Chemistry MCQs
Topic Notes: Chemistry
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
21
What are the standard terms used to describe the horizontal rows and vertical columns in the periodic table?
Answer:
Periods, Groups
In the periodic table, horizontal rows are referred to as periods, representing the principal quantum number of the valence shell. Vertical columns are called groups, where elements share similar valence electron configurations and chemical properties.
22
Identify the false statement(s) regarding the modern periodic table: 1. Elements are arranged in decreasing order of atomic numbers. 2. Elements are arranged in increasing order of atomic masses. 3. Isotopes are placed in adjacent groups. 4. Elements are arranged in increasing order of atomic numbers.
Answer:
1, 2 and 3
The modern periodic table is arranged by increasing atomic number (making statement 4 true and 1 false). Statement 2 is false because the table is not based on atomic mass. Statement 3 is false because isotopes of the same element occupy the same position in the table, not adjacent groups. Thus, 1, 2, and 3 are false.
23
In which section of the periodic table are non-metals such as sulfur and chlorine typically located?
Answer:
on the right
Non-metals are located on the right side of the periodic table, excluding hydrogen. Elements like sulfur (Group 16) and chlorine (Group 17) exhibit high electronegativity and non-metallic character, consistent with their position in the p-block on the right.
24
What is the common name for the elements found in the second group of the periodic table?
Answer:
Alkaline earth metal
Group 2 elements, including beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium, are collectively known as alkaline earth metals. They are reactive, electropositive, divalent metals that form basic oxides, which were historically referred to as 'earths'.
25
Who is credited as the first scientist to develop a systematic periodic table of elements?
Answer:
Mendeleev
Dmitri Mendeleev is widely recognized as the first scientist to create a functional periodic table. In 1869, he arranged the elements by atomic mass and successfully predicted the existence and properties of several undiscovered elements, which provided strong evidence for his periodic law.
26
What is the scientific explanation for the yellow glow emitted by sodium vapour lamps?
Answer:
the emission of excess energy absorbed by sodium atoms, in the yellow region of the spectrum
When electricity passes through sodium vapour, sodium atoms absorb energy, causing electrons to jump to higher energy levels. As these electrons return to their ground state, they release the absorbed energy as photons. For sodium, this transition corresponds to the yellow region of the visible spectrum (specifically the D-lines at 589.0 and 589.6 nm), resulting in the characteristic yellow light.
27
Which elements were placed alongside halogens in Newland's periodic table?
Answer:
Co and Ni
In Newland's Law of Octaves, he grouped elements with similar properties. Due to the limitations of his system, he placed Cobalt and Nickel in the same column as the halogens (Fluorine and Chlorine), which was a significant flaw in his classification scheme.
28
What is the electronic configuration of an element located in the second period that exhibits strong catenation (chaining) properties?
Answer:
2, 4
The element described is carbon, which is known for its unique ability to form stable, long chains (catenation). Carbon has an atomic number of 6, placing it in the second period of the periodic table. Its electronic configuration is 2, 4, indicating four valence electrons in the second shell.
29
Upon which fundamental property did Mendeleev base his periodic law?
Answer:
Atomic mass
Dmitri Mendeleev formulated his periodic law based on the observation that the properties of elements are a periodic function of their atomic masses. This was the standard classification method before the discovery of atomic numbers by Henry Moseley.
30
What significant scientific contribution did Newlands, Mendeleev, and Meyer collectively work toward?
Answer:
Periodic Table of Contents
Newlands, Mendeleev, and Lothar Meyer were all pioneers in the development of the periodic classification of elements. Their work laid the foundation for the modern periodic table, which acts as a systematic 'table of contents' for all known chemical elements, organizing them based on their recurring properties and atomic structures.