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S1.3 Electron configurations

Practice exam-style IB Chemistry questions for Electron configurations, aligned with the syllabus and grouped by topic.

Verified by Dennis M.
Verified by Dennis M.
Paper
Difficulty
Status
Level
Question 1
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted

A hydrogen discharge tube emits a red line and a violet line in the visible region. How does the photon energy of the violet line compare with that of the red line?

A.

The violet photon has lower energy because it travels at a lower speed.

B.

The violet photon has higher energy because it has a higher frequency.

C.

The violet photon has lower energy because it has a shorter wavelength.

D.

The violet photon has the same energy because both lines are visible.

Question 2
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted

In the hydrogen emission spectrum, the visible lines are produced by electron transitions ending at which main energy level?

A.

n=4n = 4

B.

n=1n = 1

C.

n=2n = 2

D.

n=3n = 3

Question 3
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted

The maximum number of electrons that can occupy the main energy level with n=3n = 3 is:

A.

18

B.

8

C.

6

D.

32

Question 4
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted

The diagram that best represents an s atomic orbital is:

A.
B.
C.
D.
Question 5
HL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted

The first ionization energy of boron is lower than that of beryllium. The best explanation is:

A.

Boron has a complete outer shell, so removal of one electron requires less energy.

B.

Boron has fewer protons than beryllium, so its outer electron is less strongly attracted.

C.

Beryllium has a paired 2p2p electron, causing greater electron-electron repulsion.

D.

The electron removed from boron is in a 2p2p sublevel, which is higher in energy than the 2s2s sublevel.

Question 6
HL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted

The first ionization energy of sulfur is lower than that of phosphorus. The best explanation is:

A.

Sulfur has a paired electron in a 3p3p orbital, so electron-electron repulsion makes removal easier.

B.

Sulfur has a lower nuclear charge than phosphorus, so the outer electron is less attracted.

C.

Sulfur's outer electron is in the 4s4s sublevel, which is farther from the nucleus.

D.

Phosphorus has a paired electron in a 3p3p orbital, so it is harder to ionize.

Question 7
SL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted

A student observes two visible emission lines from a discharge tube. Line A is red and line B is violet.

A

Compare the wavelength and frequency of line A with line B.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Explain why the discharge tube produces a line emission spectrum rather than a continuous spectrum.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 8
SL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted

An atom has electrons occupying the first three main energy levels in its ground state.

A

Calculate the maximum number of electrons that can occupy the third main energy level.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

State the sublevels available in the third main energy level.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

Deduce the period of a main-group element whose highest occupied main energy level is n=3n = 3.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 9
SL • Paper 1A
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The correct orbital diagram for the ground-state electron configuration of oxygen is:

A.
B.
C.
D.
Question 10
SL • Paper 1A
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The condensed electron configuration of a neutral bromine atom, Z=35Z = 35, is:

A.

[Kr] 4s23d104p54s^2 3d^{10} 4p^5

B.

[Ar] 4s23d104p54s^2 3d^{10} 4p^5

C.

[Ar] 4s24p53d104s^2 4p^5 3d^{10}

D.

[Ar] 4s23d104p64s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6

Question 11
HL • Paper 1A
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The convergence limit in the emission spectrum of hydrogen occurs at Ν=91.2 nm \lambda = 91.2\ \text{nm}
for transitions to n=1n = 1. The first ionization energy calculated from this wavelength is closest to:

A.

7.88×105 kJ mol−17.88\times 10^5\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}

B.

1.31 kJ mol−11.31\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}

C.

2.18×10−18 kJ mol−12.18\times 10^{-18}\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}

D.

1.31×103 kJ mol−11.31\times 10^3\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}

Question 12
HL • Paper 1A
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A graph of successive ionization energies for an unknown main-group element shows a very large increase between the third and fourth ionization energies. The group of the element is:

A.

Group 2

B.

Group 16

C.

Group 1

D.

Group 13

Question 13
HL • Paper 1A
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The frequency at the convergence limit for an atomic emission spectrum is 3.00×1015 s−13.00\times 10^{15}\ \text{s}^{-1}. The first ionization energy is closest to:

A.

1.99×10−18 kJ mol−11.99\times 10^{-18}\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}

B.

4.98×10−42 kJ mol−14.98\times 10^{-42}\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}

C.

1.20×103 kJ mol−11.20\times 10^3\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}

D.

1.20×106 kJ mol−11.20\times 10^6\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}

Question 14
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The diagram shows some electron transitions in the hydrogen atom.

An energy-level diagram for hydrogen with horizontal lines labelled n = 1, n = 2, n = 3, n = 4 and n = infinity, spaced closer together at higher energy. Several downward arrows are shown: some ending at n = 1, some ending at n = 2, and some ending at n = 3. No region labels or series names are shown.
A

State which set of transitions produces visible lines in the hydrogen emission spectrum.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Explain why the spectral lines converge at higher frequency.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

State the region of the electromagnetic spectrum for transitions ending at n=1n = 1.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 15
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The quantum mechanical model describes electrons in atomic orbitals rather than fixed circular paths.

A

Define the term atomic orbital.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Describe the shape of an ss orbital and the shape and orientations of the pp orbitals in a pp sublevel.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

State the periodic table block in which an element with its highest-energy electron in a 4p4p sublevel is found.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 16
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A line emission spectrum has a convergence limit at a frequency of 3.29×1015 s−13.29 \times 10^{15}\ \text{s}^{-1}.

A simplified line emission spectrum with bright vertical lines on a dark background. The lines become progressively closer together toward the high-frequency end, which is marked by an unlabeled vertical boundary line. No numerical frequencies or element names are shown in the image.
A

State what is represented by the convergence limit at the high-frequency end of the spectrum.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Calculate the first ionization energy in kJ mol−1\text{kJ mol}^{-1} from the frequency of the convergence limit.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 17
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The first ionization energy decreases down group 1 from lithium to caesium.

A

Explain why the first ionization energy decreases down group 1.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Suggest how this trend is related to the metallic behaviour of group 1 elements.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 18
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A student observed the visible spectra of three gaseous elements using discharge tubes and a diffraction grating. The spectrum of an unknown gas was then compared with reference spectra.

SpectrumObserved wavelengths / nm
Continuous spectrum400–700 (all visible wavelengths present)
Reference gas A410, 434, 486, 656
Reference gas B405, 436, 546, 577, 579
Reference gas C447, 502, 588, 668
Unknown gas405, 436, 547, 578, 579
A

Distinguish between the continuous spectrum and the line emission spectrum shown.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Identify the reference gas that is most likely to be present in the unknown sample.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

Explain why the line emission spectrum of an element can be used as a chemical fingerprint.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 19
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A section of a database gives the period number and highest occupied main energy level for several main-group elements.

ElementPeriod numberHighest occupied main energy level, n
H11
He11
Li22
C22
Ne22
Na33
Cl33
K44
Br44
Kr44
A

Deduce the maximum number of electrons that can occupy the main energy level with n=4n = 4.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

State the relationship shown between the period number and the highest occupied main energy level for these main-group elements.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

Explain why the formula 2n22n^2 does not necessarily give the number of electrons present in the highest occupied main energy level of an atom.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 20
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The figures show boundary-surface representations of atomic orbitals in two main energy levels.

Annotated orbital diagrams showing one spherical orbital and three mutually perpendicular dumbbell-shaped orbitals labelled by orientation axes. Include a table linking main energy level values to available sublevel types, with one entry left for deduction.
A

Identify the orbital with spherical symmetry.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

State the number of orbitals in a pp sublevel.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

Deduce the sublevel types available in the main energy level n=3n = 3.

[1]
Write your answer here...
D

Explain why an orbital should not be described as a fixed circular path followed by an electron.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 21
HL • Paper 1A
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Successive ionization energy data for a transition element show that the first two electrons are removed at lower energies than the next several electrons. This pattern is best explained by:

A.

Promotion of all 3d3d electrons to 4p4p orbitals before ionization occurs.

B.

Removal of 4s4s electrons before electrons are removed from the 3d3d sublevel.

C.

Pairing of electrons in the 4p4p sublevel before any electrons are removed.

D.

Removal of 3d3d electrons before electrons are removed from the 4s4s sublevel.

Question 22
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Bromine has atomic number 35.

A

Write the full electron configuration of a bromine atom.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Write the condensed electron configuration of a bromide ion, Br−Br^-.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

Explain why the electron configuration of Br−Br^- is the same as that of krypton.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 23
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The orbital boxes represent the 3d3d and 4s4s sublevels for a ground-state copper atom.

An arrow-in-box template with one box labelled 4s and five adjacent boxes labelled 3d. The 4s box is slightly lower or similar in vertical position to indicate relative filling, and all boxes are empty. The template provides space for students to draw electron arrows.
A

Write the condensed electron configuration of a ground-state copper atom.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Draw the orbital diagram for the 4s4s and 3d3d electrons in a copper atom.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

State the principle that requires paired electrons in one orbital to have opposite spins.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 24
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The convergence limit in the emission spectrum of an element occurs at a wavelength of 242 nm242\ \text{nm}.

A

Calculate the energy, in J, of one photon at the convergence limit.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Determine the first ionization energy, in kJ mol−1\text{kJ mol}^{-1}, from this convergence limit.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 25
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The first ionization energies of period 3 elements generally increase from sodium to argon, but there are small decreases between magnesium and aluminium and between phosphorus and sulfur.

First ionization energies of the Period 3 elements.
A

Explain why the first ionization energy generally increases across period 3.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Explain why aluminium has a lower first ionization energy than magnesium.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

Explain why sulfur has a lower first ionization energy than phosphorus.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 26
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Successive ionization energy data are shown for an unknown main-group element in period 3.

First six successive ionization energies for an unknown period 3 element.
A

Identify the position of the largest jump in the successive ionization energies.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Deduce the group of the element, using the data.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

Explain why successive ionization energies always increase.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 27
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The diagram shows some electron transitions in the hydrogen atom and the corresponding regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Energy level diagram for hydrogen with horizontal levels labelled by principal quantum number and arrows showing several downward transitions ending at the first, second and third energy levels. Include an adjacent spectrum indicating ultraviolet, visible and infrared regions and showing convergence of lines at higher frequency.
A

State the region of the electromagnetic spectrum for transitions that end at the first energy level.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Describe the relationship between the energy of the emitted photon and the electron transition shown in the diagram.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

Explain how the convergence of lines in the hydrogen spectrum supports the model of discrete energy levels.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 28
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Several arrow-in-box diagrams were proposed for the arrangement of three electrons in a set of degenerate pp orbitals.

Four labelled arrow-in-box diagrams for a $p^3$ arrangement, each with three adjacent boxes at the same energy. The alternatives should include one diagram obeying Hund's rule and Pauli exclusion, one with premature pairing, one with two electrons of the same spin in one orbital, and one with an electron placed in a higher-energy box before the degenerate set is correctly occupied.
A

Identify the diagram that correctly represents a p3p^3 arrangement.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

State the rule that is violated by the diagram showing paired electrons before all three pp orbitals are singly occupied.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

State the rule that is violated by the diagram showing two electrons with the same spin in one orbital.

[1]
Write your answer here...
D

Explain why the correct diagram is more stable than one with premature pairing.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 29
HL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted

First ionization energies for elements in groups 1 and 17 are plotted against period number.

First ionization energies of groups 1 and 17 by period.
A

Compare the first ionization energies of group 1 and group 17 elements in the same period.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Describe the trend in first ionization energy down each group.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

Explain the trend down a group.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 30
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Vanadium has the condensed electron configuration [Ar]4s23d3[Ar] 4s^2 3d^3 and forms ions with different positive charges.

A

Write the condensed electron configuration of V2+V^{2+}.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Explain why the first two electrons removed from vanadium are the 4s4s electrons rather than 3d3d electrons.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

Explain how successive ionization energy data can support the existence of variable oxidation states in vanadium.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 31
SL • Paper 1B
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A table gives information for some atoms and ions with atomic numbers up to Z=36Z = 36.

SpeciesZCondensed e- configuration
Fe26[Ar] 4s2 3d6
Fe2+26[Ar] 3d6
Cu29[Ar] 4s1 3d10
Br35[Ar] 4s2 3d10 4p5
Kr36[Ar] 4s2 3d10 4p6
A

Deduce the number of electrons in Br−\text{Br}^-.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Write the condensed electron configuration of Br−\text{Br}^-.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

Write the condensed electron configuration of Fe2+\text{Fe}^{2+} and explain which electrons are removed first.

[2]
Write your answer here...
D

Write the observed condensed electron configuration of a copper atom.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 32
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
Calculator Permitted

The graph shows wavelengths of lines in the hydrogen emission spectrum that converge at the high-frequency limit. Use h=6.63×10−34 J sh = 6.63 \times 10^{-34}\ \text{J s}, c=3.00×108 m s−1c = 3.00 \times 10^8\ \text{m s}^{-1} and NA=6.02×1023 mol−1N_A = 6.02 \times 10^{23}\ \text{mol}^{-1}.

Hydrogen emission wavelengths approaching the limit.
A

State what is represented by the convergence limit in this emission spectrum.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Calculate the first ionization energy of hydrogen in kJ mol−1\text{kJ mol}^{-1} using the convergence wavelength from the graph.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C

Suggest why the lines become closer together near the convergence limit.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 33
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
Calculator Permitted

The graph shows first ionization energies for consecutive elements in period 3.

Bar chart of first ionization energies for period 3 elements.
A

Describe the general trend in first ionization energy across period 3.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Explain the general trend across period 3.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

Explain the decrease in first ionization energy from magnesium to aluminium.

[1]
Write your answer here...
D

Explain the decrease in first ionization energy from phosphorus to sulfur.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 34
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Successive ionization energies for two unknown period 3 elements, X and Y, were obtained from a database.

Successive ionization energies for two period 3 elements.
A

State why successive ionization energies always increase for a given element.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Deduce the group of element X using the largest jump in its successive ionization energies.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

Deduce the condensed electron configuration of X.

[1]
Write your answer here...
D

Deduce the group of element Y.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 35
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A spectroscope is used to examine light from two lamps. Lamp A contains a hot filament. Lamp B contains a low-pressure gas excited by an electric discharge.

Two labelled spectra from a spectroscope. Spectrum A is a smooth continuous band across the visible region from red to violet. Spectrum B is bright coloured lines on a dark background. The apparatus should show a light source, slit and prism or diffraction grating, and the top-left source box should show a single clear label: Hot filament lamp.
A

The two spectra are compared.

I.

Distinguish between the spectrum from lamp A and the spectrum from lamp B.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Explain why the low-pressure gas in lamp B emits only certain wavelengths of visible light.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Discuss how the spectrum from lamp B could be used to identify the gas.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C

student states that two lamps that appear the same colour to the eye must contain the same element. Evaluate this statement.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 36
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

The principal quantum number, nn, labels a main energy level in an atom. Potassium is in period 4 of the periodic table.

A

The maximum capacity of a main energy level is given by 2n22n^2.

I.

Deduce the maximum number of electrons in the main energy levels n=3n=3 and n=4n=4.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Explain why your answer for n=4n=4 does not mean that a ground-state potassium atom has 32 electrons in its fourth main energy level.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

An atom has the condensed electron configuration [Ne] 3s23p53s^2 3p^5. Deduce its period and explain your answer.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 37
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A model of atomic structure divides each main energy level into sublevels. Some orbital boundary surfaces are shown.

Four orbital boundary surfaces on axes: one spherical orbital centred on a nucleus and three dumbbell-shaped p orbitals oriented along mutually perpendicular axes. The p orbitals should be labelled only by orientation markers x, y and z, not by sublevel names.
A

Atomic orbitals and sublevels are used to describe electron arrangements.

I.

Distinguish between an atomic orbital and a sublevel.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Describe the shape and orientation of the s and p orbitals shown.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Explain how sublevels are related to the block nature of the periodic table, using period 3 as an example.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 38
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A transition element M has the condensed electron configuration [Ar] 4s2 3d6[\text{Ar}]\ 4s^2\ 3d^6. The graph shows its first six successive ionization energies.

Bar chart of the first six successive ionization energies of M.
A

State which sublevel loses electrons first when M forms cations.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Write the condensed electron configuration of M2+\text{M}^{2+}.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

Suggest why the increase from the second to the third ionization energy is larger than the increase from the first to the second.

[1]
Write your answer here...
D

Use the data to suggest why this element can form ions with more than one oxidation state.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 39
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A convergence frequency was measured from the emission spectrum of a gaseous element. A database value for its first ionization energy is also shown. Use h=6.63×10−34 J sh = 6.63 \times 10^{-34}\ \text{J s} and NA=6.02×1023 mol−1N_A = 6.02 \times 10^{23}\ \text{mol}^{-1}.

Observation / unitValue
Emission line 1 frequency / Hz1.01 × 10^15
Emission line 2 frequency / Hz1.09 × 10^15
Emission line 3 frequency / Hz1.15 × 10^15
Emission line 4 frequency / Hz1.20 × 10^15
Emission line 5 frequency / Hz1.22 × 10^15
Convergence frequency / Hz1.24 × 10^15
Database first ionization energy / kJ mol^-1496
A

Calculate the first ionization energy from the convergence frequency.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Calculate the percentage difference between the experimental value and the database value.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

Evaluate whether the experimental spectrum supports the database value.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 40
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

The visible line emission spectrum of hydrogen contains a red line and several blue-violet lines. Other hydrogen lines occur outside the visible region.

An energy-level diagram for hydrogen with horizontal levels labelled by principal quantum numbers. Several downward arrows terminate at the first, second and third levels. The arrows are grouped but not labelled with historical series names.
A

The line emission spectrum provides evidence about electron energy levels in hydrogen.

I.

Explain why the existence of separate lines supports the idea of discrete energy levels.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Explain why the lines in a hydrogen emission series converge at higher frequency.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Compare the photons emitted by transitions ending at the first, second and third main energy levels of hydrogen.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 41
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Vanadium forms several ions in compounds. Selenium is a non-metal in period 4.

A

Electron configurations can be written in full or condensed form.

I.

Write the full electron configuration of a ground-state vanadium atom, Z=23Z=23.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Write condensed electron configurations for V2+\text{V}^{2+} and Se2−\text{Se}^{2-}.

[2]
Write your answer here...
III.

Explain why the configuration of V2+\text{V}^{2+} is not [Ar] 4s23d14s^2 3d^1.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Complete an orbital diagram for the outer electrons of a ground-state vanadium atom and explain how the diagram follows the Aufbau principle, Hund's rule and the Pauli exclusion principle.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 42
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Chromium and copper are exceptions to the simple Aufbau filling pattern for ground-state atoms.

A

The expected and observed configurations of chromium and copper are compared.

I.

Write the observed condensed electron configurations of chromium and copper atoms.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Explain why these observed configurations are more stable than the expected configurations [Ar] 4s23d44s^2 3d^4 and [Ar] 4s23d94s^2 3d^9.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Copper can form both Cu+\text{Cu}^+ and Cu2+\text{Cu}^{2+} ions.

I.

Write condensed electron configurations for Cu+\text{Cu}^+ and Cu2+\text{Cu}^{2+}.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Evaluate the statement: Cu2+\text{Cu}^{2+} is formed by removing two 3d3d electrons because 3d3d is written after 4s4s in the configuration.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 43
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

The convergence limit for a series in the hydrogen emission spectrum has a wavelength of 91.2 nm91.2\ \text{nm} in the ultraviolet region.

Hydrogen emission lines converging to the limit.
A

The convergence limit is used to calculate the first ionization energy of hydrogen.

I.

Explain what the convergence limit represents in terms of the electron in a hydrogen atom.

[1]
Write your answer here...
II.

Calculate the energy, in J, of one photon at this convergence wavelength.

[2]
Write your answer here...
III.

Calculate the first ionization energy of hydrogen in kJ mol−1\text{kJ mol}^{-1}.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Discuss why the lines before the convergence limit correspond to excitation within the atom rather than ionization.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 44
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A graph of first ionization energy against atomic number is obtained for the elements in period 2.

First ionization energy plotted against atomic number for period 2 elements.
A

The graph contains both an overall trend and two discontinuities.

I.

Explain the general trend in first ionization energy across period 2.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Explain the decrease in first ionization energy from beryllium to boron.

[2]
Write your answer here...
III.

Explain the decrease in first ionization energy from nitrogen to oxygen.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Evaluate the statement: first ionization energy increases smoothly with atomic number across every period.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 45
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

The successive ionization energies of an unknown period 3 element, E, are shown.

First six successive ionization energies for unknown period 3 element E.
A

Use the successive ionization energy data to deduce information about element E.

I.

Identify where the largest jump occurs and deduce the group of E.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Deduce the valence electron configuration of E.

[1]
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III.

Suggest the identity of E.

[1]
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B

Explain why successive ionization energies increase and why a very large jump occurs in this dataset.

[2]
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C

Evaluate the usefulness of plotting these data on a logarithmic scale.

[1]
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Question 46
HL • Paper 2
Hard
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The convergence frequencies for emission series that correspond to first ionization are 1.24×1015 s−11.24\times10^{15}\ \text{s}^{-1} for sodium and 1.04×1015 s−11.04\times10^{15}\ \text{s}^{-1} for potassium.

A

Use the convergence frequency data to calculate first ionization energies.

I.

Calculate the first ionization energy of sodium in kJ mol−1\text{kJ mol}^{-1}.

[2]
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II.

Calculate the first ionization energy of potassium in kJ mol−1\text{kJ mol}^{-1}.

[2]
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III.

Deduce which metal has the lower first ionization energy and relate this to its convergence frequency.

[1]
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B

Discuss why first ionization energy decreases from sodium to potassium.

[3]
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Question 47
HL • Paper 2
Hard
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Iron is a transition element. A plot of successive ionization energies for iron shows that several electrons can be removed before a very large jump associated with the argon core.

Successive ionization energies for iron.
A

Electron configurations help interpret successive ionization energy data for iron.

I.

Write condensed electron configurations for Fe2+\text{Fe}^{2+} and Fe3+\text{Fe}^{3+}.

[2]
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II.

Explain the order in which electrons are removed when iron forms these ions.

[2]
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B

Discuss how the successive ionization energy pattern helps explain variable oxidation states in iron.

[3]
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C

Compare the successive ionization energy pattern of iron with that expected for a main-group element with two valence electrons.

[1]
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0

Question 48
HL • Paper 2
Hard
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A database is used to plot log⁥10(IE)\log_{10}(IE) for successive ionization energies of two period 3 elements, A and B.

Log10 of successive ionization energies for two period 3 elements.
A

Use the logarithmic successive ionization energy plot to identify the electron arrangements of A and B.

I.

Deduce the groups of elements A and B.

[2]
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II.

Write condensed electron configurations for A and B.

[2]
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III.

Explain why the major jump occurs after the number of electrons identified in (a)(i).

[1]
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B

Evaluate the use of only the first ionization energy, rather than successive ionization energies, to assign an element to a group.

[2]
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S1.2 The atom

S1.4 Counting particles, mass. The mole