Understanding Electron Configurations

What does the electron configuration of an atom help determine?

• The atomic mass of the element

• The color of the element

• The chemical properties of the element

• The melting point of the element

According to the Aufbau principle, which orbital is filled first?

• 2p

• 3d

• 1s

• 4f

What does Hund's rule state about filling orbitals?

• Fill orbitals randomly

• Fill each orbital with two electrons before moving to the next

• Fill orbitals of equal energy one at a time before pairing

• Fill the highest energy orbital first

How can you determine the electron configuration of an element using the periodic table?

• By looking at the atomic mass

• By checking the element's color

• By reading left to right and up to down

• By counting the number of protons

What is the term for substances with unpaired electrons?

• Diamagnetic

• Paramagnetic

• Ferromagnetic

• Non-magnetic

What is the electron configuration for chlorine?

• 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6

• 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1 3p5

• 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4

• 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5

Why does copper have an electron configuration of 4s1 3d10 instead of 4s2 3d9?

• Because copper has more protons

• Due to the color of copper

• Due to the stabilizing effect of a full 3d subshell

• Because 4s is higher in energy than 3d

Which element is an exception to the typical electron configuration rules by having a 5s1 4d10 configuration?

• Iron

• Chromium

• Silver

• Gold

What is the significance of valence electrons in the periodic table?

• They determine the atomic mass

• They define the element's color

• They are not significant

• They are responsible for the element's reactivity

What are core electrons?

• Electrons in the outermost shell

• Electrons in inner shells that do not participate in chemistry

• Electrons that participate in chemical reactions

• Electrons that determine the color of the element