Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why transition elements often form colored compounds?

Accepted Answer

They have partially filled d-orbitals, allowing d-d electronic transitions that absorb visible light.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the trend in atomic radius across a period from left to right in the main group elements?

Accepted Answer

Atomic radius decreases due to increasing effective nuclear charge.

Question 3

Which of the following molecules has a trigonal planar geometry according to the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory?

Accepted Answer

BF$_3$

Question 4

A transition metal complex exhibits a high-spin octahedral configuration. Which of the following is most likely true about the ligand field strength?

Accepted Answer

The ligands are weak field ligands, causing small crystal field splitting.

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct statement about the stability of oxidation states in transition elements?

Accepted Answer

Higher oxidation states are stabilized by electronegative ligands such as oxygen and fluorine.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains the magnetic properties of Fe$^{3+}$ in an octahedral field?

Accepted Answer

Fe$^{3+}$ has five unpaired electrons and is strongly paramagnetic.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct application of the 18-electron rule in organometallic chemistry?

Accepted Answer

A stable organometallic complex often achieves 18 valence electrons, similar to the noble gas configuration.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the bonding in phosphorus-nitrogen (P-N) compounds such as phosphazenes?

Accepted Answer

The bonding involves delocalized $	ext{p}	ext{d}	ext{π}$ interactions between phosphorus and nitrogen atoms.

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct statement about the structure of $SF_4$ (sulfur tetrafluoride)?

Accepted Answer

$SF_4$ has a see-saw geometry due to one lone pair on sulfur.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why alkali metals are highly reactive?

Accepted Answer

They have low ionization energies and readily lose their single valence electron.

Question 11

A molecule of $CO_2$ is linear. Which of the following is the best explanation using VSEPR theory?

Accepted Answer

The central carbon atom has two bonding pairs and no lone pairs, resulting in a linear geometry.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct statement about the crystal field stabilization energy (CFSE) in octahedral complexes?

Accepted Answer

CFSE depends on the number of d-electrons and the geometry of the complex.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about the Walsh diagram for triatomic molecules?

Accepted Answer

It shows how molecular orbital energies change as the bond angle changes.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the structure of $S_4N_4$ (tetrasulfur tetranitride)?

Accepted Answer

$S_4N_4$ is a cage-like structure with alternating S and N atoms.

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world application of transition metal complexes?

Accepted Answer

They are used as catalysts in industrial processes such as the Haber process for ammonia synthesis.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains the difference in reactivity between $P_4$ and $N_2$?

Accepted Answer

$P_4$ is more reactive because it has weaker P-P bonds compared to the strong triple bond in $N_2$.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the periodic trend in ionization energy?

Accepted Answer

Ionization energy increases across a period from left to right due to increasing nuclear charge.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the bonding in $[Fe(CN)_6]^{4-}$?

Accepted Answer

The cyanide ligands act as strong field ligands, resulting in a low-spin complex.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the structure of $XeF_4$ (xenon tetrafluoride)?

Accepted Answer

$XeF_4$ has a square planar geometry due to two lone pairs on xenon.

Main Group Elements, Transition Elements, Structure of Molecules, and Organometallic Chemistry: Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions