PRE–U STPM CHEMISTRY I SEMESTER 1 I Chapter 2 : Electronic Structure of Atoms

962 /1 - CHEMISTRY SEMESTER 1

CHAPTER 2 : ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

WRITTEN BY : MR CHEW SENSEI

ESTIMATE TIME COMPLETE : 10 PERIODS

CHAPTER 2 : ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

2.1 Electronic Energy Levels of Atomic Hydrogen
2.2 Atomic orbitals
2.3 Electronic configuration
2.4 Classification of elements into s, p, d and f blocks in the Periodic Table

Past Year Questions Analysis

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Topic Sem 1 Sem 1 Sem 1 Sem 1 Sem 1 Sem 1 Sem 1
A B,C A B,C A B,C A B,C A B,C A B,C A B,C
CHAPTER 2 :
ELECTRONIC
1 18 1 18 3 18 2 18c 1 -- 2 19 2 --
STRUCTURE
OF ATOMS

2.1 Electronic Energy Levels of Atomic Hydrogen

1. Waves are one of the most important components of energies in Earth. There are many
kinds of waves, such as water waves, sound waves, and light waves. In early 19 th century,
J.C. Maxwell proposed that visible light consists of electromagnetic waves. According to
Maxwell’s theory, an electromagnetic wave has an electric field component and a
magnetic field component. His theory also quantitatively proved how energy in the form
of radiation can be propagated through space as vibrating electric and magnetic fields,
and hence electromagnetic radiation.

a) Electromagnetic radiation is the emission and transmission of energy in the form of

electromagnetic waves, which travel 3.00 x 108 meters per second (This constant is
more well-known as speed of light, c).It behaves in some ways like ocean waves
traveling through water. Like ocean waves, electromagnetic radiation is
charac/terized by a frequency (f), and wavelength () where

speed of light (3.00  108 m s 1 ) c

Frequency  ; f 
wavelength (m) 
b) The electromagnetic waves make up an electromagnetic spectrum, shown in Figure 2.a

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c) The light that we see from the sun or from a typical light bulb of “white” light, which
consists of an essentially continuous distribution of all possible wavelengths spanning the
entire visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. When a narrow beam of white
light is passed through a glass prism, the different wavelengths travel through the glass at
different rates. As a result, the white light dispersed into component colours (as shown in
diagram 2.b), ranging from red at the long-wavelength end of the spectrum (700 nm) to
violet at the short-wavelength end (400 nm)

Figure 2.b
d) When radiation from a particular source is passed through a spectrometer (Diagram 2.b),
it will be separated into its components of different frequencies, producing a spectrum.
i. A continuous spectrum is one where light is emitted over a broad range of
wavelengths (or frequencies); showing emission of a wide range of energies. The
spectrum is smooth and continuous.
ii. A line spectrum is one where exact frequencies or wavelengths appear as lines
(indicating that only certain amounts of energy are emitted and none in between
those energies). A line spectrum is normally produced by atoms that have been
excited and is also called atomic emission spectrum (plural : spectra).

2. When a sample of hydrogen gas (H2) is subjected to an electrical discharge, the

hydrogen molecules dissociate forming hydrogen atoms. Equation : ½ H2 (g)  H (g)
The hydrogen atoms formed, then absorb different amounts of energy and the electron
in each of the atoms will be raised to higher energy level. Spectroscopists studying the
spectrum of atomic hydrogen had identified several series of spectral lines (shown in
Diagram 2.b) in different regions of electromagnetic spectrum. Figure 2.c shows 3 of
these series of lines.

Region Ultraviolet Visible Infrared

Spectra

0 1000 2000 nm
Series Lyman Balmer Paschen
Ground state
Energy level n1 = 1 n1 = 2 n3 = 1

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a) These spectra line formed from spectroscopy are specific and can be quantisised
according to the radiation source by using Rydberg’s Equation

λ = wavelength (in m)
1  1 1 
 RH  2  2  n1 = ground state energy level
  n1 n2  n2 = energy level where electron fall from compared to ground state
RH = Rydberg constant = 1.097 x 107 m-1

From the diagram, the emission spectrum of hydrogen includes a wide range of
wavelengths from the infrared to the ultraviolet.

b) Hydrogen spectrum produced under different sources produce different series with
different characteristics. Table 2.2 below compared the hydrogen spectrum produced
under ultraviolet and visible ray.

Ultraviolet rays Visible rays

 Produced Lyman series  Produced Balmer series
 Can be used to determine wavelength
 Usually use to calculate ionisation
produced by each spectra given by
energy of hydrogen gaseous atom
dispersion of light
 Under emission spectrum, electrons  Under emission spectrum, electrons from
from higher energy level settled at n = 1 higher energy level settled at n = 2
 Series of convergence lines produced  Series of convergence lines produced
have higher frequency have lower frequency

2.1.1 The Bohr Model of the Hydrogen Atom

1. Right after when Planck’s and Einstein’s ideas about quantized energy were proposed,
Neil Bohr, a Danish scientist, suggested a model for the hydrogen atom that predicted
the existence of line spectra. He then outline 3 postulates about hydrogen atom where :
a. The H atom has only certain allowable energy levels, which Bohr called stationary
states. Each of these states is associated with a fixed circular orbit of the electron
around the nucleus.
b. The atom does not radiate energy while in one of its stationary states (atom does not
change energy while the electron moves within an orbit).
c. The atom changes to another stationary state (the electron moves to another orbit)
only by absorbing or emitting a photon whose energy equals the difference in
energy between the two states:
Estate A – Estate B @ ΔE =hf or ΔE =hc / 
(where the energy of state A is higher than that of state B, and h is the constant
proposed by Planck’s theory where h = 6.63 x 10-34 J s.)
A spectral line results when a photon of specific energy (and thus specific frequency)
is emitted as the electron moves from a higher energy state to a lower one.
Therefore, Bohr’s model explains that an atomic spectrum is not continuous because
the atom’s energy has only certain discrete levels, or states.
2. The quantum number, n (1, 2, 3, . . .) is associated with the “shell” of an electron orbit,
which is directly related to the electron’s energy: the lower the n value, the closer the
orbit to the nucleus, and the lower the energy level.
a. When the electron is in the first orbit (n = 1), the orbit closest to the nucleus, the
hydrogen atom is in its lowest energy level, called the ground state.
b. If the hydrogen atom absorbs a photon whose energy equals thedifference
between the first and second energy levels, the electron moves to the second orbit

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(n = 2), the next orbit further from the nucleus. When the electron is in the second or
any higher orbit (energy level),the atom is said to be in an excited state. The process
where electron moved from ground state to higher energy level is called as
absorption.
c. If the H atom in the first excited state (the electron in the second orbit) emits a
photon of that same energy, it returns to the ground state. The process where
electron dropped from higher energy level (excited state)back to ground state is
called as emission(where radiation will also emit along)
n=3 e
absorption
n=2

emission
n=1 e
d. Figure 2.c below shows how Bohr’s model accounts for the three line spectra of
hydrogen. When a sample of gaseous Hydrogen atoms is excited, different atoms
absorb different quantities of energy. Each atom has one electron, but so many
atoms are present that all the energy levels (orbits) are populated by electrons.
When the electrons drop from outer orbits to the n = 3 orbit (second excited state),
the emitted photons create the infrared series of lines. The visible series arises when
electrons drop to the n = 2 orbit (first excited state). Figure 2.d shows that the
ultraviolet series arises when electrons drop to the n = 1 orbit (ground state)
n=
n=6
n=5
n=4

n=3

n=2

n=1

e. According to the Bohr model, when an electron drops from an outer orbit to an inner
one, the atom emits a photon of specific energy that gives rise to a spectral line. In a
given series, each electron drop, and thus each emission, has the same inner orbit,
that is, the same value of n1 in the Rydberg equation, where the orbit radius is
proportional to n2 value.
f. An energy diagram shows how the ultraviolet series arises. Within each series the
greater the difference in orbit radii, the greater the difference in energy levels, and

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the higher the energy of the photon emitted. For example, in the ultraviolet series, in
which n = 1, a drop from n2 = 5 to n1 = 1 emits a photon with more energy (shorter
wavelength, higher frequency) than a drop from n2 = 2 to n1 = 1. [The axis shows
negative values because n =  is defined as the atom with zero energy.]
g. Since Bohr’s model is a one-electron model. It works beautifully for the H atom and
for other one-electron species, such as He+ (Z = 2), Li2+ (Z = 3) and Be3+ (Z = 4), but
failed to predict the spectrum of any other atom.

3. One of the usefulness of Bohr’s theory, applied when calculating the energy levels of
an atom, which he derived from the classical principles of electrostatic attraction and
circular motion, where the equation is describe as :
Z2 
E   2.18  10 18 J   2  where Z = atomic number ; n = energy level
n 
For hydrogen atom, since the atomic number, Z = 1. Therefore :
 1 
E   2.18  10 18 J   2 
n 
If the ground level (under Lyman series) n = 1, the energy at ground state is
1
E   2.18  10 18 J   2  ; E   2.18  10 18 J
1 
a. This equation will then further derived from Rydberg's equation and Plancks equation,
where Planck's equation can be written as
Where E is the energy transition,
1 h = Planck's constant, 6.63 x 10-34 J e-
E  hf or E  h  c 
 cRH==speed of light, 3.00 x 108 m s-1
Rydberg's constant, 1.097 x 107 Sm-1.
Substituting the constant value in the equation
 1 1   1 1 
E  h  c  R H  2  2  @ E  (6.63 x 10 -34 )  (3.00 x 108 )  (1.097 x 10 7 ) 2  2 
 n1 n 2   n1 n 2 
 1 1   1 1 
E  h  c  R H  2  2  @ E  (6.63 x 10 -34 )  (3.00 x 108 )  (1.097 x 10 7 ) 2  2 
 n1 n 2   n1 n 2 
 1 1 
E  2.18  10 18 J   2  2 
 n1 n 2 
4. Ionisation energy of one mole of electron in hydrogen atom can also be calculated
using Bohr’s equation. The equation for ionisation energy of hydrogen atom is
H (g)  H+ (g) + e- ΔH = + x kJ mol-1 (Ionisation energy)
In order to remove an electron from hydrogen atom, electron must at least reached
the convergence limit of the energy level n = . Consider the ground state energy level
of Lyman series, n = 1. To find the difference of energy level using Bohr’s equation :
1 1 
E  2.18  10 18 J   2  2  ; E  2.18  10 18 J
1  
 
1 kJ
For 1 mol e  ; H  E  N A  3 ;
10 J
1 kJ
H  2.18  10 18 J  (6.02  10 23 )  ; H  1310 kJ mol 1
10 3 J
To remove 1 mol of electron from ground state, n 1 = 1 to convergence limit, n2= , a
total of 1310 kJ is required.

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Example 1 : Calculate the wavelength, expressed in nm, of the following conditions
a) the first line of Lyman series b) the third line of Balmer series
In Lyman series, n1 = 1 In Balmer series, n1 = 2
First line in series, so n2 = 1 + 1 = 2 First line in series, so n2 = 2 + 3 = 5
1  1 1 1 1 1 1  1 1 1  1 1
 RH  2  2  ;  1.097 107  2  2   RH  2  2  ;  1.097 10 7  2  2 
  n1 n2   1 2   n2   2 5 
  n1 
λ = 1.2154 x 10-7 m or 122 nm λ = 4.341 x 10-7 m or 434 nm
c) the fourth line of Passchen series d) the last line of Balmer series
In Passchen series, n1 = 3 In Balmer series, n1 = 2
First line in series, so n2 = 3 + 4 = 7 Last line in series, so n2 = 2 + ∞ = ∞
1  1 1 1  1 1  1  1 1 1  1 1 
 RH  2  2  ;  1.097 10 7  2  2   RH  2  2  ;  1.097 10 7  2  2 
 n2   3 7   n2   2  
 n1   n1 
λ = 1.0050 x 10-6 m or 1005 nm λ = 3.647 x 10-7 m or 365 nm

Example 2 : Calculate the frequency produced from the below spectra

a) the second line of Passchen series b) the last line of Lyman series
In Passchen series, n1 = 3 In Lyman series, n1 = 1
Second line in series, n2 = 3 + 2 = 5 last line in series, so n2 = 1 + ∞ = ∞
 1 1 1 1 1  1  1 1 1 
7 1 1 
 RH  2  2  ;  1.097 10  2  2 
1
 RH  2  2  ;  1.097 10 7  2  2 
 n2   3 5    n1 n2   1  
 n1 
1 / λ= 7.80 x 105 m-1 1 / λ= 1.097 x 107 m-1

f = c x (1 / λ) = (3.0 x 108)(7.80 x 105) f =c x (1 / λ) =(3.0 x 108)(1.097 x 107)

f =2.34 x 1014 s-1 f = 3.29 x 1015 s-1

c) the third line of Lyman series d) the fifth line of Balmer series
In Passchen series, n1 = 1 In Balmer series, n1 = 2
First line in series, so n2 = 3 + 1 = 4 Last line in series, so n2 = 2 + 5 = 7
1  1 1 1 1 1  1  1 1 1  1 1 
 RH  2  2  ;  1.097 10 7  2  2   RH  2  2  ;  1.097 10 7  2  2 
 n2   1 4   n2   2 7 
 n1   n1 
1 / λ= 1.028 x 107 m-1 1 / λ= 2.519 x 107 m-1
f = c x (1 / λ) = (3.0 x 108)( 1.028 x 107) f =c x (1 / λ) =(3.0 x 108)( 2.519 x 107)
f =3.09 x 1015 s-1 f = 7.56 x 1014 s-1
Example 3 : Using Bohr’s Equation, calculate the energy required to cause the emission of
spectral line below
a) the fifth line of Lyman series b) the first line of Balmer series
In Lyman series, n1= 1 In Balmer series, n1 = 2
First line in series, so n2 = 1 + 5 = 6 First line in series, so n2 = 2 + 1 = 3
1 1 1 1
E  2.18  1018 J   2  2  E  2.18  1018 J   2  2 
 n1 n2   n1 n2 
1 1   1 1
E  2.18  10 18 J   2  2  E  2.18  10 18 J   2  2 
1 6  2 3 
  
ΔE = 2.12 x 10-18 J / e- ΔE = 3.03 x 10-19J / e-

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c) the third line of Passchen series d) the last line of Passchen series
In Passchen series, n1 = 3 In Balmer series, n1 = 3
First line in series, so n2 = 3 + 3 = 6 Last line in series, so n2 = 3 + ∞ = ∞
1 1 1 1
E  2.18  1018 J   2  2  E  2.18  1018 J   2  2 
 n1 n2   n1 n2 
1 1  1 1 
E  2.18  10 18 J   2  2  E  2.18  10 18 J   2  2 
3 6  3  
 
ΔE = 1.81 x 10-18 J / e- ΔE = 2.42 x 10-19J / e-

2.2 Atomic Orbital

1. As mentioned above, Bohr’s theory is a one-electron theory. Furthermore, the position
of electrons cannot be specified as electron behaves like wave as it extended it space.
A German physicist, Werner Karl Heisenberg, then formulated what is now known as the
Heisenbergun certainty principle: it is impossible to know simultaneously both the
momentum(defined as mass x velocity) and the position of a particle with certainty.

a. However, Bohr’s theory had made a significant contribution to our understanding of

atoms, and his suggestion that the energy of an electron in an atom is quantized.
This concept is the perfected by an Austrian physicist, Erwin Schrödinger, through his
well-known equation – Schrödinger’s equation, where the energy of atom can be
calculate.

b. Even though Schrödinger equation specifies the possible energy states the electron
can occupy in a hydrogen atom, however, it cannot pinpoint the location of
electron in an atom. Therefore, to counter this problem, we replaced with the term
orbital, a region with high probability to find an electron.

c. An atomic orbital is specified by three quantum numbers. One is related to the

orbital’s size, another to its shape, and the third to its orientation in space. The
quantum numbers have a hierarchical relationship: the size-related number limits the
shape-related number, which limits the orientation-related number
i. The principal quantum number (n) (better known as shell) is a positive integer (1, 2,
3, and so forth). It indicates the relative size of the orbital and therefore the relative
distance from the nucleus of an atom.
ii. The angular momentum quantum number(l) is an integer from 0 to n – 1. It is related
to the shape of the orbital and is sometimes called the orbital shape (or azimuthal)
quantum number. Note that the principal quantum number sets a limit on the
values for the angular momentum quantum number; that is, n limits l.
For an orbital (shell) with n = 1, l can have a value of only 0.
For orbitals (shell) with n = 2, l can have a value of 0 or 1
For orbitals (shell) with n = 3, l can be 0, 1, or 2; and so forth.
Note that the number of possible l values equals the value of n

iii. The magnetic quantum number (ml) is an integer from [–l] through 0 to [+l]. It
prescribes the orientation of the orbital in the space around the nucleus (or simple,
number of orbitals presence in l). The possible values of an orbital’s magnetic
quantum number are set by its angular momentum quantum number.
For (l = 0), the magnetic quantum number, (ml) = 0 [therefore 1 orbital]
For (l = 1), the magnetic quantum number, (ml) = –1, 0, +1 [therefore 3 orbitals]
For (l = 2), magnetic quantum number, (ml) = –2, –1, 0, +1, +2 [therefore 5 orbitals]

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iv. The electron spin quantum number (ms) ~
represents the assumption of electrons act like
tiny magnets. According to electromagnetic
theory, a spinning charge generates a magnetic
field, and it is this motion that causes an electron
to behave like a magnet. Therefore, in each ml,
two oppositely spin quantum is filed accordingly
and has a value of +½ and –½, and are usually
denote as  (for +½) and  (for –½)

Table below summarised the hierarchy among the four quantum numbers

d. The energy states and orbitals of the atom are described with specific terms and
associated with one or more quantum numbers

i. Level. The atom’s energy levels, or shells, are given by the n value: the smaller the n
value, the lower the energy level and the greater the probability of the electron
being closer to the nucleus. [n = 1 is the closest to nucleus, followed by n = 2, 3 and
so forth]

ii. Sublevel. The atom’s levels contain sublevels, or subshells, which designate the
orbital shape. Each sublevel has a letter designation:

l 0 1 2 3 4 5
Name of sublevel (orbital) s p d F g h
iii. Orbital. Each allowed combination of n, l, and ml values specifies one of the atom’s
orbitals. Thus, the three quantum numbers that describe an orbital express its size
(energy), shape, and spatial orientation. You can easily give the quantum numbers
of the orbitals in any sublevel if you know the sublevel letter designation and the
quantum number hierarchy.

Energy Number Atomic Orbital

Sublevel, l orbital, ml
level, n of orbital Designation
1 0 0 1 1s
0 0 1 2s
2 1 –1, 0 +1 3 2px , 2py , 2pz,
0 0 1 3s
1 –1, 0 +1 3 3px , 3py , 3pz,
3 2 –2, –1, 0 , +1 , +2 5 3dxy , 3dyz , 3dxz , 3dx2-y2 , 3dz2

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2. Shape of each orbitals
a. The s Orbital– An orbital with l = 0 has a spherical shape with the nucleus at its center
and is called an s orbital. The H atom’s ground state, for example, has the electron in
the 1s orbital, and the electron probability density is highest at the nucleus. As the
energy level increased, the surface area of the spherical shape increased, indicates
the electron density decreased.
y y y

x x x
z z z

1s 2s 3s
b. The p orbitals – An orbital with l = 1, called a p orbital, has two regions (lobes)of high
probability, one on either side of the nucleus. The nucleus lies at the nodal plane of
this dumbbell-shaped orbital as described in diagram below.

Since the maximum value of l is n – 1, so only energy levels with n = 2 or higher can
have p orbitals (with ml = –1, 0 +1). Therefore, the lowest energy p orbital (the one
closest to the nucleus) is the 2p. All three p orbitals have identical in size, shape, and
energy, differing only in orientation. For convenience, we associate p orbitals with
the x, y, and z axes where the px orbital lies along the x axis, the py along the y axis,
and the pz along the z axis.
c. The d Orbital – An orbital with l = 2 is called a d orbital. There are five possible ml
values for the l = 2 value: –2, –1, 0 , +1 , +2. Thus, a d orbital can have any one of five
different orientations, as describe in diagram below.

From the figure above, four of the five d orbitals have four lobes (a cloverleaf shape)
prescribed by two mutually perpendicular nodal planes, with the nucleus lying at the
junction of the lobes.

d. Orbitals with Higher l values– Orbitals with l = 3 are f

orbitals and must have a principal quantum number of at
least n = 4. There are seven f orbitals (2 l + 1 = 7), each with
a complex, multi-lobed shape; Figure on the right shows
one off-orbitals, However, it will not discuss further because
they play no known role in chemical bonding

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3. Special case of hydrogen atom – The energy state

of the H atom depends only on the principal
quantum number, n = 1. When an electron
occupies an orbital with a higher n value, it occurs
(on average)farther from the nucleus, so the atom
is higher in energy. But the H atom is a special case
because it has only one electron. The energy states
of all other atoms depend on both then and l
values of the occupied orbitals because of
additional nucleus – electron attractions and
electron – electron repulsions. In other words, for
the H atom only, all four orbitals in n = 2 (one 2s
and three 2p) have the same energy, while all nine
orbitals in n = 3 (one 3s, three 3p, and five 3d) have
the same energy and so forth.

2.3 Electronic configuration

1. Electron configuration of the atom shows how the electrons are distributed among the
various atomic orbitals, in order to understand electronic behaviour of that atom. Using
the principle of n, l, ml and ms learned earlier, it allows us to understand how the
arrangement of electrons occurs in many-electrons atom.
2. The arrangement of electrons in its orbitals are guided under 3 basic rule and principles,
which are Aufbau's Principle, Pauli Exclusion's Principle and Hund's Rule.
a. Aufbau's principle stated that electrons are filled up in orbitals from the lowest
energy orbital available. This will results in ground-state electron configurations to
build up eventually. The order in which atomic sub-shells are filled in a many-electron
atom are shown in diagram below.

n=1 1s

n=2 2s 2p

n=3 3s 3p 3d

n=4 4s 4p 4d 4f

n=5 5s 5p 5d 5f

n=6 6s 6p 6d 6f

1s < 2s < 2p < 3s < 3p < 4s < 3d < 4p < 5s < 4d < 5p < 6s < 4f < 5d < 6p <……
Energy level increase

b. Pauli Exclusion's Principle ~ an atomic orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons
with opposing quantum spins. From the quantum spin number, we understand that
electrons behaviour resemble to that of a magnet when spinning charge generates
a magnetic field. In general, we represent a positive spin quantum, ms = +1/2 as 
(sometimes ) ; while a negative spin quantum, ms = -1/2 as  (sometimes ).

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PRE–U STPM CHEMISTRY I SEMESTER 1 I Chapter 2 : Electronic Structure of Atoms
Diagram below shows how electrons occupy an orbital according to Pauli's Exclusion
Principle

Correct Incorrect

2 electrons occupied an 2 electrons occupied an 2 electrons occupied an 3 electrons occupied an

orbital with opposite spin orbital with same spin orbital with same spin orbital with different spin

c. Hund's Rule ~ when orbitals of equal energy are available, the electron configuration
of lowest energy has the maximum number of unpaired electrons with parallel spins.
In order to fulfil Hund's rule, sub-shell must have at least 2 or more orbitals. Therefore,
p-orbitals, d-orbitals and f-orbitals are filled according to Hund's rule. For example, in
filling 2 and 3 electrons in p-orbitals and filling 5 and 7 electrons in d-orbitals.

Filling in p - orbitals Filling in d - orbitals

Filling in 2 electrons in p-orbitals Filling in 5 electrons in d-orbitals (more stable)

Filling in 3 electrons in p-orbitals Filling in 7 electrons in d-orbitals (After positive spin is

(more stable) first filled, negative spin is then filled to each orbital)

Below shows the first 20 elements in Period Table is filled according to the three rule / principles

No Electronic
Element Orbital diagram
of e- configuration

Hydrogen
H
1 ____
1s
Helium
2 ____
He
1s
Lithium
3 ____ ____
Li
1s 2s
Beryllium
Be
4 ____ ____
1s 2s
Boron
B
5 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
1s 2s 2p
Carbon
6 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
C
1s 2s 2p
Nitrogen
7 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
N
1s 2s 2p

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Oxygen
O
8 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
1s 2s 2p
Fluorine
9 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
F
1s 2s 2p
Neon
10 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Ne
1s 2s 2p
Sodium
11 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Na
1s 2s 2p 3s
Magnesium
12 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Mg
1s 2s 2p 3s
Aluminium
Al
13 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p
Silicon
14 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Si
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p
Phospho-
rous, 15 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
P 1s 2s 2p 3s 3p
Sulphur
16 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
S
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p
Chlorine
17 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Cl
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p
Argon
18 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Ar
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p
Potassium
19 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ___
K
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 4s
Calcium
Ca
20 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ___
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 4s

3. The elements from scandium (Z = 21) to copper (Z = 29) are transition metals. Transition
metals either have incompletely filled d-subshells or readily give rise to cation that have
incompletely filled d-subshells. Based on Aufbau's principle, before electrons are filled in
4s orbital, the energy level of 4s is lower than 3d. However, as electrons filled in 4s orbital,
energy level of 4s increase to higher than in 3d orbitals.

Orbital diagram before electrons are filled Orbital diagram after electrons are filled
in 4s in 4s

Following shows how electronic configuration of the first row d-block elements are filled.

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Scandium, Sc No. of electron = 21 Electronic configuration : ………………………………………….

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d 4s

Titanium, Ti No. of electron = 22 Electronic configuration : …………………………………………

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d 4s

Vanadium, V No. of electron = 23 Electronic configuration : …………………………………………

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d 4s

Chromium, Cr No. of electron = 24 Electronic configuration : ………………………………………….

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d 4s

Manganese, Mn No. of electron = 25 Electronic configuration : ……………………………………..

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d 4s

Iron, Fe No. of electron = 26 Electronic configuration : …………………………………………..

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d 4s

Cobalt, Co No. of electron = 27 Electronic configuration : …………………………………………..

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d 4s
Nickel, Ni No. of electron = 28 Electronic configuration : …………………………………………

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d 4s

Copper, Cu No. of electron = 29 Electronic configuration : …………………………………………

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d 4s

Zinc, Zn No. of electron = 30 Electronic configuration : ………………………………………….

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d 4s

a. Note that from Scandium to Vanadium, each electron is filled according to Hund's
rule, with a single positive spin electron is filled in each 3d-subshells.
b. When expressing the electronic configuration for Chromium, 24Cr, the valence
electron of Cr is filled as 3d5 4s1 instead of 3d4 4s2.

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PRE–U STPM CHEMISTRY I SEMESTER 1 I Chapter 2 : Electronic Structure of Atoms

Correct way of filling 3d and 4s orbital of Cr Wrong way of filling 3d and 4s orbital of Cr

Half-filled 3d orbital is more stable Partial-filled 3d orbital is less stable

This is due to, according to Hund's rule, half-filled 3d orbitals have extra stability,
compared to a partial-filled 3d orbital. Another anomaly of filling the electronic
configuration occur on the element copper, Cu. Supposedly, After nickel, 28Ni is filled
as 1s22s22p63s23p63d84s2, Cu should be filled as 1s22s22p63s23p63d94s2. However, due
to full-filled 3d orbitals have extra stability compared to a partial-filled 3d orbitals,
henceforth valence electrons of Cu is filled as 3d104s1.

Correct way of filling 3d and 4s orbital of Cu Wrong way of filling 3d and 4s orbital of Cu

Full-filled 3d orbital is more stable Partial-filled 3d orbital is less stable

2.3.1 Electronic Configuration of Ions

1. Ions are formed when an atom or molecule donate / received electron(s). Ions can be
positively charged or negatively charged. A positively charged ion is also known as
cation, while a negatively charged ion is also known as anion. Table below compared
the properties of the formation for both cation and anion.
Ions Cation (Positively charged ion) Anion (Negatively charged ion)

Occur when Electron(s) are donated Electron(s) are received

Formation of Na → Na+ + e- F + e- → F-
+1 and -1 1s 2s22p63s1
2 1s22s22p6 1s 2s 2p
2 2 5 1s22s22p6

Formation of Mg → Mg2+ + 2e- O + 2e- → O2-

+2 and -2 1s 2s22p63s2
2 1s22s22p6 1s 2s 2p
2 2 4 1s22s22p6

2. From the example above, it is shown that, when electron(s) are donated, electron(s)
are first removed from higher energy level, and conversely when electron(s) are
received, electron(s) are filled from the lower possible energy level. Most of the main
group elements donate and received electron(s) to achieve a stable valence
electronic configuration of ns2 np6 (also known as octet configuration)
Example of electronic configuration of ion
Al3+ : P3-

[Since electronic configuration of aluminium is [Since electronic configuration of aluminium is

1s22s22p63s23p1, when 3 electrons are removed, it 1s22s22p63s23p3, when 3 electrons are added, it
shall be removed from 3p, then 3s] shall be added to 3p orbital as its not yet complete]
V3+ N3-

[Since electronic configuration of vanadium is [Since electronic configuration of nitrogen is

1s22s22p63s23p63d34s2 when 3 electrons are 1s22s22p3, when 3 electrons are added, it shall be
removed, it shall be removed from 4s, then 3d] added to 3p orbital as its not yet complete]

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Fe2+ S4-

[Since electronic configuration of iron is ……… [Since electronic configuration of sulphur is ……

……………………… when 3 electrons are ………………., when 4 electrons are added, it
removed, it shall be removed from ……………….] shall be added to …………. and ……….. orbitals]
Ga4+ Br-

[Since electronic configuration of gallium is [Since electronic configuration of bromine is ……

……………….……..… when 3 electrons are ………………., when 4 electrons are added, it
removed, it shall be removed from ……………….] shall be added to …………. orbitals]
4+ -
Mn Cl
+ 3-
Ca O
3+ -
Co F

2.4 Classification of elements into s, p, d and f blocks in the Periodic Table

1. Diagram below shows a Periodic Table of Elements

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PRE–U STPM CHEMISTRY I SEMESTER 1 I Chapter 2 : Electronic Structure of Atoms
2. From the diagram, elements can be generally categorised to four different blocks,
namely s-block , p-block , d-block and f-block. The way of categorising these elements
according to their block, depend on their valence electron and group.

Main group elements Transition elements

Block Valence Electron Group Block Valence Electron
ns1 1 (n-1)d1ns2 , (n-1)d2ns2 , (n-1)d3ns2
s-block
d-block (n-1)d5ns1 , (n-1)d5ns2 , (n-1)d6ns2
ns2 2
(n-1)d7ns2 , (n-1)d8ns2
ns2np1 13 (n-1)d10ns1 , (n-1)d10ns2

ns2np2 14

ns2np3 15 Lanthanide Series

p-block
ns2np4 16 6s2 4fn 5d1@0
f-block
ns2np5 17 Actinide Series

ns2np6 18 5s2 7fn 6d1@0

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PRE–U STPM CHEMISTRY I SEMESTER 1 I Chapter 2 : Electronic Structure of Atoms
Section A ~ Objective Questions

1. What is the possible total number of emission lines for a hydrogen atom with the
electronic energy levels from n = 1 to n = 4

A. 4 B. 6 C. 8 D. 10

2. Electronic configuration of an element R2+ is 1s22s22p63s23p63d4. Which of the following

statement(s) is / are correct?

I. Atom R has 4 shells that are filled with electrons

II. Proton number of element R is 24.
III. R can form more than one oxidation states
IV. R is a d-block element
A. I and II only correct B. I, II and III only correct
C. II, III and IV only correct D. All I, II, III and IV correct

3. The proton number of Y is 31. Which of the following order shows the right order for the
removal of electrons from its orbitals to form Y4+ ion.

First Second Third Fourth

A. 4py 4px 4s 4s

B. 4px 4s 4s 3dyz

C. 4s 4s 4px 3dyx

D. 4px 3dyz 3dxy 3dxz

4. Which of the following statement(s) is / are true of electrons occupying an atom?

I. Electrons occupy orbitals according to Aufbau's Principle
II. 2s and 2p orbital is filled according to Hund's rule
III. Each orbital is filled with 2 electrons with opposite spin
IV. Electrons are filled singly in each orbital of 3p.
A. I, II and III only correct B. II, III and IV only correct
C. I, III and IV only correct D. All I, II, III and IV correct

5. The emission spectrum of atomic hydrogen is divided into a number of spectral series,
with wavelengths given by the Rydberg formula. These observed spectral lines are due
to electrons making a transition between two energy levels in the atom. Which of the
following statements is true of the spectrum line of hydrogen?

A. The number of lines in each series of hydrogen spectra is the same.

B. The first line in each series has the lowest frequency.
C. The lines in a series converge as frequency decreases.
D. The ionisation energy of hydrogen can be calculated from the frequency of the first
line in Lyman series.

6. Which of the following species has the most number of paired valence electrons?
A 7N2– B 12Mg2+ C 8O D 21Sc

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7. The energy-level diagram for a hydrogen atom shows several electronic transitions with
frequencies

Energy
n=
n=5
n=4
f1 f4 f5
n=3
f2 f3
n=2

Which of the following statements is/are not true of the above diagram?
I. f1 represents the convergence limit of the Lyman series.
II. f2 and f3 are spectral line produced via absorption spectroscopy
III. f4 can be used to calculate the energy difference between the energy levels of n =
3 and n = 4.
IV. f5 produces the second line in Passchen series.
A. I only B. I, and III only
C. II, III and IV only D. II and IV only

8. An atom of element Z has nucleon number fifty eight and thirty three fundamental
uncharged particles in its nucleus. What is the electronic configuration of a Z2+ ion?

A. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d5 B. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d4 4s1
C. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d3 4s2 D. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d4

9. Chromium has the electronic configuration 1s22s22p63s23p63d54s1. Which ion does not
exist?

A. Cr2O72– B. CrO3 C. CrO4- D. Cr3+

10. Transition of electrons between energy levels in an atom will cause an absorption or
emission of light. Which energy level diagram shows the transition of electrons that emits
light with the longest wavelength?

A. B. C. D.

n=5 n=5 n=5 n=5

n=4 n=4 n=4 n=4
n=3 n=3 n=3 n=3
n=2 n=2 n=2 n=2

n=1 n=1 n=1 n=1

11. Which of the following statements is true of the hydrogen line spectrum?
A. The number of lines in each series is the same.
B. The first line in each series has the lowest frequency.
C. The lines in a series become closer when the frequency decreases.
D. The ionisation energy of hydrogen can be calculated from the frequency of the first
line in Lyman series.

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PRE–U STPM CHEMISTRY I SEMESTER 1 I Chapter 2 : Electronic Structure of Atoms
12. Copper(I) sulphide is a component of chalcocite ore which is one of the sources of
copper metal. In which orbitals are valance electrons of copper(I) ion and sulphide ion
are found?

A B C D
Copper(I) ion 4s 3d 3d 4s 3d
Sulphide ion 3s 3s 3p 4s 3p

13. An atom M has seven valence electrons and forms a stable M2+ ion in an aqueous
solution. What is the electronic configuration of atom M?

A 1s22s22p63s23p5 B 1s22s22p63s23p63d6
C 1s22s22p63s23p63d54s2 D 1s22s22p63s23p63d14s2

14. What is the order of increasing energy of the listed orbitals in the atom of titanium?
A. 3s 3p 3d 4s B. 3s 3p 4s 3d
C. 3s 4s 3p 3d D. 4s 3s 3p 3d

15. Which of the following particles would, on losing an electron, have a half-filled set of p-
orbitals?

A. C– B. N C N– D O+

16. Gallium nitride, GaN, could revolutionise the design of electric light bulbs because only
a small length used as a filament gives excellent light at low cost. Gallium nitride is an
ionic compound containing the Ga3+ ion. What is/are the valance orbitals of the Ga3+
ion in gallium nitride?

A. 4s and 4p B. 3d
C. 3d , 4s and 4p D. 3d and 4s

17. In forming ionic compounds, elements generally form an ion with the electronic
structure of a noble gas. Which ion does not have a noble gas electronic structure?

A. I– B. Rb+ C. Sn2+ D. Sr2+

18. In which pair do both atoms have one electron only in an s orbital in their ground states?
A. Ca, Sc B. Cu, Be C. H, He D. Li, Cr

19. Wavelength of emission spectral series of hydrogen atom can be calculated using
Rydberg's equation, where the Rydberg's constant is 1.097 x 107 m-1
1  1 1 
 RH  2  2 
  n1 n2 
What is the wavelength, in nanometer, produced by the third line of Balmer Series?
A. 230 nm B. 434 nm C. 210 nm D. 450 nm

20. Calculate the frequency of visible light having a wavelength of 464.1 nm

A. 139.1 s-1 B. 1.548 x 1015 s-1
C. 1.548 x 10-15 s-1 D. 6.460 x 1014 s-1

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PRE–U STPM CHEMISTRY I SEMESTER 1 I Chapter 2 : Electronic Structure of Atoms
21. Which graph represents the number of unpaired p orbital electrons for atoms with
proton numbers 13 to 18?
A B
3 3

2 2

1 1

0 0
13 14 15 16 17 18 13 14 15 16 17 18

C D
6 3
5
4 2
3
2 1
1
0 0
13 14 15 16 17 18 13 14 15 16 17 18

22. An atom M forms a stable M3+ ion in an aqueous solution. What is / are the possible
electronic configuration of atom M?

I. 1s22s22p63s23p3 II. 1s22s22p63s23p1

III. 1s22s22p63s23p63d54s2 IV. 1s22s22p63s23p63d14s2
A. I, II and III only correct B. II, III and IV only correct
C. I, III and IV only correct D. All I, II, III and IV correct

23. Which one of the following types of radiation has the highest frequency?
A. FM radio waves B. infrared waves
C. visible rays D. ultraviolet rays

24. What is the energy, in joules, of one mole of electrons associated with radiation which
has a frequency of 6.336 x 1015 s-1?
[Planck's Constant = 6.63 x 10-34 J s ; Avogadro's Constant = 6.02 x 1023 e- mol-1]
A. 2.528 x 106 J B. 3.882 x 1014 J
C. 3.955 x 10-7 J D. 4.198 x 10-18 J

25. What is the total number of orbitals that has the principal quantum number n = 4?
A. 9 B. 16 C. 32 D. 8

26. What is the wavelength, in nm, of radiation which has an energy of 216.1 kJ mol-1.
[Planck's Constant = 6.63 x 10-34 J s ; Avogadro's Constant = 6.02 x 1023 e- mol-1
Rydberg's constant = 1.097 x 107 m-1]
A. 655.9 nm B. 546.1 nm
C. 108. 8 nm D. 589.3 nm

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PRE–U STPM CHEMISTRY I SEMESTER 1 I Chapter 2 : Electronic Structure of Atoms
27. Which statement below is true with regard to Bohr's model of the atom?
A. The model accounted for the absorption spectra of atoms but not for the emission
spectra.
B. The model could account for the emission spectrum of hydrogen and for the
Rydberg equation.
C. The model was based on the wave properties of the electron.
D. The model accounted for the emission spectra of atoms, but not for the absorption
spectra.

28. The statement that the ground state configuration of an atom is generated by filling in
levels lowest (energy wise) to the highest with electrons observing the maximum for
each of these

A. the Aufbau's Principle B. Schrodinger's Rule

C. Hund's Rule D. the Pauli Exclusion Principle

29. Which of the following shows the correct valence electron and magnetic properties for
the ground state configuration of the iron atom?
A. 3s2 3d6, paramagnetic B. 3d6 4s2, diamagnetic
C. 3d8, paramagnetic D. 3d6 4s2, paramagnetic

30. An element J has the valence electron of 6s2 4f14 5d10. Which block does this element
belongs to

A. s B. p C. d D. f

31. Which statement about a 3p orbital is correct?

A. It can hold a maximum of 6 electrons.
B. It has the highest energy of the orbitals with principal quantum number 3.
C. It is at a higher energy level than a 3s orbital but has the same shape.
D. It is occupied by one electron in an isolated phosphorus atom

32. In which atom are all electrons paired?

A. Ba B. Br C. S D. Si

33. The electronic configuration of an atom of sulphur is 1s22s22p63s23p4.How many valence

shell and unpaired electrons are present in one sulphur atom?

A B C D
valence shell electrons 2 4 6 6
unpaired electrons 1 2 0 2

34. Which property is the same for the two nuclides 4018Ar and 4019K?
A the number of electrons B the number of neutrons
C the number of nucleons D the number of protons

35. Which particles have a single unpaired electron? 1

A. the copper ion in CuO B. the methyl free radical

C. a molecule of NO D. the zinc ion in [Zn(NH3)4]2+

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PRE–U STPM CHEMISTRY I SEMESTER 1 I Chapter 2 : Electronic Structure of Atoms
Section B ~ Structure Questions
1. A Bohr-model representation of hydrogen atom is shown below with several electron
transitions depicted by arrows.

(a) Which transitions in the diagram above is an absorptions spectrum? [1 mark]

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(b) (i) Figure below shows some spectral line produced in Lyman series of hydrogen atom.
In the figure, label which lines are produced by B and C [2 marks]

(ii) Explain between B and C, which line have a higher frequency in [2 marks]

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(c) Using Rydberg's equation, calculate the wavelength produced in the transition of
spectrum D. [Rydberg's constant = 1.097 x 107 m-1] [3 marks]

2. The proton number of chromium is 24

(a) Write the electronic configuration of
(i) chromium atom [1 mark]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(ii) chromium(III) ion [1 mark]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(b) In the energy level diagram below, sketch the energy level of 3d and 4s orbital for
the following situation

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PRE–U STPM CHEMISTRY I SEMESTER 1 I Chapter 2 : Electronic Structure of Atoms
(i) before electron is filled in chromium atom (ii) after electron is filled in chromium atom
Energy Energy

[2 marks]
[1 mark]

(c) Comment on the irregularity occur in the filling of chromium atom [2 marks]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3. (a) Sulphur can be obtained easily from the deposit of volcanoes.

i. Write the electronic configuration of sulphur atom [1 mark]
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
ii. Draw and label the shape of all orbitals containing the valence electrons of the
sulphur atom. [3 marks]

iii. State one of the sulphur atomic orbitals that are filled according to Hund’s rule
……………………………………………………………………………………………… [1 mark]
(b) Sketch the energy level diagram for the orbitals of an atom (other than hydrogen atom)
with the principal quantum number from n = 1 to n = 3 [3 marks]

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PRE–U STPM CHEMISTRY I SEMESTER 1 I Chapter 2 : Electronic Structure of Atoms
4. (a) Sodium-24 isotope is used in medicine to study the blood circulatory system.
(i) Write the electronic configuration of sodium-24 isotope. [1 mark]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(ii) How many orbitals of sodium-24 isotope are fully filled? [1 mark]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(iii) State the orbitals of sodium-24 ion which contain valence electrons. [1 mark]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(iv) State one reason why sodium-24 isotope is rarely found in its natural state. [1 mark]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(b) The figure below shows several lines of the Lyman series in the emission spectrum of a
hydrogen atom.

Z
(i) From the energy level diagram below, show how the line marked Z on the
spectrum is formed
Energy

(ii) Draw an emission spectrum for a He+ ion correspond to the Lyman series.

5. (a) “If two or more orbitals with equal energy are available, the orbitals are each filled
with one electron, with the electrons having parallel spins, before a second electron
of the opposite spin is added.”

(i) Name the above rule. [1 mark]

………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(ii) Draw a diagram showing valence electrons for an atom X with proton number 29.
[1 mark]

(iii) State the number of unpaired electrons in atom X. [1 mark]

………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

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(iv) Based on your answer in (iii) state the magnetic properties of atom X [1 mark]
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(v) X can form X+ by donating one electron from the outermost shell. State the valence
electron of X+ and deduce the magnetic properties of X+ ion. [2 marks]

………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(b) Covalent bonds in a molecule absorb radiation in the IR region and vibrate at
characteristic frequencies. The C—O bond absorbs radiation of wavelength 0.96 nm.
What frequency (in s-1) corresponds to that wavelength?
[Speed of light, c = 3.00 x 108 m s-1] [2 marks]

6. A part of Periodic Table is shown in the Diagram below.

A E
D G
H B C F

(a) Based on the Period Table above,

(i) State an element from s-block [1 mark]
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(ii) Which of these elements are from the same group? Write the valence electron of
both element to prove your choice of answer. [2 marks]

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(iii) Write the electronic configuration of B. Justify your answer with explanation of how
the valence electrons are filled in its orbitals [2 marks]

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(iv) One of the ion of H is isoelectronic with G. Deduce the formula of ion of H and write
its electronic configuration. [2 marks]

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

"A"BSOLUTE GUIDE STPM CHEMISTRY I  Chew Sensei I 56

PRE–U STPM CHEMISTRY I SEMESTER 1 I Chapter 2 : Electronic Structure of Atoms
7. (a) The frequencies of lines in the Lyman series in the spectrum of hydrogen atom are
given as follows.
2.466, 2.923, 3.083, 3.157, 3.197, 3.221, 3.237 (x 1015) Hz
i. On the energy level diagram below, draw arrows to illustrate the electronic
transitions of hydrogen atom that correspond to frequencies of the lines in the
Lyman series. [3 marks]

ii. From the frequencies of the lines in the Lyman series given, calculate the energy to
remove one electron from a hydrogen atom.
[Planck's constant, h = 6.63 X 10-34 J e-1] [2 marks]

(b) Using suitable principles or rules, explain the electronic configuration of lithium atom
[3 marks]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

"A"BSOLUTE GUIDE STPM CHEMISTRY I  Chew Sensei I 57

PRE–U STPM CHEMISTRY I SEMESTER 1 I Chapter 2 : Electronic Structure of Atoms
Section C ~ Essay Questions
1. (a) Hund’s rule, Pauli exclusion principle and Aufbau's principle are used to determine
the ground state electronic configuration of an atom.
(i) State the rule and principles. [3 marks]
(ii) Describe how the principles are applied to nitride ion, N3–, as example. [5 marks]

(b) Calculate the ionisation energy required to remove one mole of electron from a
hydrogen atom which is located at the ground state of Lyman series. [7 marks]
[Planck's Constant = 6.63 x 10-34 J s ; Avogadro's Constant = 6.02 x 1023 e- mol-1
Rydberg's constant = 1.097 x 107 m-1 ; Speed of light, c = 3.00 x 108 m s-1].

2. (a) The number of electrons occupying different orbitals of atom P are shown in the
following table.

Orbitals s p d
Number of electrons 8 12 5

Write the electronic configuration of P, and explain how each of these orbitals is
filled with electrons [7 marks]

(b) i. Sketch a emission spectral of hydrogen atom for Lyman series. From the diagram
sketched, explain the trend for each successive spectrum formed until the converge
line [5 marks]

ii. Calculate the frequency of second line of Balmer series sketched [3 marks]
[Speed of light = 3.0 x 108 m s-1 ; Rydberg's constant = 1.097 x 107 m-1]

3. When excited electrons fall from a higher to a lower energy level, the excess energy is
emitted as radiation.
(a) Using suitable energy diagram, state and explain the energy level transitions of
electrons that can produce the Balmer series in an emission spectrum of the
hydrogen atom, and give three characteristics of the series. [7 marks]

(b) Compare the emission spectrum of hydrogen atom in Balmer series with that of
Lyman series. [8 marks]

4. (a) Explain the meaning of 'orbital', followed by describing the shape and symmetries of s
and p orbitals [5 marks]

(b) Iron, with proton number 26, is a useful metal in a lot of industries, especially in the
construction of large building and towers

i. Write the electronic configuration of iron atom. [1 mark]

ii. Based on the answer in (i), write the valence electron of iron (II) ion and iron (III) ion.
Explain which ion is more stable. [4 marks]

iii. Another metal Q is added to iron to increase the resistant to corrosion of iron. Metal
Q is isoelectronic with iron (II) ion. Name metal Q and write its electronic
configuration. Hence, compare the arrangement of 3d and 4s orbital between
metal Q and iron (II) ion [5 marks]

"A"BSOLUTE GUIDE STPM CHEMISTRY I  Chew Sensei I 58

PRE–U STPM CHEMISTRY I SEMESTER 1 I Chapter 2 : Electronic Structure of Atoms
5. (a) State how the ionisation energy of hydrogen gas can be determined by the electron
bombardment [4 marks]

(b) The diagram below represents the emission spectrum of hydrogen atom in the
Balmer series.

Wavelength 4.86 4.34 4.10 3.65 (x 10-7 m)

i. Explain how the above line spectra of the hydrogen atom is produced [4 marks]
ii. With reference of the information above, calculate the ionisation energy for one
mole of electron from one mole of hydrogen atom in Balmer series
[speed of light, c = 3.0 x 108 m s-1 ; Planck constant, h = 6.63 X 10-34 J e-1
Avogadro’s constant, L = 6.02 x 1023 e- mol-1] [7 marks]

"A"BSOLUTE GUIDE STPM CHEMISTRY I  Chew Sensei I 59