Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why isotopes of the same element have nearly identical chemical properties?

Accepted Answer

Isotopes have the same number of protons and electrons, so their electron configurations and chemical behavior are the same.

Question 2

A neutral atom of phosphorus (Z = 15) has which of the following electron configurations in its ground state?

Accepted Answer

1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p3

Question 3

Which principle is violated if two electrons in the same orbital have the same spin quantum number?

Accepted Answer

Pauli Exclusion Principle

Question 4

Which of the following elements is expected to have the highest electronegativity?

Accepted Answer

Fluorine

Question 5

A molecule of carbon dioxide (CO2) is nonpolar even though it contains polar bonds. Which statement best explains this observation?

Accepted Answer

The molecule is linear and symmetrical, so the bond dipoles cancel each other out.

Question 6

Which of the following molecules contains a central atom with sp2 hybridization?

Accepted Answer

BF3

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the formal charge on the nitrogen atom in the thiocyanate ion (NCS–), given that nitrogen has 2 nonbonding electrons and is triple-bonded to carbon?

Accepted Answer

0

Question 8

Which of the following molecules is expected to be polar based on its geometry and electron distribution?

Accepted Answer

NF3

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct condensed electron configuration for calcium (Z = 20)?

Accepted Answer

[Ar] 4s2

Question 10

A student draws a Lewis structure for ozone (O3) with a double bond between the central and one terminal oxygen, and a single bond to the other terminal oxygen. What concept explains the need to draw resonance structures for ozone?

Accepted Answer

The actual structure is a resonance hybrid, as the double bond can be placed on either side.

Question 11

Which of the following functional groups is present in both acetone and formaldehyde?

Accepted Answer

Carbonyl group

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between an organic molecule and a hydrocarbon?

Accepted Answer

All hydrocarbons are organic molecules, but not all organic molecules are hydrocarbons.

Question 13

Which of the following molecules violates the octet rule?

Accepted Answer

BF3

Question 14

A molecule has four electron groups around the central atom, with two lone pairs. What is the expected molecular geometry and polarity?

Accepted Answer

Bent geometry; polar molecule

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the electron configuration of a chloride ion (Cl–)?

Accepted Answer

Same as argon (1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6)

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why BeCl2 is linear while BF3 is trigonal planar?

Accepted Answer

BeCl2 has two electron groups (sp hybridization), while BF3 has three electron groups (sp2 hybridization).

Question 17

Which of the following statements about resonance structures is correct?

Accepted Answer

Resonance structures differ only in the placement of electrons, not the arrangement of atoms.

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct formal charge on the central carbon atom in COCl2 (phosgene), assuming a typical Lewis structure?

Accepted Answer

0

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between a cation and an anion?

Accepted Answer

A cation has lost electrons and is positively charged; an anion has gained electrons and is negatively charged.

General Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Bonding, and Molecular Properties Study Guide

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