explanation:

The number of protons is equal to the atomic number on the periodic table. For lithium, this number is 3. Since this isotope is neutral, the number of electrons must be equal to the number of protons. To find the number of neutrons, subtract the number of protons from the mass number to obtain 3. The notation "lithium-6" indicates that the mass number of this isotope is 6.

Example Question #5 : Other Atomic Concepts

An ion of a given element has 35 protons and 36 electrons. What is the symbol of the ion? 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The charge on the ion is equal to the difference between the number of protons and electrons.

The element has 35 protons, thus its atomic number is 35, which corresponds to bromine. 

Example Question #7 : Other Atomic Concepts

The __________ Principle states that electrons fill lower energy levels before filling higher energy levels and __________ Rule says that electrons fill electron orbitals within a subshell singly if possible before pairing up.

Possible Answers:

Aufbau . . . Hund

Avogadro . . . Planck

Hund . . . Aufbau

Maxwell . . . Avogadro

Planck . . . Hund

Correct answer:

Aufbau . . . Hund

Explanation:

Aufbau's Principle says that electrons fill lower energy levels first. Hund's Rule dictates that electrons fill singly if possible.

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