Question 1

Which statement best describes the octet rule as it applies to main group elements?

Accepted Answer

Atoms are stabilized by having 8 valence electrons in their highest filled s and p sublevels.

Question 2

Which of the following elements does NOT follow the octet rule when forming compounds?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen

Question 3

A magnesium atom (Mg) has the electron configuration $$1s^22s^22$p^63s^2$. When it forms an ion to achieve a noble gas configuration, what is the symbol and charge of the resulting ion?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Mg}^{2+}$$

Question 4

Which of the following ions is formed when a chlorine atom gains one electron?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Cl}^-$$

Question 5

What is the correct formula for the ionic compound formed between aluminum and oxygen?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Al}_2\mathrm{O}_3$$

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between ionic and covalent compounds?

Accepted Answer

Ionic compounds are formed by transfer of electrons between metals and nonmetals, while covalent compounds are formed by sharing electrons between nonmetals.

Question 7

A nitrogen atom has 7 protons and 10 electrons. What is the symbol and name of the ion formed?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{N}^{3-}$$, nitride ion

Question 8

Which of the following is the empirical formula for sodium chloride?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{NaCl}$$

Question 9

Which of the following ions is a polyatomic ion?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{NO}_3^-$$

Question 10

What is the correct formula for the ionic compound formed between lithium and nitrogen?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Li}_3\mathrm{N}$$

Question 11

Which of the following statements about cations and anions is correct?

Accepted Answer

Cations are formed when metals lose electrons; anions are formed when nonmetals gain electrons.

Question 12

Which of the following is the correct molecular formula for water?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}$$

Question 13

Which of the following is true about empirical and molecular formulas?

Accepted Answer

Empirical formulas are used for ionic compounds; molecular formulas are used for covalent compounds.

Question 14

A calcium ion has 20 protons and 18 electrons. What is its charge and symbol?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}$$

Question 15

Which of the following is the correct formula for the ionic compound formed between magnesium and nitrogen?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Mg}_3\mathrm{N}_2$$

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why noble gases are generally unreactive?

Accepted Answer

They have a full outer shell of 8 valence electrons.

Question 17

Which of the following ions is named by replacing the ending of the element with '-ide'?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Cl}^-$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about polyatomic ions?

Accepted Answer

Polyatomic ions are groups of atoms bonded together with an overall charge.

Question 19

Which of the following is the correct formula for the ionic compound formed between potassium and phosphate?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{K}_3\mathrm{PO}_4$$

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the process by which a sodium atom becomes a sodium ion?

Accepted Answer

It loses one electron to achieve a noble gas configuration.

Ions and Chemical Bonding: Transfer of Electrons and Compound Formation

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