Atomic Structure and Bonding
Chemistry · 50 practice questions
Concept of atoms, molecules and ions, and the contributions of Dalton, Millikan, Rutherford, Moseley, Thomson and Bohr; atomic structure, electron configuration, atomic number, mass number and isotopes (elements 1–20); shapes of s and p orbitals; the periodic table and periodicity — families (alkali metals, halogens, noble gases, transition metals) and variation of ionization energy, ionic radii, electron affinity and electronegativity; chemical bonding — electrovalency, covalency, tendency to attain noble gas structure, hydrogen and metallic bonding, coordinate bonds (e.g. in complex ions), van der Waals' forces; shapes of simple molecules (linear, non-linear, tetrahedral, pyramidal); nuclear chemistry — radioactivity types and properties, nuclear reactions/equations, uses of natural and artificial radioactivity.
- Distinguish between atoms, molecules and ions.
- Identify the contributions of key scientists to atomic theory.
- Deduce protons, neutrons and electrons from atomic and mass numbers.
- Apply electron-arrangement rules and identify isotopic elements, relating isotopy to mass number.
- Differentiate orbital shapes and determine electrons in s and p orbitals.
- Relate atomic number to periodic table position and group properties, and identify reasons for property variation.
- Differentiate bonding types and deduce bonds from electron configuration.
- Relate bonding to compound properties and differentiate molecular shapes.
- Distinguish chemical from nuclear reactions and natural from artificial radioactivity.
- Compare properties of nuclear radiations.
- Compute half-life calculations, balance nuclear equations and identify applications of radioactivity.
Try a few questions
- Practice question 1
The electron, a subatomic particle found in shells surrounding the nucleus, carries a
- A.positive electric charge
- B.neutral charge, identical to a neutron
- C.negative electric charge
- D.charge that varies depending on the element
Show the answer
C. negative electric charge
Electrons are defined by their negative charge, balancing the positive protons in a neutral atom.
- Practice question 2
An ion is best described as
- A.an atom that has gained or lost protons from its nucleus
- B.an atom with an equal number of protons and neutrons
- C.a neutral atom with no overall electric charge
- D.an atom or group of atoms that has gained or lost electrons, giving it a net electric charge
Show the answer
D. an atom or group of atoms that has gained or lost electrons, giving it a net electric charge
Ions carry a net charge specifically because they have unequal numbers of protons and electrons.
- Practice question 3
J.J. Thomson's experiments with cathode rays mainly led to the discovery of
- A.the proton
- B.the neutron
- C.the atomic nucleus
- D.the electron
Show the answer
D. the electron
Thomson's cathode ray tube experiments revealed the existence of the negatively charged electron.
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