Chapter 4A Atomic structure

Question 1>From the symbol for the element helium, write down the mass number and
the atomic number of the element.
Answer>Mass number — 4
Atomic number — 2
Question 2>Name the element which does not contain any neutrons in it's nucleus.
Answer>Hydrogen 1H1
Question 3>Elements X, Y, Z have atomic numbers 6, 9 and 12 respectively. Which one :
(i) forms anion – negative ion;
(ii) forms cation – positive ion;
(iii) has 4 electrons in the outermost orbit.
Answer>
X[6] = Electronic configuration [2,4]
Y[9] = Electronic configuration [2,7]
Z[12] = Electronic configuration [2,8,2]
(i) Y gains one electron to attain a stable octet, hence becomes negatively charged anion.
(ii) Z loses two electrons to attain a stable octet hence becomes positively charged cation.
(iii) X has 4 electrons in the outer most shell.
Long Answer questions
Question 1>Define the terms : atomic number, mass number and electron.
Answer>Atomic number [Z] of an element is the number of :
 Protons - in the nucleus of an atom
 Electrons - in the complete atom
 Positive charges - in the nucleus of it's atom
Mass number [A] of an atom is the total number of protons and neutrons in the atom of an
element.
Electron [e] is a subatomic particle revolving around the nucleus of atom having unit negative
charge 1.602 x 10-19 coulombs, and mass of 9.107 x 10-28 g. It is 1⁄1837 of the mass of a
hydrogen atom or proton.
Question 2>Sulphur has an atomic number of 16 and a mass number of 32. State the number
of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus of sulphur.
Answer>Given,
Atomic number (Z) = 16 and
Atomic number = number of protons in the atom of an element.
Hence, number of protons = 16
Mass number (A) = 32 and
Mass number = number of protons and neutrons
Hence, number of protons and neutrons = 32
Number of Neutrons = A – Z = 32 – 16 = 16
Hence, Number of Neutrons = 16
Question 3>Give a simple diagram to show the arrangement of the electrons in an atom of
sulphur.
Answer>Below diagram shows the arrangement of the electrons in an atom of sulphur:

Question 4>

(i) the composition of their nuclei.

(ii) their electronic configurations.
(iii) give the reason why the two isotopes of magnesium have different mass numbers.
Answer>(i) The composition of their nuclei :

Atomic number [Z] = electron [e] = proton [p] = 12

Mass number [A] = 24
As, neutron [n] = A - Z = 24 - 12 = 12.
Hence, p = 12, n = 12

Atomic number [Z] = electron [e] = proton [p] = 12

Mass number [A] = 26
As, neutron [n] = A - Z = 26 - 12 = 14.
Hence, p = 12, n = 14
(ii) Their electronic configurations :

As electron [e] = 12 hence, electronic configuration = 2,8,2

As electron [e] = 12 hence, electronic configuration = 2,8,2

(iii) Reason for difference in mass numbers — As the number of neutrons is different in the
two isotopes of magnesium, therefore, they have different mass numbers.

Question 5>Chlorine is an element of atomic number 17. It is a mixture of two isotopes

having mass number of 35 and 37.
(i) What is meant by 'atomic number of an element' ? What do you understand by an 'atom'.
(ii) Write down the electronic configuration of the chlorine atom.
(iii) State the number of protons, electrons and neutrons in the following isotopes

(iv) Explain why the two atoms in (iii) above have the same chemical reactions.
(v) If molten magnesium chloride is electrolyzed suggest a suitable electrode [anode].
Answer>(i) Atomic number [Z] of an element is the number of :
 Protons - in the nucleus of an atom
 Electrons - in the complete atom
 Positive charges - in the nucleus of it's atom
An atom is the smallest particle of an element which can take part in a chemical reaction and
is considered the basic unit of matter. e.g. O,Cl are atoms.
(ii) Atomic number of Chlorine is 17 so it has 17 electrons. Hence, its electronic
configuration = 2, 8, 7


No. of protons = 17
No. of electrons = 17
 No. of neutrons = A - Z = 35 - 17 = 18


No. of protons = 17
No. of electrons = 17
No. of neutrons = A - Z = 37 - 17 = 20
(iv) As the two atoms in (iii) above are isotopes and hence have same electronic
configuration. Therefore, they have similar chemical properties because chemical properties
are dependent on electronic configuration of an element.
(v) Carbon anode is used when molten magnesium chloride is electrolyzed.

Question 6(1988)>Five atoms are labelled V to Z

Atoms Mass Number Atomic number

V 40 20

W 19 9

X 7 3

Y 16 8

Z 14 7

(i) Which one of these atoms (1) contains 7 protons; (2) has an electronic configuration 2, 7 ?
(ii) Write down the formula of the compound formed by atoms X and Y.
Answer
(i) As Z has atomic number of 7, hence it has 7 protons. Electronic configuration of 2, 7
means the atom has 2 + 7 = 9 electrons. Therefore, element W has electronic configuration 2,
7 since its atomic number is 9.
(ii) Number of electron in X is 3. Therefore, electronic configuration = (2, 1). As X will try to
lose 1 electron to attain stable state, hence, X has valency [1+]
Number of electron in Y is 8. Therefore, electronic configuration = (2, 6). As Y will try to
gain 2 electrons to attain stable state, hence, Y has valency [2-]
Since valency of X is 1+ and valency of Y is 2-
Question 7>

Q8>The atom of aluminium is represented by 27Al13. Write down the number of :

(a) electrons
(b) protons
(c) neutrons
(d) the arrangement of electronsin the different orbits or shells in one atom of aluminium.

Answer
27
Al13
Z = 13 , A = 27
(a) electrons = Z = 13
(b) protons = Z = 13
(c) neutrons = A - Z = 27 - 13 = 14
(d) the arrangement of electrons = K[2], L[8], M[3]
Question 9>Elements A, B and C have atomic numbers 9, 20 and 10 respectively.
(i) State which one is (1) a non-metal; (2) a metal; (3) chemically inert.
(ii) Write down the formula of the compound formed by two of the above elements.
Answer
(i) The electronic configurations of the elements are:
A[9] = [2, 7]
B[20] = [2, 8, 8, 2]
C[10] = [2, 8]
(1) A is a non-metal as it will gain electron to attain a stable octet.
(2) B is a metal as it will lose two electrons to attain a stable octet.
(3) C is chemically inert as it's valence shell is completely filled.
(ii) A has 7 electrons in the outermost shell. Therefore, it will try to gain one electron to attain
stable octet, hence, A has valency [1-]
As B has 2 in the outermost shell. Therefore, it will try to lose 2 electrons to attain stable
octet, hence, B has valency [2+]
Since valency of A is 1- and valency of B is 2+
Formula of the compound:

Question 10>Define : Proton, Electron, Neutron.

Answer>Proton [p] is a subatomic particle in the nucleus of an atom having unit positive
charge 1.602 x 10-19 coulombs and mass of 1.670 x 10-24 g. It is 1837 times as heavy as an
electron.
Electron [e] is a subatomic particle revolving around the nucleus of atom having unit negative
charge 1.602 x 10-19 coulombs, and mass of 9.107 x 10-28 g. It is 1⁄1837 of the mass of a
hydrogen atom or proton.
Neutrons [n] is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, carrying no electric
charge and mass equal to the mass of proton i.e., 1.676 x 10-24 g.
Q11>

Question 12>According to the Dalton's Atomic Theory, atoms of the same element are
identical in all respects. But according to the Modern Atomic Theory, this postulate is proved
wrong. Explain.
Answer>According to modern atomic theory atoms of the same element may not be alike in
all respect as seen in case of isotopes which are atoms of the same element having same
atomic number but different mass numbers.

Question 13>What are isotopes.

Answer>Isotopes are atoms of the same element having same atomic number but different
mass number.
Question 14>Write down :
(i) the mass number of the atom having 20 neutrons and 15 protons.
(ii) the number of neutrons in the nucleus of an atom having atomic number 17 and mass
number 37.
Answer
(i) Mass number (A) = Neutrons (n) + Protons (p) = 20 + 15 = 35
(ii) Number of neutrons = n = A -Z = 37 – 17 = 20

Question 15>What is a proton ? What is the significance of the number of protons found in
the atoms of each of the different elements.
Answer>Proton [p] is a subatomic particle in the nucleus of an atom having unit positive
charge 1.602 x 10-19 coulombs and mass of 1.670 x 10-24 g. It is 1837 times as heavy as an
electron.
As elements are arranged on the basis of the number of protons in their respective atoms,
therefore, proton helps in determining and understanding the structure and behaviour of an
atom. Protons also determine the positive charge of the nucleus in the atom.
Question 16>What is the relation between the number of protons and the number of electrons
in an atom.
Answer>The number of protons in an atom is equal to the number of electrons.
Q17>The electronic structure [configuration] of fluorine can be written as 2, 7. In a similar
way give the electronic configuration of :
(i) aluminium
(ii) phosphorus
Answer>Electronic configuration of :
(i) Aluminium has atomic number = 13. Therefore, electronic configuration is 2, 8, 3.
(ii) Phosphorus has atomic number = 15. Therefore, electronic configuration is 2, 8, 5

Q18>What would be the reason for an element to have atoms with differing mass numbers.
Answer>Atoms of same element have different mass number due to the difference in number
of neutrons.
Question 19>Copy and complete the following table relating to the atomic structure of some
elements
Additional Questions
1>Represent each of the following :
(i) a proton 'p'
(ii) an electron 'e'
(iii) a neutron 'n' in terms of it's symbols showing the subscript and superscript values.
Answer

2>State the main postulates of Dalton's atomic theory. How does the modern atomic theory
contradict and correlate with Dalton's atomic theory.
Answer>Postulates of Dalton's Atomic Theory:
 Matter consist of small indivisible particles called atoms.
 Atoms are neither created nor destroyed.
 Atoms of the same element are alike in every aspect and differ from atoms of all other
elements.
 Atoms combine with other atoms in simple whole number ratio's forming compound
atoms or molecules.
 An atom is the smallest unit of matter which takes part in a chemical reaction and all
chemical changes result from separation or combination of atoms.
 Contradictions with Modern atomic theory:
 Dalton's atomic theory Modern atomic theory

Atoms are indivisible and indestructible. Atoms are divisible and destructible.

Atoms are divisible - consisting of

An atom is the smallest indivisible particle
subatomic particles like electrons,
of an element
protons and neutrons.

Atoms of the same element may not

be alike in all respects as seen in the
Atoms of the same element are alike in all
case of isotopes which are atoms
respects and differ from atoms of other
of the same element having same
elements.
atomic number but different mass
numbers.

Correlation with Modern atomic theory:

The modern atomic theory however correlates with Dalton's atomic theory in the fact that
atoms are the smallest unit of matter taking part in a chemical reaction and in a given
compound the relative number and kind of atoms is a constant.

Question 4

What is meant by the terms :

(i) subatomic particles,
(ii) nucleus,
iii) orbits,
(iv) atomic number
(v) mass number with reference to an atom.

Answer>(i) Subatomic particles : The particles into which an atom is divided (i.e., protons,
electrons, neutrons) are called the subatomic particles.
(ii) Nucleus : The centre or the nucleus of the atom is the place where the protons and
neutrons are found.
(iii) Orbits : The electrons revolve around the nucleus along imaginary paths known as
shells or more accurately orbits or orbitals.
(iv) Atomic number : Number of protons or number of electrons present in an atom. [Z]
(v) Mass number [A] : The Mass number of an atom is the total number of protons and
neutrons collectively called nucleons in the nucleus of the atom.

Question 6>What are 'energy levels'? Explain the arrangement and distribution of electrons

in the various shells with reference to an atom in general and to an atom of potassium
with special reference to the 2n 2 rule.
Answer>Electrons revolve around the nucleus in fixed orbits. Each orbit is associated with
a certain amount of energy hence named 'energy levels'.

Arrangement of electrons :

 The shell closest to the nucleus is called K shell [first shell or number one shell].

 The next shell is called the L shell [second shell or number 2 shell]

 Following shells are M,N...etc.

 An electron has minimum energy in the first or K shell and the energy increase in
the order K, L, M, N.

 The maximum number of electrons which can be present in any shell of an atom is
given by or represented by a formula 2n2, where n is equal to the number of the shell
as counted from the nucleus.

Shell Formula Max

Shell
No.[n] 2n2 Electrons

K 1 2 × (1)2 2

L 2 2 × (2)2 8

M 3 2 × (3)2 18

N 4 2 x (4)2 32

 The outer most shell cannot have more than 8 electrons.

 The penultimate shell [last but one ] cannot have more than 18 electrons.

 A new shell is formed as soon as the - outermost shell attains 8 electrons.

No. of Electrons [e] = 19

No. of Protons [p] = 19
No. of Neutrons [n] = A - Z
= 39 - 19 = 20
The two rules governing the distribution of electrons are:

1. Rule 1 — Maximum number of electrons in each shell is given by the formula 2n 2

2. Rule 2 — The outermost shell cannot have more than 8 electrons.

As per rule 1 (2n2 rule), distribution of electrons for Potassium will be:
 Shell Electrons

K 2

L 8

9
M
[Last Shell]

But as per rule 2, outermost shell cannot have more than 8 electrons. So M shell will have 8
electrons and a new shell (N) will be formed with 1 electron. Hence, the final electronic
configuration of Potassium will be:

Shell Electrons

K 2

L 8

M 8

N 1

∴ Electronic configuration of Potassium = 2, 8, 8, 1

Question 6>An element 'A' has mass number 23 and atomic number 11. State the —

(i) no. of neutrons in it's shell,

(ii) electronic configuration of the element 'A'.

Answer>Given, mass number 23 and atomic number 11. So, Protons (P) = 11 and

(i) Neutrons (n) = A - P = 23 - 11 = 12

(ii) As number of electrons (e) = 11

∴ Electronic configuration of A = 2, 8, 1

Question 7>The following elements U to Z are given 3U, 6V, 9W, 14X, 18Y, 20Z
State the electronic configuration of each and state whether they are metals, non-metals or
inert gases.
Answer>
 Element Electronic configuration metals, non-metals or inert gases

3 U 2,1 Metal

6 V 2,4 Non-metal [s]

9 W 2,7 Non-metal [g]

14 X 2,8,4 Metalloid

18 Y 2,8,8 Inert gas

20 Z 2,8,8,2 Metal

Question 8

Draw the geometric atomic structure of each of the following atoms showing the number of
electrons, protons and neutrons in each of them :
Question 9>Define an 'isotope'. Give reasons why isotopes have same chemical but
different physical properties.
Answer>Isotopes are atoms of the same element having same atomic number but different
mass numbers.

Chemical properties of isotopes of the same element are similar because chemical
properties are dependent on the electronic configuration of an atom. As Isotopes have same
atomic number so they have same number of electrons and hence same electronic
configuration.

Physical properties of isotopes of the same element are different because physical
properties are dependent on the atomic mass. Isotopes have different mass number [A],
different number of neutrons and hence different atomic masses giving them different
physical properties.

Question 10>Draw the geometric atomic structure of the three isotopes of hydrogen and the
two isotopes of chlorine.
Answer>Geometric atomic structures of three isotopes of hydrogen is shown in the diagram
below:
Geometric atomic structures of two isotopes of chlorine is shown in the diagram below:

Question 11>What are noble gases. Give a reason why noble gases have stable electronic
configuration.
Answer>Noble gases have stable electronic configuration i.e., their valence shell is
complete. They do not gain, lose or share electrons. Their atoms are extremely unreactive.

For an atom to achieve stable electronic configuration, it must have:

1. Two electrons in the first shell (outermost) like that of noble gas Helium. This is
termed the Duplet Rule.

2. Eight electrons in the outermost shell like that of noble gases other than Helium.
This is termed the Octet Rule.

The octet and duplet arrangement of elements represents stability and hence noble gases
have stable electronic configuration.

Question 12>Explain the reason for chemical activity of an atom with reference to it's
electronic configuration.
Answer>Reasons for chemical activity of an atom are:

1. Unstable electronic configuration — Atoms of elements other than noble gases are
assumed to have unstable electronic configuration.
 2. Attaining stable electronic configuration — The driving force in combination of
atoms is related to the tendency for them to attain a stable electronic configuration
of the nearest noble gas.

Question 13>Differentiate between the terms —

Stable and unstable electronic configuration

Answer

Stable Electronic Configuration Unstable Electronic Configuration

Atoms having their valence shell completely Atoms which do not have their
filled are said to have Stable Electronic valence shells completely filled
Configuration. are said to have Unstable Electronic Configuration.

Atoms of noble gases have Stable Electronic Atoms of elements other than
Configuration. noble gases have Unstable Electronic Configuration.

In atoms with Unstable Electronic

In atoms with Stable Electronic
Configuration, arrangement of
Configuration, electrons are arranged as per
electrons does not follow Duplet
Duplet or Octet rule.
or Octet rule.

Duplet Rule Octet Rule

For an atom to achieve stable

For an atom to achieve stable electronic
electronic configuration it must
configuration it must have 2 electrons in
have 8 electrons in outermost
the first shell [outermost] like that of noble
orbit like that of noble gases
gas Helium.
other than Helium.

Question 14>Explain the octet rule for formation of —

(a) Sodium chloride from a sodium atom and a chlorine atom.
(b) Nitrogen molecule from two nitrogen atoms.
Answer>(a) As Na atom has atomic number 11 and electronic configuration [2, 8, 1].
Therefore, it tends to lose 1 electron from its valence shell forming Na1+ (cation) to attain a
stable octet configuration of the nearest noble gas Neon [2, 8].
Cl, on the other hand has atomic number 17 and electronic configuration [2, 8, 7]. Therefore,
it tries to gain one electron in its valence shell forming Cl1- (anion) to attain a stable octet
configuration of the nearest noble gas Argon [2, 8, 8].
The oppositely charged cation and anion attract each other with a force - [electrostatic force
of attraction] resulting in formation of an ionic or electrovalent compound [NaCl] as shown
below.

(b) Nitrogen atom (147N) has atomic number 7 and electronic configuration [2, 5]. To attain
stable octet structure of the nearest noble gas Neon [2, 8], Nitrogen needs three electrons in
the valence shell. Nitrogen atom shares electron pairs with other nitrogen atom resulting in
the formation of a molecular or covalent bond as shown below:

Question 2.1>Give reasons for the following.

The physical properties of isotopes of the same element are not identical.
Answer>Physical properties of isotopes of the same element are different because physical
properties are dependent on the atomic mass. Isotopes have different mass number [A],
different number of neutrons and hence different atomic masses giving them different
physical properties.
Question 2.2>Give reasons for the following.
The mass number of an atom is slightly less than the actual atomic mass.
Answer>The mass number is a whole number approximation of the atomic mass in atomic
mass units since the mass of the proton as well as the mass of the neutrons is approximately
equal to 1 a.m.u. and the mass of the electron is negligible. Hence, the mass number is
slightly less than the actual atomic mass.
Question 2.3>Give reasons for the following.
The shells surrounding the nucleus of an atom are also called 'energy levels'.
Answer>Each shell is associated with a certain amount of energy. As long as the electron
rotates in one of the energy levels, it neither loses nor absorbs energy. On gaining energy
electron moves to a higher energy shell and on losing energy it drops back to the original
energy shell radiating the extra energy. Hence, the shells surrounding the nucleus of an atom
are also called 'energy levels'.
Question 2.4>Give reasons for the following.
Helium is chemically extremely unreactive.
Answer>Helium has 2 electrons in the outermost shell [K shell], and duplet arrangement
represents stability hence, helium is extremely unreactive.
Question 2.5>Give reasons for the following.
Mass number is slightly less than the actual atomic mass.
Answer>The mass number is a whole number approximation of the atomic mass in atomic
mass units since the mass of the proton as well as the mass of the neutron is approximately
equal to 1 a.m.u. and the mass of the electron is negligible. Hence, the mass number is
slightly less than the actual atomic mass.
Question 3.1>Differentiate between the following terms.
Electron and proton
Answer

Electron Proton

Electron [e] is a subatomic particle

Proton [p] is a subatomic particle present
revolving around the nucleus of the
inside the nucleus of an atom.
atom in a fixed orbit.

Electron has a unit negative charge Proton has a unit positive charge of 1.602 x 10-19
of 1.602 x 10-19 coulombs. coulombs

Mass of electron is 9.107 x 10-28 g. It

Mass of proton is 1.670 x 10-24 g. It is 1837 times
is 1⁄1837 of the mass of a hydrogen
as heavy as an electron.
atom or a proton.

Question 3.2>Differentiate between the following terms.

Atomic number and mass number
Answer

Atomic number Mass number

Atomic number [Z] is equal to the number Mass number [A] of an atom is the total
of protons in the atom of an element number of protons and neutrons in the
 Atomic number Mass number

OR
It is also equal to the number of electrons nucleus of an atom.
in the atom of an element.

Question 3.3>Differentiate between the following terms.

Nucleus and nucleons
Answer

Nucleus Nucleons

The protons and neutrons are

concentrated together at the centre of
the atom called the Nucleus which is Protons and neutrons are together known as Nucleons.
associated with all the positive charge
of the atom.

Question 3.4>Differentiate between the following terms.

Valence shell and penultimate shell
Answer

Valence shell Penultimate shell

It is the outermost shell of an atom. It is the last but one shell of an atom.

Question 3.5>Differentiate between the following terms.

Octet and duplet
Answer

Octet Rule Duplet Rule

For an atom to achieve stable

For an atom to achieve stable electronic
electronic configuration it must have 8
configuration it must have 2 electrons in the
electrons in outermost orbit like that
first shell [outermost] like that of noble gas Helium.
of noble gases other than Helium.

Name or state the following.

1. The three isotopes of hydrogen.
2. Two elements having same number of protons and electrons but different number of
neutrons.
 3. The valency of an element whose electronic configuration is 2, 8, 3.
4. The shell closest to the nucleus of an atom.
5. An element having valency zero.
Answer

1.

2. Sodium [e = p = 11, n = 12] and Chlorine [e = p = 17, n = 18]

3. The valency is 3 positive. Electronic configuration = 2, 8, 3. Therefore, the element
tends to lose 3 electrons and gain stable octet configuration.
4. K shell.
5. Noble gases [He, Ne, Ar etc.]