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VICChemistryQuick questions
Unit 1: How can the diversity of materials be explained?
Quick questions on Electron configurations and periodic trends: VCE Chemistry Unit 1
7short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are shells, subshells, orbitals?Show answer
The Schrödinger model places electrons in regions called orbitals, grouped into subshells, grouped into shells.
What is filling order (aufbau)?Show answer
Subshells fill from lowest energy upward. For neutral atoms up to Z = 36 the order is:
What are ions?Show answer
For anions, add electrons to the next available orbital. O (1s^2 2s^2 2p^4) gains two electrons to become O^2- (1s^2 2s^2 2p^6).
What are periodic trends?Show answer
Three factors explain almost every trend:
What is q1?Show answer
Write the full electron configuration of (a) iron, , and (b) the ion. State which orbitals lose electrons first when iron is ionised. [3 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
First ionisation energies (kJ/mol) for period 3 are: Na 496, Mg 738, Al 577, Si 786. Explain the dip from Mg to Al. [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Compare and contrast trends in atomic radius across period 3 and down group 1. (a) State each trend. (b) Explain each using core charge and shell number.
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