Fig. 3.1 is an outline of part of the Periodic... | Chemistry (9-1) 0971 | Paper 4 Mock 01 | Theory (Extended)

Question 1 Report

Fig. 3.1 is an outline of part of the Periodic Table. The letters A to F are used in place of the chemical symbols of six elements and are not their real symbols.

(a) Give the letter of the element that is in Group VII. [1]
(b) Give the letter of the element whose atoms have the electronic configuration 2,8,8,1. [1]
(c) Give the letter of the element that is a transition element. [1]
(d) Elements A and C are placed in the same group. State what this tells you about the electron arrangement of their atoms. [1]
(e) State, with a letter, which element exists as unreactive single atoms (a monatomic gas), and explain this in terms of its electron arrangement. [2]
(f) Element E forms an ion. Deduce the charge on this ion and explain your answer in terms of electron transfer. [2]
(g) Explain why element C is more reactive than element A. [3]

Answer

Answer Details

What this tests: locating groups, periods and transition elements on the Periodic Table, and explaining Group I reactivity.

(a) Group VII is the column just before Group 0, which is B [1].

(b) The configuration 2,8,8,1 means 1 outer electron (Group I) and 4 shells (Period 4), which is C [1].

(c) The transition element lies in the central block between Groups II and III, which is D [1].

(d) Because A and C are in the same group, their atoms have the same number of electrons in the outer shell (both have 1) [1].

(e) The unreactive monatomic gas is F [1]; it is a noble gas with a complete/full outer shell (8 electrons), so it has no tendency to gain, lose or share electrons and exists as single atoms [1].

(f) E is in Group II, so the ion it forms has charge 2+ [1]; an atom of E loses its 2 outer electrons, leaving a positive ion with a full outer shell [1].

(g) Both A and C are Group I metals that react by losing their single outer electron [1]. In C that outer electron is in a shell further from the nucleus and more shielded by inner filled shells, so it is attracted less strongly [1]; it is therefore lost more easily, making C more reactive than A [1].