BMST - Basic Math and Science Atomic Structure and Bonding Questions and Answers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which subatomic particle determines the chemical identity of an element?
- Neutron
- Electron
- Proton (Correct answer)
- Photon
Correct answer: Proton
The number of protons (atomic number) uniquely identifies each element.
Question 2: What type of bond forms when one atom donates electrons to another atom?
- Covalent bond
- Metallic bond
- Ionic bond (Correct answer)
- Hydrogen bond
Correct answer: Ionic bond
Ionic bonds form through the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, creating oppositely charged ions.
Question 3: How many electrons can the third electron shell (n=3) hold at maximum?
- 8
- 18 (Correct answer)
- 32
- 2
Correct answer: 18
The third shell can hold a maximum of 18 electrons, calculated by 2n² = 2(3)² = 18.
Question 4: Which element has the electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p¹?
- Silicon
- Phosphorus
- Aluminum (Correct answer)
- Magnesium
Correct answer: Aluminum
This configuration has 13 electrons total, which matches aluminum (atomic number 13).
Question 5: A molecule of water (H₂O) has two O-H bonds. What is the geometry of this molecule?
- Linear
- Bent (V-shaped) (Correct answer)
- Trigonal planar
- Tetrahedral
Correct answer: Bent (V-shaped)
Water has a bent shape due to two lone pairs on oxygen that repel the bonding pairs.
Question 6: What is an isotope?
- An atom with a different number of protons than a standard atom
- An atom of the same element with a different number of neutrons (Correct answer)
- An ion with a net charge
- An atom that has lost all its electrons
Correct answer: An atom of the same element with a different number of neutrons
Isotopes are atoms of the same element that differ in neutron count and therefore mass number.
Question 7: Which type of chemical bond is the WEAKEST?
- Ionic bond
- Covalent bond
- Metallic bond
- Van der Waals (London dispersion) forces (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Van der Waals (London dispersion) forces
Van der Waals or London dispersion forces are the weakest intermolecular attractions, arising from temporary dipoles.
BMST - Basic Math and Science Atomic Structure and Bonding Questions and Answers 3
Which subatomic particle determines the chemical identity of an element?