AP Chemistry : Elements, Ions, and Isotopes

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Chemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Elements And Atoms

As atomic radius decreases, the force of attraction between the nucleus of the atom and its electrons __________.

Possible Answers:

increases

stays the same

cannot be determined

decreases

Correct answer:

increases

Explanation:

As the atomic radius decreases, electrons are drawn closer to the nucleus. Since the electromagnetic force between the positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons is a function of distance, the force of attraction, or effective nuclear charge, exerted on each electron will be greater.

Example Question #1 : Elements, Ions, And Isotopes

What is the shorthand electron configuration for gallium?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To write out the shorthand electronic configuration for Ga, you simply write down the noble gas that that comes before , in this case , then write the rest of the electron configuration as normal.

Example Question #111 : Ap Chemistry

An electron falling to a lower energy level gives off a blue glow (λ=475nm). How much energy is emitted?

Possible Answers:

4.184 x 10-19 J

4.184 x 10-17 J

3.14x10-37J

3.14x10-40J

Energy is not emitted

Correct answer:

4.184 x 10-19 J

Explanation:

E=hf, or E=hc/λ

h is Planck's constant with a value of 6.62606957 × 10-34 m2 kg / s. Converting 475nm to m gives 4.75x10-7m. c is the speed of light with 3x108m/s. Putting these variables into the second equation you get 4.174x10-19J

Example Question #112 : Ap Chemistry

The atomic number of an atom is equal to the number of __________.

Possible Answers:

protons + neutrons

neutrons

electrons + neutrons

protons

electrons

Correct answer:

protons

Explanation:

The atomic number is equal to the number of protons, because no two elements have the same number of protons. It is however possible for different elements to have the same number of electrons (through the loss or gain of electrons) or neutrons (isotopes). 

Example Question #1 : Radioactive Decay And Nuclear Chemistry

What kind of radiation has no charge or mass?

Possible Answers:

delta

beta

alpha

gamma

Correct answer:

gamma

Explanation:

This is the definition of gamma radiation.

Example Question #1 : Elements, Ions, And Isotopes

Consider the following isotope of thorium:

What is the identity of the product following three alpha decay reactions?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

During alpha decay, an element emits a helium nucleus with 2 neutrons and 2 protons. Thus, the atomic mass of the new element is decreased by four, and the atomic number is decreased by two.

Three subsequent alpha decays result in a new element with an atomic mass of 232 - 3(4) = 220, and a new atomic number of 90 - 3(2) = 84.

Using the periodic table, we find the element with this atomic number is polonium (Po).

Example Question #1 : Radioactive Decay And Nuclear Chemistry

Consider the following isotope:

What is the identity of the product after the following series of decay reactions?

alpha decay, alpha decay, electron emission, positron emission, positron emission

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In alpha decay, a helium nucleus is emitted, and thus the isotope loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

In electron emission, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton and an emitted electron.

In positron emission, a proton in the nucleus is converted into a neutron and an emitted positron.

The given isotope will lose 4 protons and 4 neutrons via alpha emission, gain 1 proton and lose 1 neutron via electron emission, and lose 2 protons and gain 2 neutrons via positron emission. The result is a loss of 5 protons and 8 mass units.

Accounting for the changes in atomic mass and number, we find that the final element is 141-praseodymium.

Example Question #81 : Elements And Atoms

Uranium-238 undergoes alpha decay. Which nucleus is formed as a result of this decay?

Possible Answers:

Thorium-234

He-4

Uranium-234

Uranium-238

Correct answer:

Thorium-234

Explanation:

In alpha decay, an element loses the equivalent of a helium nucleus, or 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Uranium-238 has an atomic number of 92 and a mass of 238 units, so the product of alpha decay will have an atomic number of 90 and a mass of 234 units. This corresponds to thorium-234.

Example Question #2 : Radioactive Decay And Nuclear Chemistry

Am-242 undergoes beta-decay at a half-life of 16 hours. If a chemist starts with a sample of  of Am-242 and allows it to undergo beta-decay, how much of the original sample remains after 4 days?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

With each half-life, the amount of Am-242 is halved. 4 days is 96 hours, which is 6 half-lives. For half-life questions use the formula:

Where  is the number of half lives. 

Thus  of Am-242 is left after 4 days.

Example Question #1 : Radioactive Decay And Nuclear Chemistry

An alpha particle can also be written as which of the following?

Possible Answers:

 

Correct answer:

 

Explanation:

An alpha particle can be written as  or . The latter is used frequently in nuclear physics because it is more helpful when calculating resulting nuclei after radioactive decay. In alpha emission, the nucleus loses two protons and two neutrons.

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