Atomic Structure (Edexcel International A Level Chemistry)

Exam Questions

19 mins5 questions
1a2 marks

This question is about the element sulfur.

Complete the diagram to show the electronic configuration for a sulfur atom in the ground state.
Include labels for each subshell.

q18a-paper-1-jan-2021-edexcel-ial-chemistry

1b2 marks

Write an equation for the first ionisation energy of sulfur.
Include state symbols.

1c3 marks

Explain why the first ionisation energy of sulfur is less than the first ionisation energies of both phosphorus and chlorine.

1d
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4 marks

A sample of sulfur contains four isotopes.

Isotope 32S 33S 34S 36S
Percentage abundance 94.88 0.83 4.27 0.02

i)
State what is meant by the term isotopes, in terms of subatomic particles.

(2)

ii)
Calculate the relative atomic mass of sulfur in this sample.
Give your answer to two decimal places.

(2)

1e
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3 marks

The mass spectrum of a sample of sulfur with 32S as the only isotope is shown.

q18e-paper-1-jan-2021-edexcel-ial-chemistry
i)
Calculate the number of sulfur atoms in the molecular ion.
You must show your working.
(1)
ii)

Suggest the formula of the most stable ion shown by this spectrum.

(2)

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