Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS
Multiple Choice Questions
2.1 Atomic Structure
1.

Formula for the distribution of electrons in KLM Shells is

a. n2
c. 2 n2

2.

b. 2n
d. 3n2

Rutherford bombarded a very thin gold foil about _________

thickness with particles.
a. 0.0004 cm
c. 0.004 cm

3.

b. 0.00004 cm
d. 0.000004 cm

Neil Bohr proposed a model for an atom in

a. 1911
c. 1913

4.

b. 1912
d. 1914

Atomic number of carbon is 6. The number of electrons in its

valence shell are
a. 2
c. 6

b. 4
d. 8
2.2 Atomic Structure

5.

Isotopes of an element can differ in

a. No. of protons
c. No. of neutrons

6.

Tritium (hydrogen-3) has ________ electrons.

a. 1
c. 3

7.

b. No. of electrons
d. Atomic number

b. 2
d. zero

Heavy water contains

a. Protium
c. Tritium

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b. Deuterium
d. Both
Protium

and

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

deuterium
8.

Which isotope is used in atomic bombs

a. U-234
c. U-238

9.

b. U-235
d. All of these

d sub-shell can accommodate maximum _____________ electrons.

a. 2
c. 8

10.

b. 6
d. 10

After 2p has completely filled, the additional electrons will fill

_______ sub-shell.
a. 3s
c. 3d

11.

b. 3p
d. 3f

M-shell can accommodate maximum electrons

a. 2
c. 18

12.

b. 8
d. 32

Hydrogen has isotopes

a. 1
c. 3

b. 2
d. 4
2.3 Electronic Configuration

13.

Which are the sub-shells of M-shell

a. 2s , 2p
c. 3s , 3p , 3d

14.

p-sub shell contains maximum number of electrons.

a. 2
c. 6

15.

b. 8
d. 10

27
Al electronic configuration in the sub-shell last occupied
13
a. 2s2 , 2p1
c. 2s2 , 2p2

16.

b. 3s , 3p
d. 2s , 3s

b. 3s2 , 3p1
d. 3s2 , 3p2

Which isotope is used to image brain?

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

a. Na-24
c. Co-60
17.

Which isotope is
photosynthesis?
a. C-12
c. C-14

18.

b. I-123
d. C-14
used

to

trace

the

path

of

carbon

b. C-13
d. All of these

After 3s has completely filled, which sub-shell begins to fill?

a. 4s
c. 3d

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

b. 3p
d. 4f

in

Chapter 2

19.

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

The angular momentum of the electron is an integral multiple of

a.
c.

20.

n
2
2n
h

b.
d.

h
2
E

As the n value increases the ______________

a. The distance of electron from the nucleus increases
b. Energy of shell increases
c. Both a and b
d. None of these

Answers
1. c

2. b

3. c

4. b

5. c

6. a

7. b

8. b

9. d

10. a

11. c

12. c

13. c

14. c

15. b

16. a

17. c

18. b

19. b

20.

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS
Short Questions
particles ?

Q. 1.

What are

Answer:

particles
are helium nuclei that are doubly positively
++
charged He

Q. 2.

What
are
the
experiment?

conclusions

of

the

Rutherfords

Answer: Rutherford drew the following conclusions:

1. Since majority of the particles
passed through the foil undeflected, most of the space occupied by an atom must be
empty.
2. The deflection of a few particles
through angles greater
o
than
shows that these particles are deflected by
90
electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged
particles and the positively charged part of atom.
3. Massive particles are not deflected by electrons.
Q. 3.

What is the Rutherfords Model for an atom?

Answer: On the basis of conclusions drawn from his experiments,

Rutherford proposed a new model for an atom. He proposed a
planetary model (similar to the solar system) for an atom. An
atom is a neutral particle. The mass of an atom is concentrated
in a very small dense positively charged region. He named this
region as nucleus. The electrons are revolving around the
nucleus in circles. These circles are called orbits. The centripetal
force due to the revolution of electrons balances the
electrostatic force of attraction between the nucleus and the
electrons.
Q. 4.

Define isotopes?

Answer: Isotopes are atoms of an element whose nuclei have the

same atomic number but different mass number. This is
because atoms of an element can differ in the number of
neutrons. Isotopes are chemically alike and differ in their
physical properties.
ASAAN CHEMISTRY

Chapter 2

Q. 5.

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

Write few uses of isotopes.

Answer: Some of isotopes are as follows:

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Q. 6.

Radioactive iodine- -131 is used as a tracer in diagnosing thyroid

problem.
Na-24 is used to trace the flow of blood and detect possible
obstruction in the circulatory system.
Iodine-123 is used to image the brain.
Cobalt-60 is used irradiate cancer cells to shrink the tumors.
What do you mean by shells/orbits and energy level?

Answer: Shells or Orbits:

According to Bohrs atomic theory, the electron in an atom
revolves around the nucleus in one of the circular paths called
shells or orbits.
Each shell is described by an n value. n can have values 1,2,3
and are designated as K, L, M etc. Each shell has a fixed
energy. So each shell is also called energy level.
Q. 7.

Describe the presence of sub-shells in a shell?

Answer: Sub-shells:
A shell or energy level is sub divided into sub-shells or subenergy levels. n value of a shell is placed before the symbol for
a sub-shell. For instance,
n = 1, for K shell. It has only one sub-shell which as
represented by 1s.
n = 2, L shell has two sub-shell, these are designated as
2s and 2p.
n = 3, So M shell has 3 sub-shell called 3s, 3p and 3d.
Similarly N shell has 4s, 4p, 4l and 4f sub-shells.
Q. 8.

What are sub-shells?

Answer: A shell or energy level is sub-divided into sub-shells or subenergy levels. n value of a shell is placed before the symbol for
a sub-shell. For example:
n = 1, for K shell. It has only one sub-shell which as
represented by 1s.
ASAAN CHEMISTRY

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

n = 2, for L shell, It has two sub-shells 2s and 2p. for M

shell n = 3, so it has three sub-shell called 3s , 3p and
3d.While N shell has 4s, 4p, 4d and 4f sub-shells.
Q. 9.

Arrange the following sub-shells in order of increasing

energy
1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 3d, 4s

Answer: 1s < 2s < 2p < 3s < 3p < 4s < 3d

Q. 10.

Define the following:

a.

Electronic configuration

b.

Auf Bau Principle

Answer: a)

The arrangement of electrons in sub-shells is called as the

electronic configuration.

b)

Auf Bau Principle states that electrons fill the lowest energy
sub-shell that are available first. This means electrons will
fill first 1s, then 2s, then 2p etc.

Q. 11.

Write electronic configuration of

a.
b.
11Na
18Ar

Answer: a)
b)
Q. 12.

=
=

1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1

1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6

Write isotopes of the following elements:

a.
Carbon
b. Chlorine
Uranium

Answer: a)

Q. 13.

Na
18Ar
11

c.

Carbon has three isotopes, carbon-12, carbon-13 and

carbon-14.

b)

Chlorine has two isotopes, chlorine-35 and chlorine-37.

c)

Uranium has three isotopes, uranium-234, uranium-235 and

uranium-238

Following figure shows the incomplete structure of

isotopes of carbon. Can you complete it (Activity 2.1).

P=
N=

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

P=6
N=

P=
N=

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

12
6

13
6

14
6

Answer: C-12 has 6 protons, 6 neutron and 6 electrons. C-13 has 6

protons, 7 neutrons and 6 electrons. C-4 has 6 protons, 8
neutrons and 6 electrons.
P=6
N=6

12
6
Q. 14.

P=6
N=8

P=6
N=7

13
6

14
6

Chlorine has two isotopes. Figure shows the structure of

isotopes of chlorine. Can you write isotope symbol for
each?

Answer:

P=17
N=20

P=17
N=18

Isotopes of chlorine
Isotopes symbols:
Natural abundance 75.77%
Solution:
35
Isotope symbols:
Cl
17
Q. 15.

24.23%
37
17

Cl

Fill in the blanks. (Activity 2.3)

234 U
92

has ________ protons, ________ electrons and _____

neutrons
235 U
92
neutrons

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

has ________ protons, ________ electrons and _____

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

238 U
92

has ________ protons, ________ electrons and _____

neutrons
Answer:
234 U
has __92___ protons, __92__ electrons and _
92
neutrons
235 U
has __92___ protons, __92__ electrons and _
92
neutrons
238 U
has __92___ protons, __92__ electrons and _
92
neutrons
Q. 16.

142

143

146

Give names and symbols of isotopes of hydrogen.

Answer: Hydrogen has three isotopes.

Name
i.

Hydrogen 1

ii.

Hydrogen 2

iii.

Hydrogen 3

Symbol
1H
1
2H
1
3H
1

Long Questions
Q. 17.

Describe Rutherfords experiment. What conclusions he

drew from the experiment.

Answer: Rutherfords Experiment

Rutherford bombarded a very thin gold foil about 0.0004cm
particles
particles
thickness with
(Figure). He used
obtained from the disintegration of polonium. particles
are
++
helium nuclei that are doubly positively charged (He ). Most of
these particles passed straight through the foil. Only few
particles were slightly deflected. But one in 1 million was
deflected through an angle greater than 900 from their straight
ASAAN CHEMISTRY

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

paths. Rutherford
performed
a
experiments using thin foils of other
elements. He observed similar
results from these experiments.
Rutherford drew
conclusions:

the

series

of

following

1. Since majority of the particles

passed through the foil undeflected, most of the space
occupied by an atom must be empty.
Figure Rutherfords
2. The deflection of a few particles
through angles greater
Experiment
o
than
shows that these particles are deflected by
90
electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged
particles and the positively charged part of atom.
3. Massive particles are not deflected by electrons.
Q. 18.

Write defects in Rutherfords atomic model.

Answer: Defects in Rutherfords Atomic Model:

Rutherfords model of an atom resembles our solar system. It
has following defects:
i.

ii.

Q. 19.

Classical physics suggests that electron being charged

particle will emit energy continuously while revolving around
the nucleus. Thus the orbit of the revolving electron
becomes smaller and smaller until it would fall into the
nucleolus. This would collapse the atomic structure.
If revolving electron emits energy continuously it should
form a continuous spectrum for an atom but a line spectrum
is obtained.

Explain the postulates of Bohrs atomic theory.

Answer: Main postulates of Bohrs atomic theory are as follows:

1. The electron in an atom revolves around the nucleus in one of
the circular orbits. Each orbit has a fixed energy. So each orbit is
also called energy level.

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

2. The energy of the electron in an orbit is

proportional to its distance from the nucleus.
The farther the electron is from the
nucleus, the more energy it has.
3. The electron revolves only in those orbits Figure Bohrs model of
the atom
for which the angular momentum of the
h
h
2
2
where h is Planks constant (its value is 6.626 1034 J . s ).
electron is an integral multiple of

4. Light is absorbed when an electron jumps to a higher energy

orbit and emitted when an electron falls into a lower energy
orbit. Electron present in a particular orbit does not radiate
energy.
5. The energy of the light emitted is exactly equal to the difference
between the energies of the orbits.
E=E2E 1
Where E is the energy difference between any two orbits
with energies E1 and E2
Q. 20.

Figure shows Bohrs Model for two atoms A and B. Can

you identify three similarities and two differences in
these atoms? Justify that these are atoms of same
element.
P=10
N=10

A =

P=10
N=11

B =
Bohrs model for atom A and atom B

Answer: a)

Similarities
i.
ii.
iii.

b)

Both atoms have same number of protons.

Both the atoms have same number electrons.
Both have same atomic number.
Differences

i.
ii.

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

Both have different number of neutrons.

Both differ in total number of protons and neutron. This
means they have different mass numbers.

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

Since both the atoms have same atomic number, they must be
the atoms of same element and are called isotopes.
Q. 21.

What are isotopes. Explain the isotopes of hydrogen.

Answer: The word isotope was first used by Soddy. It is a Greek word
isos means same and tope means place.
Isotopes are atoms of an element whose nuclei have the
same atomic number but different mass number. This is
because atoms of an element can differ in the number of
neutrons. Isotopes are chemically alike and differ in their
physical properties.
Isotopes of Hydrogen:
Hydrogen has three isotopes:

i.

Hydrogen-1 (Protium):
Hydrogen 1 (Protium) has no neutron. It has one proton
and one electron. Almost all the hydrogen is Hydrogen 1.
1H
1
Hydrogen 2 (Deuterium):
Hydrogen 2 (Deuterium) has one neutron and one proton
Its symbol is

ii.

and one electron. Its symbol is

iii.

Hydrogen 3 (Tritium):
Hydrogen 3 (Tritium) has two neutrons, one proton and
one electron. Its symbol is

Q. 22.

2H
1

3H
1

Give names and symbols of isotopes of carbon. List some

of their properties.

Answer: Carbon has three isotopes.

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

i.

Carbon 12
It has six neutrons, six proton and six electrons. Its symbol is

12 C
6
ii.
Carbon 13
It has seven neutrons, six proton and six electrons. Its symbol is
13 C
6
iii.
Carbon 14
It has eight neutrons, six proton and six electrons. Its symbol is
14 C
6
Properties of isotopes of Carbon:
Different forms of carbon are black or grayish black solids
except diamond. They are odourless and tasteless. They have
high melting and boiling points and are insoluble in water.

Q. 23.

Give names and symbols of isotope of chlorine. Write

their properties. Draw diagrammatic sketches of
isotopes of chlorine.

Answer: Isotopes of chlorine:

There are two natural isotopes of chlorine, chlorine-35 and
chlorine-37.
Chlorine-35:
An atom of cholorine-35 has 17 protons and 18 neutrons.
35 Cl
Chlorine-35 occurs in nature about 75%. Its symbol is
17
Chlorine-37:
An atom of cholorine-37 has 17 protons and 20 neutrons.
37 Cl
Chlorine-37 occurs in nature about 25%. Its symbol is
17
ASAAN CHEMISTRY

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

Properties of isotopes of Chlorine:

Chlorine is a grayish yellow gas with sharp pungent irritating
smell. It is faily soluble in water.

P=17
N=18

P=17
N=20

Isotopes of Chlorine
Q. 24.

List uses of isotopes in daily life.

Answer: Uses of Isotopes:

Stable and radioactive isotopes have many applications in
science and medicines. Some of these are as follows:
i.

Radioactive iodine 131 is used as a tracer in diagnosing thyroid

problem.
ii.
Na 24 is used to trace the flow of blood and detect possible
constructions or obstructions in the circulatory system.
iii. Iodine 123 is used to image the brain.
iv.
Cobalt 60 is commonly used to irradiate cancer cells in the hope
of killing or shrinking the tumors.
v.
Carbon 14 is sued to trace the path of carbon in photosynthesis.
vi. Radioactive isotopes are used to determine the molecular structure
e.g. Sulphur-35 has been used in the structure determination of
thiosulphate, S2O3-2 ion.
vii. Radioactive isotopes are also used to study the mechanism of
chemical reactions.
viii. Radioactive isotopes are used to date rocks, soils, archaeological
objects and mummies.
Q. 25.

Give names and symbols of isotopes of uranium. Write

their properties and applications in daily life.

Answer: Uranium has three isotopes, Uranium-234, Uranium-235 and

Uranium-238. Symbols of isotopes of Uranium are:

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

234 U
,
92

235 U
,
92

234 U
92

Stable and radioactive isotopes have many applications in

science and medicines. Some of these are as follows.
Properties and applications of isotopes of uranium are as
follows:
i.

ii.
iii.
iv.
Q. 26.

Uranium-235 on fission yields smaller nuclei, neutron and

energy. The nuclear energy released by one kg of uranium is
equivalent to chemical energy released by burning more than
17000kg of coal.
U-235 is used in nuclear reactor to generate electricity and in
atomic bombs.
U-238 decays into thorium-234 and emits alpha particle.
U-234 is rare.
Justify that isotopes of an element have similar chemical
properties.

Answer: Chemical properties of an element depend upon the number of

protons and electrons. Neutrons do not take part in ordinary
chemical reactions. Since isotopes of an element have same
number of protons and electrons, possess similar chemical
properties.
Q. 27.

What is meant by shells or orbits and energy levels.

What are sub-shells?

Answer: Shells:
According to Bohrs atomic theory, the electron in an atom
revolves around the nucleus in one of the circular paths called
shells or orbits. Each shell has a fixed energy. So each shell is
also called energy level. Each shell is described by an n value. n
can have values 1,2,3
When,
n
n
n

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

=
=
=

1,
2,
3,

it is K shell
it is L shell
it is M shell etc.

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

As the value of n increases distance of electron from the nucleus

and energy of the shell increases.
Sub-shells:
A shell or energy level is sub divided into sub-shells or subenergy levels. n value of a shell is placed before the symbol for
a sub-shell. For instance
n = 1, for K shell. It has only one sub-shell which as
represented by 1s.
For L shell n = 2, L shell has two sub-shell, these are
designated as 2s and 2p.
For M shell n = 3, So M shell has 3 sub-shell called 3s, 3p and
3d. While N shell has 4s, 4p, 4d and 4f sub-shells.
s sub-shell can accommodate maximum 2 electrons.
p sub-shell can accommodate maximum 6 electrons.
d sub-shell can accommodate maximum 10 electrons.
f sub-shell can accommodate maximum 14 electrons.
Q. 28.

Describe the
elements.

electronic

configuration

of

first

12

Answer: Electronic Configuration of First 12 Elements.

First 12 elements in the table are: H, He, Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F, Ne,
Na and Mg
Hydrogen has atomic number 1. So it has only one electron that
will occupy lowest energy sub-shell 1s. The electronic
configuration of H is 1s1.
Helium has atomic number 2, so it has two electrons. Since s
sub-shell can accommodate two electrons, so electronic
configuration of He is 1s2.
Lithium has atomic number 3, so it has three electrons, two will
fill 1s sub-shell and one 2s sub-shell. So electronic configuration
of Li is 1s2 2s1.
Beryllium has atomic number 4, so it has four electrons. Two of
these electrons go into 1s sub-shell and two will go to 2s subshell. Thus electronic configuration of Be is 1s2 2s2.

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

Once 2s sub-shell is filled, the 2p sub-shell begins to fill. 2p subshell can hold maximum 6 electrons. So next six elements will
have configuration in which 2p sub-shell will be progressively
filled. Therefore, these elements will have following electronic
configuration.
B = 1s22s22p1
2
2
2
6B = 1s 2s 2p
2
2
3
7B = 1s 2s 2p
2
2
4
8B = 1s 2s 2p
2
2
5
9B = 1s 2s 2p
2
2
6
10B = 1s 2s 2p
5

After 2p has completely filled, the additional electrons will fill 3s

sub-shell, so electronic configuration of Na & Mg would be
Na = 1s22s22p63s1
2
2
6
2
12Mg = 1s 2s 2p 3s
11

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES

SELF ASSESSMENT
EXERCISE 2.1
Draw Bohrs Model for the following atoms indicating the
location for electrons, protons and neutrons.
a. Carbon (Atomic Number = 6, mass Number = 12)
b. Chlorine (Atomic No. 17, Mass No. 35)
c. Carbon (Atomic Number = 6, mass Number = 12)
a.

Carbon (Atomic Number = 6, mass Number = 12)

Solution:
Number of electrons = 6
Number of protons = 6
Number of neutrons = 12 6 = 6
b.

P=6
N=6

Chlorine (Atomic No. 17, Mass No. 35)

Solution:
P=17
N=18

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

Number of electrons = 17
Number of protons = 17
Number of neutrons = 35 17 = 18

SELF ASSESSMENT
EXERCISE 2.2
Write the complete
following elements;
Al
Si
P
S
Cl
Ar

(atomic
(atomic
(atomic
(atomic
(atomic
(atomic

number
number
number
number
number
number

electronic

configuration

for

the

13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)

Solution:
Al
14Si
15P
16S
17Cl
18Ar
13

=
=
=
=
=
=

1s22s22p63s23p1
1s22s22p63s23p2
1s22s22p63s23p3
1s22s22p63s23p4
1s22s22p63s23p5
1s22s22p63s23p6
SELF ASSESSMENT
EXERCISE 2.3

Write the
isotopes.
a).

14 C
6

electronic

b).

configuration
35 Cl
17

c).

Solution:
a).

14 C
6

b).

35 C
17

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

= 1s22s22p2
35 Cl
17

= 1s22s22p63s23p5

for

the

37 C l
17

following

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

37 Cl
17

c).

= 1s22s22p63s23p5

SOCIETY, THECHNOLOGY AND

SCIENCE
Q. 1.

Explain how interpretations of experimental results of

other scientists help chemist to formulate new
explanation and new theories.

Answer: Rutherford was the first scientist who proposed first atomic
model of an atom. He suggested that all of the positive charge
and most of the mass of the atom is concentrated in the
nucleus. The remaining volume of the atom is occupied by
electrons that revolve around the nucleus in circles called orbits.
These suggestions remained unchallenged. But his model could
not explain the stability of an atom and line spectrum for an
atom. Bohr leaped over difficulty by using Quantum Theory of
Radiation that was proposed by Max Plank. Bohr proposed that
an electron moves around the nucleus in well defined circular
paths called orbits. An orbit has fixed energy. Electron present in
an orbit does not emit energy. Bohr atomic theory explains
nicely the stability of an atom and also explains why an atom
gives line spectrum. Development of Bohrs atomic model
explains how interpretations of experimental results of other
scientists help chemists to formulate new explanations and new
theories.
Q. 2.

Justify that prevailing theories bring about changes in

them.

Answer: Daltons atomic theory explained data from many experiments.

So it was widely accepted. Discovery of sub-atomic particles and
isotopes proved that some of the Daltons ideas about atoms
were not correct. Scientists did not discard his theory. Instead,
they revised the theory to take into account new discoveries.
This shows how prevailing theories bring about changes in
them.

KEY POINTS
Rutherfords Atomic Model:
ASAAN CHEMISTRY

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

Rutherford proposed a planetary model for an atom. The

nucleus of an atom is composed of protons. The electrons are
revolving around the nucleus in circles.
Bohrs Atomic Model:

According to Bohrs atomic model, the electron in an atom

revolves around the nucleus in fixed circular orbits called shells.
Energy is absorbed when an electron jumps to a higher energy
orbit and emitted when an electron falls into a lower energy
orbit.
Isotopes:

Isotopes are atoms of an element that differ in the number of

neutrons.
235 U
isotope is used in nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.
92
Radioactive isotopes:

Radioactive isotopes have many applications in science and

medicines such as killing cancer cells, diagnosing thyroid
problem, to image the brain, to detect obstruction in the
circulatory system, to date rocks soils, mummies etc.
Sub-shells:

A shell or energy level is divided into sub-shells.

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

Electronic configuration:

The arrangement of electrons in sub shells is called as the

electronic configuration.
Auf Bau Principle:

According to the Auf Bau Principle, electrons fill the lowest

energy levels first.

REVIEW QUESTIONS
1.

Encircle the correct answer:

i. According to Bohr atomic model:
a. Each orbit has fixed energy, so each orbit is called subenergy level.
b. The energy of the electron is inversely proportional to its
distance from the nucleus.
c. Light is absorbed when an electron jumps a lower energy
orbit.
d. The further the electron is from the nucleus, the more
energy it has.
ii. Chlorine has two isotopes, both of which have
a. Same mass number
b.
same number of neutrons
c. different number of protons d. same number of electrons
iii. Number of neutrons in
a. 13

27 M
13

b. 14

are
c.

27

d. 15

iv. Which isotope is commonly used to irradiate cancer cells?

a. Iodine-123 b. Carbon-14
c. Cobalt-60 d. Iodine131
v. M shell has sub-shells:
a. 1s, 2s
b. 2s, 2p

c.

3s, 3p, 3d

d. 1s, 2s, 3s

vi. A sub-shell that can accommodate 6 electrons is?

a. s
b. d
c. p
d. f

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Chapter 2

vii.

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

Na has electronic configuration:

a. 1s22s23s1
b. 1s22s22p7
c. 1s22s22p53S2
d. 1s22s22p63S1
11

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Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

viii. Rutherford used _____ particles in his experiments.

a. He atoms
b. He+
c. He+2
d. He-2
ix. Which of the following statement is not correct about isotopes?
a. They have same atomic number
b. They have same number of protons
c. They have same chemical properties
d. They have same physical properties
x. Which isotope is used in nuclear reactors?
a. U-234
b. U-238
c. U-235
these

d. All

of

Answers:
1. d
6. c
2.

2. d
7. d

3. b
8. c

4. c
9. d

5. c
10.
c

Give short answers

i. Distinguish between shell and sub-shell.
Ans: According to Bohrs atomic theory, the electron in an atom
revolves around the nucleus in one of the circular paths called
shells or orbits. Shells are represented by symbols, K, L, M etc.
A shell is sub-divided into sub-shells designated by s, p, d and
f. For example, the first shell, K has only one sub-shell called
1s, the second shell (L) has two sub-shells, 2s and 2p etc.
ii. An atom is electrically neutral, why?
Ans:

An atom contains equal number of positively charged protons

and negatively charged electrons. These charges are equal but
opposite. So, an atom is electrically neutral.

iii. How many sub-shells are there in N shell

Ans: For N shell, n = 4, So it has four sub-shells, 4s, 4p, 4d and 4f.
iv. Give notation for sub-shells of M shell.
Ans: For M shell, n = 3. So M shell has three sub-shells designated
as 3s, 3p and 3d.

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Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

v. List sub-shells of M shell in order of increasing energy.

Ans: 3s < 3p < 3d.

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

vi. Can you identify an atom without knowing number of

neutrons in it?
Ans:

3.

Yes, we can identify an atom from its atomic number or

number of protons in it. For example, different isotopes of
Carbon, C-12, C-13, C-14 have same number of protons, so
they all are C-atoms.

The electronic configurations listed are incorrect. Explain

what mistake has been made in each and write correct
electronic configurations.
X
Y
Z

=
=
=

1s22s22p43p2
1s22s12p1
1s22s22p53p1

Ans: According to Auf Bau principle, electrons fill the lowest energy subshell that is available first. This means electron will fill first 1s then
2s, then 2p, then 3s so on. s can hold 2, p can hold 6 electrons.
In
X = 1s22s22p43p2, 2p is lower in energy then 3p and is
incomplete, so electron will fill 2p first.
Correct electronic configuration = 1s22s22p6
In
Y = 1s22s12p1, 2s is lower in energy then 2p and it can
accommodate one more electron.
Correct electronic configuration = 1s22s2
In Z = 1s22s22p53p1, 2p is lower in energy then 3s and can hold
another electron.
Correct electronic configuration = 1s22s22p6
4.
a.
b.
c.
Ans:

Which orbital in each of the following pairs is lower in

energy?
2s, 2p
3p, 2p
3s, 4s
a.
2s, 2p
The energy of 2s < 2p
b.
3p, 2p
The energy of 2p < 3p
c.
3s, 4p
The energy of 3s < 4s

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Chapter 2

5.
a.
b.
c.
Ans:

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

Draw Bohrs Model for the following atoms indicating the

location for electron, protons and neutrons:
Potassium (Atomic No. 19, Mass No. 39)
Silicon (Atomic No. 14, Mass No. 28)
Argon (Atomic No. 18, Mass No. 39)
a.
Potassium (Atomic No. 19, Mass No. 39)

P=19
N=20

(K = 2, L = 8, M = 8, N = 1)

b.

Silicon (Atomic No. 14, Mass No. 28)

P=14
N=14

c.

(K = 2, L = 8, M = 4)
Argon (Atomic No. 18, Mass No. 39)

P=18
N=21

(K = 2, L = 8, M = 4)
6.

Write electronic configuration for the following elements:

28 Si
24 Mg
27 Al
40 Ar
a).
b).
c).
d).
14
13
13
18
Solution:
a).

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

28 Si
14

= 1s22s22p63s23p2

Chapter 2

7.

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

b).

24 Mg
13

c).

27 Al
13

= 1s22s22p63s23p1

d).

40 Ar
18

= 1s22s22p63s23p6

= 1s22s22p63s2

Describe the contribution that Rutherford made to the

development of the atomic theory.

Ans: Rutherford was the first scientist who proposed first atomic model
of an atom. He performed a series of experiment, in which he
bombarded thin gold foil of 0.0004cm thickness with alpha
particles. Based on observations from these experiments, he
suggested that all the positive charge and most of the mass of
atom is concentrated in the thin center called nucleus. The
electrons are revolving around the nucleus in circles. These circles
are called orbits. These suggestions remained unchanged. But his
model could not explain stability of an atom and line spectrum for
an atom.
8.

Explain
how
Bohrs
atomic
Rutherfords atomic theory.

theory

differed

from

Ans: Rutherfords atomic model could not explain the stability of an

atom and line spectrum for an atom. Bohrs leaped over this
difficulty by using Quantum theory of Radiation, which was
proposed by Max Plank. Bohr proposed that an electron moves
around the nucleus in circular paths called shells. A shell has fixed
energy. Electron present in a shell does not emit energy. Bohrs
theory nicely explains the stability of an atom and it also explains
why an atom gives live spectrum.
9.

Describe the presence of sub-shells in a shell.

Ans: See Question No. 24 (long question section)

10.

State the importance and uses of isotopes in various field

of life.

Ans: See Question No. 22 (long question section)

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Chapter 2

11.

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

The atomic number of an element is 23 and its mass

number is 56.
a) How many protons and electrons does an atom of this
element have?
b) How many neutrons does this atom have?

Ans: a). As atomic number of this element is 23, it has 23 protons and
23 electrons
b) As its mass number is 56, it has 56 23 = 23 neutrons.

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Chapter 2

12.

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

The atomic symbol of aluminum is written as

information do you get from it?

27 Al
. What
13

Ans: We get following information.

i. Its atomic number is 13, so it has 13 protons and 13 electrons
ii. Its mass number is 27, so it has 27 13 = 14 neutrons
13.

How testing prevailing theories bring about changes in

them.

Ans: See Question No. 2 (Society, Technology and Sciences)

14.

How experimental results of some scientists help chemist

to formulate new theories and new explanation.

Ans: See Question No. 1 (Society, Technology and Sciences)

THINK TANK
15.

M-24 is a radioactive isotope used to diagnose restricted

blood circulation, for example in legs. How many electrons,
protons and neutrons are there in this isotope. Valence
shell electronic configuration of M is 3s1.

Ans: Valence shell electronic configuration of M in 3s 1. Therefore, its

complete electronic configuration is 1s22s22p63s1
Total No. of electrons in M = 2+2+6+1 = 11
So, No. of Protons in M = 11
Atomic number of M = 11
Symbol M-24 shows, mass number = 24

No. of neutrons = 24 1 = 13
16.

35 Cl
and
17
these isotopes differ? How are they alike?
Two isotopes of chlorine are

Ans: Differences:

ASAAN CHEMISTRY

37 Cl
. How do
17

Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

35 Cl
17
1. Its mass No. = 35
2. It has 35 17 = 18
neutrons

37 Cl
17
1. Its mass No. = 37
2. It has 37 17 = 20 neutrons
3. Its physical properties are

3. Its physical properties are

different from
different from

35 Cl
17

37 Cl
17

Similarities:
1. Both have atomic no. = 17
2. Both have 17 protons and 17 electrons
3. Both have same electronic configuration
4. Both have same chemical properties
17.

How many electrons can be placed in all of the sub-shells in

the n=2 shell?

Ans: When n = 2, it is L-shell, which can accommodate 8 electrons. It

has two sub-shells 2s and 2p, 2s will have 2 electrons and 2p will
have 6 electrons.
18.

Mass number of an atom indicates total number of protons

and neutrons in the nucleus. Can you identify an atom
without any neutron?

Ans: Yes, ordinary hydrogen called protium has only one proton and one
electron. It has no neutron in its nucleus. An atom is identified by
its atomic number i.e. by number of protons or electrons.
19.

The table shows the nuclei of five different atoms.

Name of atom
Number of
Number of
Protons
neutrons
A
5
6
B
6
6
C
6
7
D
7
7

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Chapter 2

STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

E
8
8
Which atom has highest mass number?
Which two atoms are isotopes?
Which atom has least number of electrons?
Which
atom
will
have
electronic
configuration
2
2
3
1s 2s 2p .
Which of the atom contains the most number of
electrons?

Ans: a). Atom E has highest mass number. Its mass number is 8 + 8 =
16
b). B and C are isotopes since they have different number of
neutrons, but same number of electrons and protons.
c). Atom E has least number of electrons i.e. 5.
d). Atom D has 7 electrons. So its electronic configuration is
1s22s22p3.
e). Atom E has most number of electrons i.e. 8. All other atoms
have less than 8 electrons.
20.

Naturally occurring nitrogen has two isotopes N-14 and N15 select isotope that has greater number of electrons.

Ans: Isotopes an element have same number of electrons. So both the

isotope have same of electrons.

ASAAN CHEMISTRY