AS Level · Chemistry 9701 · Physical chemistry

Atomic structure: AS Level Chemistry questions with answers

Free Atomic structure questions for AS Level Chemistry (9701), part of Physical chemistry. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Atomic structure practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

What is the electronic configuration of Mn2+?

  1. A [Ar] 3d3 4s2
  2. B [Ar] 3d4 4s1
  3. C [Ar] 3d5
  4. D [Ar] 3d7
Show answer

Answer: C

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which term is described by this statement?
“A region that can hold up to two electrons of opposite spin.”

  1. A first ionisation energy
  2. B orbital
  3. C disproportionation
  4. D ligand
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 3Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Across Period 3 from sodium to argon, the first ionisation energy generally increases.
1    The decrease from magnesium to aluminium occurs because the 3p electron is at a higher energy than the 3s electrons.
2    Atomic radius increases across the period.
3    The decrease from phosphorus to sulfur is due to repulsion between paired electrons in a 3p orbital.
Which statements are correct?

  1. A 1, 2 and 3
  2. B 1 and 3 only
  3. C 1 only
  4. D 3 only
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 4Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

The first five successive ionisation energies of an element X, in kJ mol−1, are
496, 4562, 6910, 9543, 13354.
In which group of the Periodic Table is X?

  1. A Group 1
  2. B Group 13
  3. C Group 2
  4. D Group 14
Show answer

Answer: A

Question 5Structured · 8 marksA* challenge

The successive ionisation energies, in kJ mol−1, of a Period 3 element X are: 578, 1817, 2745, 11577.

(a)

Write an equation, with state symbols, for the second ionisation energy of X.

[1]
(b)

Deduce the group of X, explaining your reasoning.

[2]
(c)

Explain why the first ionisation energy of aluminium is lower than that of magnesium.

[2]
(d)

Explain why the first ionisation energy of sulfur is lower than that of phosphorus.

[2]
(e)

Give the full electronic configuration of aluminium.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)X⁺(g) → X²⁺(g) + e⁻
X⁺(g) → X²⁺(g) + e⁻ B1
1
(b)Group 13
large jump after the 3rd electron so 3 outer electrons M1
Group 13 so X is aluminium A1
2
(c)3p electron higher energy, shielded by 3s
the outer electron of Al is in a 3p orbital, higher in energy than 3s M1
and is shielded by the 3s electrons M1
2
(d)spin-pair repulsion
sulfur has a pair of electrons in one 3p orbital M1
repulsion between the paired electrons makes one easier to remove M1
2
(e)1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p¹
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p¹ B1
1
Question 6Structured · 6 marks

The first ionisation energies of the elements show trends across periods and down groups.

(a)

Define the first ionisation energy.

[3]
(b)

Explain why the first ionisation energy of oxygen is lower than that of nitrogen.

[2]
(c)

Write the full electronic configuration of Fe³⁺.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)energy to remove one electron from each atom in one mole of gaseous atoms
energy required to remove one electron B1
from each atom in one mole of gaseous atoms B1
to form one mole of gaseous 1+ ions B1
3
(b)spin-pair repulsion in 2p
oxygen has a pair of electrons in one 2p orbital B1
repulsion between paired electrons makes one easier to remove B1
2
(c)1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d⁵
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d⁵ B1
1

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in