Question 1

Main group elements tend to achieve how many valence electrons to obtain a filled outer shell?

Accepted Answer

8

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the electron configuration of a magnesium ion ($\mathrm{Mg^{2+}}$)?

Accepted Answer

$1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^6$

Question 3

When sodium ($\mathrm{Na}$) forms a cation ($\mathrm{Na^+}$), which electron is lost?

Accepted Answer

One electron from the $3s$ orbital

Question 4

What is the condensed electron configuration for the $\mathrm{Na^+}$ ion?

Accepted Answer

$[Ne]$

Question 5

Which statement correctly describes the process of forming a cation from a neutral atom?

Accepted Answer

Electrons are removed from the highest energy orbital

Question 6

How many electrons does magnesium ($Z=12$) lose to obtain a filled outer shell?

Accepted Answer

2

Question 7

Which electron configuration represents the chloride ion ($\mathrm{Cl^-}$)?

Accepted Answer

$1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^6\ 3s^2\ 3p^6$

Question 8

Non-metals tend to gain electrons to be like the noble gas that is located where in the periodic table?

Accepted Answer

After them

Question 9

Which subshells are filled to achieve maximum stability in the octet rule?

Accepted Answer

$s$ and $p$

Question 10

What is the electron configuration for the nitride ion ($\mathrm{N^{3-}}$)?

Accepted Answer

$1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^6$

Question 11

Which of the following ions has the same electron configuration as neon ($\mathrm{Ne}$)?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{Na^+}$

Question 12

When forming an anion, electrons are added to which orbitals?

Accepted Answer

Orbitals with available space

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why metals tend to lose electrons?

Accepted Answer

To become like the noble gas before them in the periodic table

Question 14

What is the electron configuration for a neutral sodium atom ($\mathrm{Na}$)?

Accepted Answer

$1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^6\ 3s^1$

Question 15

Which of the following ions has the same electron configuration as argon ($\mathrm{Ar}$)?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{Cl^-}$

Question 16

If an atom has the electron configuration $1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^6\ 3s^2\ 3p^6$, what is its charge if it is originally chlorine ($Z=17$)?

Accepted Answer

$-1$

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct order for filling electron orbitals according to the Aufbau principle?

Accepted Answer

$1s \rightarrow 2s \rightarrow 2p \rightarrow 3s \rightarrow 3p$

Question 18

A neutral atom of nitrogen ($Z=7$) has which electron configuration?

Accepted Answer

$1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^3$

Question 19

Which of the following ions is isoelectronic with $\mathrm{Mg^{2+}}$?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{O^{2-}}$

Question 20

When forming ions, which subshells are typically filled to achieve stability?

Accepted Answer

$s$ and $p$

Question 21

Which of the following best describes the electron configuration of $\mathrm{Li^+}$?

Accepted Answer

$1s^2$

Electron Configurations and the Octet Rule in Main Group Elements

Study Guide - Practice Questions