First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers

CHAPTER

5 ATOMIC STRUCTURE
1. Why is it necessary to decrease the pressure in the discharge tube to get the Cathode rays?
Ans: At ordinary pressure, gases are non-conductor of electricity. The pressure of discharge tube is decreased
to reduce the number of gas molecules. Therefore, the hindrance for the movement of electrons (cathode rays)
reduces and cathode rays can move easily from the cathode to the anode. Therefore, in discharge tube pressure
is kept very low i.e. 0.01torr.
2. Whichever gas is used in the discharge tube, the nature of the cathode rays remain the same, why?
Ans: Cathode rays are actually electrons having constant charge and mass and are the fundamental particles
of all elements. Therefore, the nature of cathode rays remains the same whichever gas is used in the discharge
tube.
3. When e/m value of the cathode rays is just equal to that of electrons?
Ans: Since cathode rays are electrons and each type of matter produces cathode rays with same properties.
So, e/m value (1.7588 x 1011 C kg-1) is just equal to those of electrons.
4. How the bending of the cathode rays in the electric and magnetic fields shows that they are
negatively charged?
Ans: Cathode rays are deflected towards the positive plate when electric field is applied. It shows that cathode
rays are negatively charged.
When the cathode rays are passed through the magnetic field, they bend perpendicular to the line joining the
poles of the magnet. This is also due to negative charge. Anyhow, positively charged particles will bend in
opposite direction to that of electrons.
5. Justify that cathode rays are material particles?
Ans: Cathode rays can drive a small paddle wheel placed in their path. This shows that these rays possess
momentum. From this observation, it is inferred that cathode rays are not rays but material particles having a
definite mass and velocity
6. How will you prove that cathode rays travel in straight line?
Ans: Cathode rays cast a shadow when an opaque object is placed in their path. This proves that they travel
in a straight line perpendicular to the surface of cathode.
7. Why positive rays are also called canal rays?
Ans: It is observed that these rays after passing through the perforated cathode produce a glow on the wall
opposite to the anode. Since these rays pass through the canals or the holes of cathode, they are called canal
rays.
8. Give reason for production of positive rays? OR
How canal rays (positive rays) are produced?
Ans: These positive rays are produced, when high speed cathode rays (electrons) strike the molecules of a gas
enclosed in the discharge tube. They knock out electrons from the gas molecules and positive ions are
produced, which start moving towards the cathode.
M + e- → M+ + 2e-
9. The e/m value of positive rays obtained from hydrogen gas is 1836 times less than that of cathode
rays. Justify it.
Ans: When hydrogen gas is used in the discharge tube, the positive rays are produced from hydrogen gas
consist of nuclei of hydrogen i.e., protons. The proton is 1836 times heavier than that of electron, so its e/m
value is 1836 times less than that of cathode rays.
10. Justify that e/m value of positive rays is maximum for hydrogen gas?

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 First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers
Ans: The e/m value for the positive rays depends upon the nature of the gas used in the discharge tube. Heavier
the gas, smaller the e/m value.
When hydrogen gas is used in the discharge tube, the e/m value is found to be the maximum in comparison to
any other gas because the value of ‘m’ is the lowest for the positive particle obtained from the hydrogen gas.
Hence the positive particle obtained from hydrogen gas is the lightest among all the positive particles.
11. The e/m value of positive rays for different gases are different but those for cathode rays the e/m
values are the same. Justify it?
Ans: The e/m value of positive rays depends upon the nature of gas used in the discharge tube. The
characteristics of the gas vary from gas to gas, but for cathode rays e/m value is independent of the nature of
the gas. Cathode rays are actually electrons having constant charge and mass and are the fundamental particles
of all elements. Therefore, e/m values of positive rays for different gases are different but those for cathode
rays the e/m value is the same.
12. How neutrons are produced?
Ans: When a stream of α–particles from a polonium source is directed at beryllium target, penetrating
radiations are produced, which are called neutrons.
𝟒 𝟗 𝟏𝟐 𝟏
𝟐𝐇𝐞 + 𝟒𝐁𝐞 → 𝟔𝐂 + 𝟎𝐧
13. What particles are formed by the decay of free neutrons?
Ans: Free neutron decays into a proton with the emission of an electron and a neutrino.
𝟏 𝟏 𝟎 𝟎
𝟎𝐧 → +𝟏𝐏 + −𝟏𝐞 + 𝟎𝐧
14. Give two properties of Neutron.
Ans: 1. Neutrons cannot ionize gases.
2. Neutrons are highly penetrating particles.
15. Differentiate between slow neutrons and fast neutrons.
Ans:
Slow Neutrons Fast Neutrons
1. When neutrons travel with an energy below 1eV, 1. When neutrons travel with an energy 1.2 MeV,
they are called fast neutrons. they are called slow neutrons.
2. Slow neutrons are usually more effective than 2. Fast neutrons are usually more effective than
fast ones for the fission purposes. slow ones for the fission purposes.
3. When slow moving neutrons hit the Cu metal 3. A fast neutron ejects an α-particle from the
then γ radiations are emitted. The radioactive nucleus of nitrogen atom and boron is produced,
66 66 along with an α-particles.
29Cu is converted into 30Zn
𝟔𝟓 𝟏 𝟔𝟔 𝟏𝟒 𝟏 𝟏𝟏 𝟒
𝟐𝟗𝐂𝐮 + 𝟎𝐧 → 𝟐𝟗𝐂𝐮 + 𝐡𝛎 (γ -radiations) 𝟕𝐍 + 𝟎𝐧 → 𝟓𝐁 + 𝟐𝐇𝐞
𝟔𝟔 𝟔𝟔
𝟐𝟗𝐂𝐮 → 𝟑𝟎𝐙𝐧 + −𝟏𝟎𝐞
16. Write balanced equations for two nuclear reactions.
Ans:
4
2He + 49Be → 12
6C + 10n
14 11
7N + 10n → 5B + 42He
17. How neutrons are used in treatment of cancer?
Ans: When slow moving neutrons hit the Cu metal then γ gamma radiations are emitted. The radioactive 66
29Cu
66
is converted into 30Zn
𝟔𝟓 𝟏 𝟔𝟔
𝟐𝟗𝐂𝐮 + 𝟎𝐧 → 𝟐𝟗𝐂𝐮 + 𝐡𝛎 (γ -radiations)
𝟔𝟔 𝟔𝟔
𝟐𝟗𝐂𝐮 → 𝟑𝟎𝐙𝐧 + −𝟏𝟎𝐞
Actually, neutron is captured by the nucleus of 65 66 66
29Cu and 29Cu is produced. This radioactive 29Cu emits an
electron (β-particle) and its atomic number increases by one unit. Because of their intense biological effects,
they are being used in the treatment of cancer.
18. Calculate mass of electron by using e/m value.
Ans: The value of charge on electron is 1.602 x 10-19 C, while e/m of electron is 1.7588 x 1011 C kg-1. So,

M. USMAN AKRAM 2
 First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers
e Charge on electron
=
m Mass of electron
1.6022×10-19 C
1.7588 × 1011 C/kg =
Mass of electron
1.6022×10-19 C
Mass of electron =
1.7588×1011 C/kg
Mass of electron =9.1095×10-31 kg
19. What are defects/drawbacks of Rutherford’s atomic model?
Ans: (i) Rutherford’s planet-like picture was defective and unsatisfactory because the moving electron must
be accelerated towards the nucleus. Therefore, the radius of the orbiting electron should become smaller and
smaller and the electron should fall into the nucleus. Thus, an atomic structure as proposed by Rutherford
would collapse.
(ii) The atom should give continuous spectra, but it give the line spectra.
20. What are main points of Plank’s Quantum Theory?
Ans: The main points of his theory are:
(i) Energy is not emitted or absorbed continuously. Rather, it is emitted or absorbed in a discontinuous manner
and in the form of wave packets. Each wave packet or quantum is associated with a definite amount of energy.
In case of light, the quantum of energy is often called photon.
(ii) The amount of energy associated with a quantum of radiation is proportional to the frequency (v) of the
radiation.
E∝ν
E = hν
(iii) A body can emit or absorb energy only in terms of quanta.
21. Define frequency?
Ans: Frequency is the number of waves passing through a point per second.
22. Define wavelength.
Ans: Wavelength is the distance between the two adjacent crests or troughs.
It is expressed in Å, nm or pm. (1Å = 10-10m, lnm = 10-9m, lpm = 10-12m)
23. Define wavenumber.
Ans: Wave number (𝜈̅ ) is the number of waves per unit length, and is reciprocal to wavelength.
ν̅ = 1/λ
24. Show that 𝐄 = 𝐡 𝐜 𝛎̅?
Ans: E = hν ............... (1)
The frequency ‘v’ is related to the wavelength of the photon as
ν = c/λ
Putting the value of ν in equation (4)
E = hc/λ ............... (2)
ν̅ = 1/λ
Putting the value of λ in equation (5)
E = h c ν̅ ............... (3)
So, the energy of a photon is related to frequency, wavelength and wave number.
Greater the wave number of photons, greater is the energy associated with them.
25. How do you come to know that the velocities of electrons in higher orbits are less than those in lower
orbits of hydrogen atom?
Ans: A moving electron in an orbit faces two equal but opposite forces i.e., a centripetal force and a
centrifugal force.
mv2 Ze2
=
r 4πϵo r 2

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 First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers
Ze2
mv 2 =
4πϵo r
Ze2
r=
4πϵo mv 2
This equation shows that, the velocities of electrons in higher orbits are less than those in lower orbits of
hydrogen atom.
26. How does Bohr’s equation tell you that, radius of orbit is directly proportional to the square of the
number of orbit?
Ans: According to Bohr’s equation
ϵo n2 h2
rn =
πmZe2
When we put the value of ∈o, h2, π, m and e2 along with the units then the calculations show that it is equal
to 0.529 x 10-10 m or 0.529 Å.
n2
rn = 0.529 Å
Z
rn ∝ n2
So, we can say that radius is directly proportional to the square of number of orbit (n).
27. How does Bohr’s equation tell you that, radius of orbit is inversely proportional to the number of
protons in the nucleus?
Ans: According to Bohr’s equation
ϵo n2 h2
rn =
πmZe2
When we put the value of ∈o, h2, π, m and e2 alongwith the units then the calculations show that it is equal to
0.529 x 10-10 m or 0.529 Å.
n2
rn = 0.529 Å
Z
1
rn ∝
Z
(Z is the number of protons in the nucleus)
So, we can conclude from the above relation that greater the number of protons (Z) in the nucleus, smaller
will be the radius and vice versa.
28. Justify that the distance gaps between orbits go on increasing from lower to higher orbit. OR
Justify that orbits are not equally spaced. OR
Justify that r2 – r1 < r3 – r2 < r4 – r3 < .............
Ans: From Bohr’s equation for H-atom
r = 0.529Å (n2 )
By putting the values of n as 1,2,3,4............., the radii of orbits of hydrogen atom are
n = 1 r1 = 0.529 Å
n = 2 r2 = 2.11 Å
n = 3 r3 = 4.75 Å
n = 4 r4 = 8.4 Å
n = 5 r5 = 13.22 Å
The comparison of radii shows that the distance between orbits of H-atom goes on increasing as we move
from 1st orbit to higher orbits. The orbits are not equally spaced.
r2 – r1 < r3 – r2 < r4 – r3 < ..........................
The second orbit is four times away from the nucleus than first orbit, third orbit is nine times away and
similarly fourth orbit is sixteen times away.
29. Hydrogen atom and He+ are mono-electronic system, but the size of He+ is much smaller than H+,
why?

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 First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers
Ans: Although both H atom and He+ are mono electronic system means containing one electron, yet size
of He+ is smaller than H because force of attraction between two protons of He+ for one electron is greater
than force of attraction between one proton and one electron in H-atom. Therefore, size of He+ is smaller than
H-atom.
According to Bohr’s atomic model,
𝑛2
r = 0.529 ( ) Å
𝑍
For H-atom, Z=1
12
rH = 0.529 ( ) Å
1
rH = 0.529 Å
+
For He , Z=2
12
rHe+ = 0.529 ( ) Å
2
rHe+ = 0.2645 Å
So, rHe+ < rH is proved.
30. Do you think that the size of Li+2 is smaller than He+? Justify with calculations.
Ans: According to Bohr’s atomic model,
𝑛2
r = 0.529Å ( )
𝑍
+2 +
Both Li and He are mono-electronic system.
For He+, n=1, Z=2
12
rHe+ = 0.529 ( ) Å
2
rHe+ = 0.2645 Å
+
For Li , n=1, Z=3
12
rLi+2 = 0.529 ( ) Å
3
rLi+2 = 0.176 Å
So, rLi+2 < rHe+ is proved.
31. Why the potential energy of the bounded electron is negative?
Ans:
-Ze2
Epotential = ............... (15)
4πϵo r
The minus sign indicates that the potential energy of electron decreases, when it is brought from infinity to a
point at a distance ’r’ from the nucleus. At infinity, the electron is not being attracted by anything and the
potential energy of the system is zero. Whereas at a point nearer the nucleus, it will be attracted by the nucleus
and the potential energy becomes less than zero. The quantity less than zero is negative. For this reason, the
potential energy of the bounded electron is negative.
32. Total energy of the bounded electron is also negative. Explain it.
Ans: The total energy (E) of the electron, is the sum of kinetic and potential energies. So,
E = Ekinetic + Epotential
Ze2 Ze2
E= −
8πϵo r 4πϵo r
Ze2 − 2Ze2
E=
8πϵo r

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 First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers
Ze2
E=−
8πϵo r
Its negative value shows that electron is bound by the nucleus i.e. electron is under the force of attraction of
the nucleus. Actually, the electron has been brought from infinity to distance r from the nucleus.
33. Energy of an electron is inversely proportional to n2, but energy of higher orbits are always greater
than those of the lower orbits?
Ans: According to Bohr’s equation for energy of electron
-mZ 2 e4
En = 2 2 2
8ϵo n h
For an atom values of m, Z, e, ϵo , h are constants. So,
1
En ∝- 2
n
From the above relationship, it is concluded that smaller the value of n, greater will be the value of E with –
ve sign and vice versa.
Less negative values are actually larger while more negative values are smaller.
For Hydrogen, Z = 1, the values of E1, E2 are as follows
1313.31
E1 = - = -1313.31 kJmol-1
12
1313.31
E2 = - = -328.32 kJmol-1
22
-328.32 kJmol-1 (E2) value is greater that -1313.31 kJmol-1 (E1).
34. The energy difference between adjacent levels goes on decreasing sharply. Justify it.
Justify that, E2-E1 > E3-E2 > E4-E3 >....
Ans: For H atom
1313.315
En = - kJmol-1
n2
1313.31
E1 = - = -1313.31 kJmol-1
12
1313.31
E2 = - = -328.32 kJmol-1
22
1313.31
E3 = - 2
= -145.92 kJmol-1
3
1313.31
E4 = - = -82.08kJmol-1
42
1313.31
E5 = - = -52.53 kJmol-1
52
The values of energy differences between adjacent orbits can be calculated as follows
E2-E1 = (-328.32) - (-1313.31) = 984.99 kJmol-1
E3-E2 = (-145.92) - (-328.32) = 182.40 kJmol-1
E4-E3 = (-82.08) - (-145.92) = 63.84 kJmol-1
The differences in the values of energy go on decreasing from lower to higher orbits.
E2-E1 > E3-E2 > E4-E3 >..........................
35. Calculate ionization energy for hydrogen.
Ans: For H atom
1313.315
En = - kJmol-1
n2
1313.31
E1 = - = -1313.31 kJmol-1
12

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 First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers
1313.31
E∞ = - = 0 kJmol-1 (𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑢𝑠)
∞2
The energy difference between first and infinite levels of energy is calculated as:
E∞ - E1 = 0 - (-1313.31) = 1313.31 kJmol-1
1313.31 kJmol-1 is the ionization energy of hydrogen.
36. Derive the equation for hydrogen atom, which are related to the energy difference between two
levels, n1 and n2.
Ans: Suppose, an electron jumps from n2 to n1, and emits a photon of light. According to Bohr’s equation of
energy
-mZ 2 e4
E1 = 2 2 2
8ϵo n1 h
-mZ 2 e4
E2 = 2 2 2
8ϵo n2 h
E1 and E2 are the energies of electrons in n1 and n2 respectively. The energy difference between the two can
be calculated as follows:
∆E = E2 -E1
-mZ 2 e4 -mZ 2 e4
∆E= −
8ϵ2o n22 h2 8ϵ2o n12 h2
mZ 2 e4 mZ 2 e4
∆E= − +
8ϵ2o n22 h2 8ϵ2o n12 h2
mZ 2 e4 mZ 2 e4
∆E= −
8ϵ2o n12 h2 8ϵ2o n22 h2
mZ 2 e4 1 1
∆E = 2 2 [ 2 - 2 ] Joules ............... (22)
8ϵo h n1 n2
me4
For H-atom; Z = 1 and 8ϵ2 h2 = 2.18 x 10−18 J (by putting the values of constants)
o
1 1
∆E =2.18 x 10−18 [ 2 - 2 ] Joules ............... (23)
n1 n2
37. Derive the equation for hydrogen atom, which are related to the frequency of photon emitted when
an electron jumps from n2 to n1.
Ans: Suppose, an electron jumps from n2 to n1, and emits a photon of light. According to Bohr’s equation of
energy
-mZ 2 e4
E1 = 2 2 2
8ϵo n1 h
-mZ 2 e4
E2 =
8ϵ2o n22 h2
E1 and E2 are the energies of electrons in n1 and n2 respectively. The energy difference between the two can
be calculated as follows:
∆E = E2 -E1
-mZ 2 e4 -mZ 2 e4
∆E= 2 2 2 − 2 2 2
8ϵo n2 h 8ϵo n1 h
mZ 2 e4 mZ 2 e4
∆E= − +
8ϵ2o n22 h2 8ϵ2o n12 h2

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 First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers
mZ 2 e4 mZ 2 e4
∆E= 2 2 2 − 2 2 2
8ϵo n1 h 8ϵo n2 h
mZ 2 e4 1 1
∆E = [ - ] Joules ............... (22)
8ϵ2o h2 n21 n22
me4
For H-atom; Z = 1 and 8ϵ2 h2 = 2.18 x 10−18 J (by putting the values of constants)
o
1 1
∆E =2.18 x 10−18 [ 2 - 2 ] Joules ............... (23)
n1 n2
Since ΔE = hν
Therefore
mZ 2 e4 1 1
hν = [ - ]
8ϵ2o h2 n21 n22
mZ 2 e4 1 1
ν= [ - ] Hz ............... (24)
8ϵ2o h3 n21 n22
38. Derive the equation for hydrogen atom, which are related to the wave number of the photon when
the electron jumps from n2 to n1.
Ans: The frequency of a photon emitted, when electron jumps from higher orbit to lower orbit in H-atom is:
mZ 2 e4 1 1
ν= [ - ] Hz ............... (24)
8ϵ2o h3 n21 n22

Since ν = cν̅
Putting in equation (24)
mZ 2 e4 1 1
cν̅ = [ - ]
8ϵ2o h3 n21 n22
mZ 2 e4 1 1
ν̅ = 2 3 [ 2 - 2 ] m-1 ............... (25)
8ϵo h c n1 n2

me4
The value of the factor 8ϵ2h3 c in eq. (25) has been calculated to be 1.09678 x 107m-1.
o
This is called Rydberg constant. Putting Z = 1 for hydrogen atom, the equation (25) becomes.
1 1
ν̅ = 1.09678 x 107 [ 2 - 2 ] m-1 ............... (26)
n1 n2
Equation (26) gives the values of wave number of photons emitted or absorbed when the electron jumps
between n1 and n2 orbits.
39. Calculate wave number of photons emitted when an electron jumps form 3rd orbit to 1st orbit.
Ans: n1 = 1, n2 = 3
1 1
ν̅ = 1.09678 x 107 [ 2 - 2 ] m-1
n 1 n2
1 1
ν̅ = 1.09678 x 107 [ 2 - ] m-1
(1) (3)2
ν̅ = 97.49 x 107 m-1
40. What is spectrum? Give one example.
Ans: A visual display or dispersion of the components of white light, when it is passed through a prism is
called a spectrum.
Spectrum is of two types. (i) Continuous spectrum (ii) Line spectrum
Rainbow is an example of continuous spectrum. Hydrogen spectrum is an example of line spectrum.
41. Differentiate between continuous and line Spectrum.
Ans:

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 First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers
Continuous Spectrum Line / Atomic Spectrum
1. This type of spectrum, consists of bands of color 1. This type of spectrum consists of distinct lines
and the boundary line between the colours cannot separated by dark spaces.
be marked.
2. It is obtained from the light emitted by the sun or 2. It is obtained when an element or its compound
incandescent (electric light) solids. is volatilized on a flame and the light emitted is
seen through a spectrometer.
3. The colours diffuse into each other. One colour 3. Distinct lines are separated by dark spaces.
merges into another without any dark space.
4. It is the characteristic of matter in bulk. 4. It is the characteristic of an atom.
5. The best example of continuous spectrum is 5. For example, line spectrum of sodium
rainbow. The spectrum of hydrogen.

42. Differentiate between atomic emission and atomic absorption spectrum.

Ans:
Atomic Emission Spectrum Atomic Absorption Spectrum
1. When solids are volatilized or elements in their 1. When a beam of white light is passed through a
gaseous states are heated to high temperature or gaseous sample of an element, the element
subjected to an electrical discharge, radiation of absorbs certain wavelengths while the rest of
certain wavelengths are emitted. This is called wavelengths pass through it. The spectrum of this
atomic emission spectrum. radiation is called an atomic absorption
spectrum.
2. The spectrum of this radiation contained bright 2. The wavelengths of the radiation that have been
lines against a dark background. absorbed appear as dark lines and the background
is bright.
43. Name different spectral series of hydrogen spectrum. OR
Which series of hydrogen spectrum have been discovered so far? Give their names.
Ans: (i) Lyman series (U.V region)
(ii) Balmer series (visible region)
(iii) Paschen series (LR region)
(iv) Brackett series (I.R region)
(v) Pfund series (I.R region)
44. What is Hα-Line in Hydrogen Spectrum?
Ans: Hα-Line is spectral line in Balmer series (visible region) of hydrogen spectrum. It is produced by light
emitted when an electron jumps from 3rd orbit to 2nd orbit. Its wave number is 15.234×105 m-1. Its color is red.
When the spectrum of hydrogen gas is observed by means of a high resolving power spectrometer, the Hα-
line in the Balmer series is found to consist of five - component lines.
45. What is the origin of line spectrum?
Ans: According to Bohr, electron in hydrogen atom may revolve in any orbit depending upon its energy.
When solids is volatilized or element in its gaseous state is heated to high temperature or subjected to an
electrical discharge, its electron moves from one of the lower orbit to higher orbit, absorbing particular
wavelength of energy. Subsequently, when it comes back, the same energy is released. This energy is observed
as radiation of particular wavelengths in the form of bright lines seen in the certain region of the emission
spectrum.
46. What are the defects of Bohr’s atomic model?
Ans:
1. Bohr’s theory is not able to explain the origin of the spectrum of multi-electrons or poly-electrons system
like He, Li, Be, etc.
2. Bohr’s theory is not able to explain fine structure or multiple structure. It suggests that only one quantum
number is not sufficient to explain the origin of various spectral lines.
3. Bohr suggested circular orbits of electrons around the nucleus of hydrogen atom, but researches have
shown that the motion of electron is not in a single plane, but takes place in three dimensional space.
Actually, the atomic model is not flat.

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4. Bohr’s theory does not explain Zeeman and Stark effects.
47. Define Zeeman’s effect and Stark effect.
Ans: When the excited atoms of hydrogen (which give an emission line spectrum) are placed in a magnetic
field, its spectral lines are further split up into closely spaced lines. This type of splitting of spectral lines is
called “Zeeman effect”.
When the excited hydrogen atoms (which give an emission line spectrum) are placed in an electrical field,
then splitting of spectral lines into closely spaced lines takes place which is called “Stark effect”.
48. What is Moseley’s Law?
Ans: This law states that the frequency of a spectral line in X-ray spectrum varies as the square of atomic
number of an element emitting it.
ν = a(Z-b)
Here ‘a’ and ‘b’ are the constants characteristic of the metal under consideration. ‘a’ is proportionality constant
and ‘b’ is called screening constant of the metals.
49. What is importance of Moseley’s Law?
Ans: Importance of Moseley’s Law
(i) Moseley arranged K and Ar, Ni and Co in a proper way in Mendeleev’s periodic table.
(ii) This law has led to the discovery of many new elements like Tc(43), Pr(59), Rh(45).
(iii)The atomic number of rare earths have been determined by this law.
50. What is meant by wave-particle duality in matter?
Ans: In 1924 Louis de- Broglie give idea of wave-particle duality in matter.
According to de-Broglie, all matter particles in motion have a dual character. It means that electrons, protons,
neutrons, atoms and molecules possess the characteristics of both the material particle and a wave. This is
called wave-particle duality in matter.
51. What is de-Broglie equation? What does it show?
de-Broglie derived a mathematical equation which relates the wavelength () of the electron to the momentum
of electron.
h
λ=
mv
Here λ = de-Broglie’s wavelength,
m = mass of the particle
v = velocity of electron
According to this equation, the wavelength associated with an electron is inversely proportional to its
momentum (mv).
h
52. Show that λ= mv.
Ans: This equation is derived as follows.
According to Planck’s equation
E = hν
According to Einstein’s mass energy relationship
E = mc 2
By equating two values of energy;
hν = mc 2
Since
c
ν=
λ
So,
hc
= mc 2
λ
h
𝜆= ........................ (30)
mc
According to equation (30), the wavelength of photon is inversely proportional to the momentum of photon.
Considering that nature is symmetrical, we apply this equation (30) to the moving electron of mass ‘m’ and
velocity ‘v’. This idea gives us the de-Broglie’s equation (28)

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 First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers
h
λ= ........................ (28)
mv
53. How did Davisson and Germer prove dual nature of matter?
Ans: Davisson and Germer produced electrons from heated tungsten filament and accelerated them by
applying the potential difference through charged plates. Davisson and Germer proved that the accelerated
electrons undergo diffraction, like waves, when they fall on a nickel crystal. In this way, the wave nature of
electron got verified.
54. What is Heisenberg’s Principle of Uncertainty? Give its mathematical form.
Ans: it has not been possible for us to measure simultaneously the exact position and velocity of electron.
This was suggested by Heisenberg, in 1927.
Suppose, that Δx is the uncertainty in the measurement of the position and Δp is the uncertainty in the
measurement of momentum of an electron, then
h
Δx . Δp ≥
4π
This relationship is called uncertainty principle. This equation shows that if Δx is small then Δp will be large
and vice versa.
55. Define atomic orbital.
Ans: The volume of space in which there is 95% chance of finding an electron is called atomic orbital.
56. Differentiate between orbit and orbital.
Ans:
Orbit Orbital
1. According to Bohr, the definite path in which an 1. According to Schrodinger, it is three dimensional
electron moves around nucleus as proposed by space around nucleus where the probability of
Bohr is called orbit. finding electron is maximum (95%) is called
orbital.
2. Orbits are flat. 2. Orbitals are three dimensional.
3. Orbits are circular in shape. 3. Orbitals have different shapes e.g. s-orbital is
spherically symmetrical, p-orbitals are dumb bell
shaped etc.
4. Maximum no. of electrons in an orbit is given by 4. An orbital can accommodate a maximum of 2
2n2 i.e., in 1, 2, 3 orbit electrons are 2, 8, 18. electrons.
57. What are quantum numbers?
Ans: These are the set of numerical values which describe size of an orbit, shape of subshell, orientation of
an orbital in an applied magnetic field and spin of electron in an orbital.
Quantum numbers are the sets of numerical values which give the acceptable solutions to Schrodinger wave
equation for hydrogen atom.
An electron in an atom is completely described by its four quantum numbers. These quantum numbers specify
position of electron in an atom.
58. Write names of different quantum numbers.
Ans: There are four quantum numbers which can describe the electron completely.
(1) Principal quantum number (n)
(2) Azimuthal quantum number (ℓ)
(3) Magnetic quantum number (m)
(4) Spin quantum number (s)
59. What is doublet line structure?
Ans: Alkali metals have one electron in their outermost shell. We can record their emission spectra, when the
outermost electron jumps from an excited state to a ground state. When the spectra are observed by means of
high resolving power spectrometer, each line in the spectrum is found to consist of pair of lines, this is called
doublet line structure.
60. State n+l rule.
Ans: This rule says that subshells are arranged in the increasing order of (n+ℓ) values and if any two
subshells have the same (n+ℓ) values, then that subshell is placed first whose n value is smaller.

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 First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers
The arrangement of subshells in ascending order of their energy may be as follows: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d,
4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, 6s, 4f, 5d, 6p, 7s and so no.
61. What is Aufbau principle?
Ans: Aufbau is the German word (“to build up”). The electrons should be filled in energy subshells in
order of increasing energy values.
Each added electron occupies the subshell of lowest energy available. Electrons enter higher-energy
subshells only after lower-energy subshells have been filled to capacity.
The electrons are first placed in 1s, 2s, 2p and so on.
62. Define Pauli's Exclusion Principle. Give one example.
Give at least two definitions of Pauli’s Exclusion Principle.
Ans: This principle can be stated as follows:
It is impossible for two electrons residing in the same orbital of a poly-electron atom to have the same values
of four quantum numbers. OR
Two electrons in the same orbital should have opposite spins (↓↑).
For example, He atom has two electrons in 1s orbital, their quantum number values are:
n ℓ m s
Electron 1 1 0 0 1
+2
Electron 2 1 0 0 1
- 2
63. Define Hund’s rule with examples.
Ans: If, degenerate orbitals are available and more than one electrons are to be placed in them, they should
be placed in separate orbitals with the same spin rather than putting them in the same orbital with opposite
spins.
According to the rule, the two electrons in 2p subshell of carbon will be distributed as follows.

6C =1s ↓↑ 2s↓↑ 2p↑x 2p↑y 2p0z

The three orbitals of 2p subshell are degenerate.
64. Distribute electrons in orbitals of 57La, 29Cu, 79Au, 24Cr, 53I, 86Rn.
Ans: 57La =1s 2 2s 2 2p6 3s 2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s 2 4d10 5p6 6s 2 4f 0 5d1
2 2 6 2 6 1 10
29Cu =1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 4s 3d
2 2 6 2 6 2 10
79Au =1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 4s 3d 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s1 4f 14 5d10
2 2 6 2 6 1 5
24Cr =1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 4s 3d
2 2 6 2 6 2 10
53I =1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 4s 3d 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p5
2 2 6 2 6 2 10
86Rn =1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 4s 3d 4p6 5s 2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f 14 5d10 6p6

1s 2s 2p
3s 3p 4s
3d 4p 5s 4f
4d 5p 6s 5f
5d 6p 7s 6f
6d 7p 8s 7f

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