Structure Of Atom (VSAQs)

Physical Science | 6. Structure of Atom – VSAQs:
Welcome to VSAQs in Chapter 6: Structure Of Atom. This page contains the most important VSAQs in this chapter. Aim to secure top marks in your exams by understanding these clear and straightforward Very Short Answer Questions.

VSAQ-1 : Which electronic shell is a higher energy level K or L?

Comparison of Energy Levels in K and L Shells

  1. In an atom, energy levels increase as you move away from the nucleus.
  2. Therefore, shell L has a higher energy level compared to shell K, as it is farther from the nucleus, while shell K is closer to the nucleus.

VSAQ-2 : List out the types of quantum numbers.

Types of Quantum Numbers

  1. Principal Quantum Number (n): Determines the main energy level or shell in which the electron is located.
  2. Orbital (Azimuthal) Quantum Number (l): Indicates the shape of the orbital or subshell in which the electron resides.
  3. Magnetic Quantum Number (ml​): Specifies the orientation of the orbital in space.
  4. Spin Quantum Number (ms​): Represents the spin direction of the electron within the orbital.

VSAQ-3 : Define electronic configuration.

Electronic Configuration:
Refers to the specific arrangement of electrons within the atomic or molecular orbitals of an atom or molecule. It describes how electrons are distributed among the various energy levels and sublevels in an atom or molecule.

VSAQ-4 : The four quantum number values of the 21st electron of scandium (Sc) are given in the following table. Write the values of the four quantum numbers for the 20th electron of scandium (Sc) in the form of the table.

Electronic Configuration of Scandium (Sc)

  1. The electronic configuration is:
    $$1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^1$$
  2. The 20th electron is in the 4s orbital.

Quantum Numbers for the 20th Electron

  1. Principal Quantum Number (n): 4
  2. Orbital Quantum Number (l): 0 (s orbital)
  3. Magnetic Quantum Number (ml​): 0 (one 4s orbital)
  4. Spin Quantum Number (ms​): +½ or -½ (two possible spin states)

VSAQ-5 : What is absorption spectrum?

Definition of Absorption Spectrum

  1. An absorption spectrum is a graphical representation of the specific frequencies or wavelengths of light that are absorbed by a substance.
  2. This occurs when the substance’s electrons are excited to higher energy states.
  3. The spectrum is characterized by dark lines (absorption lines) against a brighter background, indicating the colors of light absorbed by the substance.
  4. These dark gaps indicate where energy has been absorbed.
  5. An absorption spectrum is a characteristic pattern used in spectroscopy to identify the composition of materials.

VSAQ-6 : If n= 3 mention the orbitals present in the shell and write maximum number of electrons in the shell.

Orbitals in the M Shell (n=3)

  1. When the principal quantum number (n) is 3, the shell is labeled as “M”.
  2. It contains three types of orbitals: s, p, and d.

Maximum Number of Electrons in the M Shell

  1. The maximum number of electrons in this shell is calculated using the formula 2n².
  2. For shell M (n=3), it can hold a maximum of 2 x 3² = 18 electrons.