Question 1

Which statement best explains why carbon is the central element in organic chemistry?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form four strong covalent bonds, allowing for an endless variety of stable molecules.

Question 2

Which of the following compounds is NOT considered organic?

Accepted Answer

Diamond

Question 3

What is the electronic configuration of a nitrogen atom (atomic number 7)?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Which principle states that no more than two electrons can occupy the same atomic orbital?

Accepted Answer

Pauli exclusion principle

Question 5

How many valence electrons does a neutral oxygen atom have?

Accepted Answer

6

Question 6

Which of the following molecules violates the octet rule?

Accepted Answer

BF$_3$

Question 7

What is the formal charge on the nitrogen atom in NH$_4^+$?

Accepted Answer

+1

Question 8

Which bond is the most polar?

Accepted Answer

H-F

Question 9

What is the dipole moment ($\mu$) formula for a bond?

Accepted Answer

$\mu = \delta 	imes d$

Question 10

Which molecule would you expect to have a dipole moment of zero?

Accepted Answer

CH$_3$CH$_3$

Question 11

What is the hybridization of the carbon atom in methane (CH$_4$)?

Accepted Answer

sp$^3$

Question 12

Which type of bond is present in a triple bond?

Accepted Answer

1 $\sigma$ and 2 $\pi$ bonds

Question 13

What is the bond angle in ethene (C$_2$H$_4$)?

Accepted Answer

$120^\circ$

Question 14

Which hybridization is found in the methyl anion ($-$CH$_3$)?

Accepted Answer

sp$^3$

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the geometry of water (H$_2$O)?

Accepted Answer

Bent, with a bond angle of $104.5^\circ$

Question 16

Which of the following statements about ionic bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ionic bonds are formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.

Question 17

Which element can have an expanded octet in its compounds?

Accepted Answer

Phosphorus

Question 18

What is the molecular geometry and hybridization of the central carbon in acetonitrile (CH$_3$CN)?

Accepted Answer

Linear, sp

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the bonding in ethyne (acetylene, C$_2$H$_2$)?

Accepted Answer

Each carbon is sp hybridized, forming a triple bond with one sigma and two pi bonds.

Question 20

Which of the following molecules is nonpolar despite having polar bonds?

Accepted Answer

Cl$_2$

Chapter 1: Electronic Structure and Bonding – Foundations of Organic Chemistry

Study Guide - Practice Questions