SAT II Chemistry : Electrons and Quantum Theory

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II Chemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Electron Configuration

Which of the following has the electron configuration of \(\displaystyle [Ne]3s^23p^6\)?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle F^-\)

\(\displaystyle K^-\)

\(\displaystyle Cl^+\)

\(\displaystyle Ca^{2+}\)

\(\displaystyle Kr\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle Ca^{2+}\)

Explanation:

The task is to find the atom or ion with its first three energy levels completely filled. Argon is not an answer choice, which means that it must be one of the ions with an atomic number close to argon's atomic number. Recalling that a positive charge means electrons were lost from the outermost shell and that a negative charge means electrons were gained in the outermost shell, the only answer that works is \(\displaystyle Ca^{2+}\).

Example Question #1 : Orbitals And Hybridization

Which of the following variables identifies the sublevel that has three orbitals?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle d\)

\(\displaystyle n\)

\(\displaystyle f\)

\(\displaystyle s\)

\(\displaystyle p\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle p\)

Explanation:

The \(\displaystyle p\) sublevel contains three orbitals, whereas the other levels listed contain different numbers of orbitals. The \(\displaystyle s\) level has one orbital; the \(\displaystyle d\) level has five; the \(\displaystyle f\) level has seven; and there is no \(\displaystyle n\) sublevel.

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