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 chlorine-37 has how many protons, neutrons, and electrons?

Accepted Answer

17 protons, 20 neutrons, 17 electrons

Question 3

Which of the following electron configurations violates Hund's Rule?

Accepted Answer

1s² 2s² 2p⁴ written as ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑_ _ _

Question 4

Which element is the most electronegative in the periodic table, and what is the general trend for electronegativity across a period?

Accepted Answer

Fluorine; increases from left to right

Question 5

Which of the following molecules is nonpolar, despite containing polar bonds?

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

Question 6

A molecule has three electron groups around the central atom and one lone pair. What is its molecular geometry and polarity?

Accepted Answer

Trigonal pyramidal; polar

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the hybridization and bond angle of the central atom in methane (CH₄)?

Accepted Answer

sp³ hybridization; 109.5° bond angle

Question 8

Which of the following is the correct condensed electron configuration for sulfur (Z = 16)?

Accepted Answer

[Ne] 3s² 3p⁴

Question 9

In the thiocyanate ion (NCS⁻), which atom is most likely to carry a negative formal charge in the most stable resonance structure?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Carbonyl group

Question 11

A molecule has the formula C₂H₆O. Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

It is an organic molecule and may contain either an alcohol or an ether functional group.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between a covalent bond and an ionic bond?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bonds involve sharing electrons; ionic bonds involve transfer of electrons.

Question 13

Which of the following molecules has a central atom with sp hybridization?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN)

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Pauli Exclusion Principle

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why the nitrate ion (NO₃⁻) exhibits resonance?

Accepted Answer

The placement of double bonds can be shifted among the three oxygen atoms, resulting in multiple valid Lewis structures.

Question 16

Which of the following molecules is expected to be polar based on its geometry and the presence of lone pairs?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃)

Question 17

A student draws the Lewis structure for COCl₂ and assigns a formal charge of +1 to the central carbon atom. Which of the following is the most likely error?

Accepted Answer

The student miscounted the number of valence electrons assigned to carbon.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the number of electron groups around a central atom and its hybridization?

Accepted Answer

2 electron groups: sp; 3 electron groups: sp²; 4 electron groups: sp³

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the octet rule?

Accepted Answer

Atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve eight valence electrons.

Question 20

Which of the following compounds is a hydrocarbon?

Accepted Answer

Cyclohexane (C₆H₁₂)

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

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