CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT TERM I

S5 CHEMISTRY
TOPIC 1: ATOMIC STRUCTURE & ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATION
DURATION: 2 hours

INSTRUCTIONS:
Attempt all the Items

Item 1:
The annual Intergalactic Chemistry Competition is underway! This year, delegates from across
the Milky Way and beyond have gathered to showcase their understanding of atomic structure
and electron configurations. You are a representative from Earth, competing against brilliant
minds from nebulae far and wide.
The competition consists of a series of challenges, each testing your ability to determine the
electron configurations of various atoms and ions. The judges, a panel of highly intelligent
plasma beings, are looking for accuracy, clarity, and the ability to explain your reasoning.
Your Tasks:
a) The Mystery Element:
o A sample of an unknown element, "X," is presented. It is determined experimentally
that the X2+ ion has the following electron configuration: [Ar] 3d6.
o Determine the identity of element "X."
o Write the full electron configuration of the neutral atom "X."
o Explain the process you used to arrive at your answer.

b) The Charged Particle Challenge:

o Write the electron configurations for the following ions:
 S2-
 Fe3+
 N3-
 Cu+
o Explain any variations in electron configuration from the neutral atoms.

c) The Excited State Puzzle:

o An atom of phosphorus (P) is excited, and one of its electrons jumps to a higher
energy level.
o Write a possible excited-state electron configuration for phosphorus.
o Explain why this is considered an excited state.

d) The Transition Metal Anomaly:

o Write the electron configuration for the Chromium (Cr) atom.
o Explain why the electron configuration deviates from the expected Aufbau principle
filling order.

Good luck, Earth representative! The fate of your planet's scientific reputation rests on your
shoulders!

Item 2
The Mysterious Elements of Planet Xylo
Dr. Hamid, an astrophysicist, has discovered a new planet, Xylo, with an atmosphere composed
of previously unknown elements. After analyzing the emitted light spectra, he has determined
the following properties of three elements found on Xylo:
 Element X: This element has 16 protons in its nucleus.

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  Element Y: This element forms a stable ion with a -2 charge and has the electronic
configuration of [Ar].
 Element Z: This element has 19 electrons when it forms a +1 ion.
Tasks:
a) Identify the elements:
Determine the names and symbols of elements X, Y, and Z based on the provided
information. Explain your reasoning for each identification.
b) Electronic Configurations:
o Write the ground-state electronic configurations for the neutral atoms of elements X, Y,
and Z.
o Write the electronic configurations for the ions formed Y2- and Z+.

c) Quantum Numbers:
o For element X, identify the set of four quantum numbers (n, l, ml, ms) for the last
electron in its ground-state electronic configuration.
o For the last electron added to create the Y2- ion, identify the set of four quantum
numbers.

ITEM 3
A team of archaeologists has unearthed a strange artifact from an ancient civilization. This
artifact emits a faint, but measurable, level of radiation. The team is unsure of its origin,
purpose, or potential danger. They have collected samples and data, and they need your help to
understand the artifact and its implications. The Isotope in the artifact is found to treat cancer,
and the drug dose is only effective when its concentration is above 6g in the body.

Your Task:
As a team of scientific consultants, you are tasked with analyzing the data and providing a
comprehensive report to the archaeologists. Your report should include:
d) Using the provided data identify the radioactive isotope present in the artifact.
e) Explain the process of radioactive decay and how it relates to the data you have been
given. Include relevant equations like the decay equation
f) Calculate the number of doses a cancer patient will take in a span of 36 years.

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Item 4:
Dr. Sharma Nakigozi is a medical physicist working in a large hospital. A patient, Mr. Patel, has
been diagnosed with a suspected cancerous tumor. To accurately locate and assess the
tumor's size and spread, the medical team plans to use a diagnostic imaging technique
involving a radioactive tracer. Later, Mr. Patel will undergo targeted radiation therapy to destroy
the cancerous cells. Mr. Patel is scared of the prescribed proceedings.
TASK:
As a student of chemistry, you are requested to allay Mr. Patel’s fear by:
a) Describe how a radioactive tracer (such as technetium-99m), is used in medical imaging to
diagnose Mr. Patel's condition. What properties make it suitable for this application?
b) Discuss the principles behind radiation therapy and how it utilizes radioactivity to treat Mr.
Patel's cancer. What are the potential risks and benefits of this treatment?
c) If the radioactive tracer used in the imaging has a half-life of 6 hours, and the initial dose
administered to Mr. Patel is 10 counts, how much of the tracer will remain in his body after
24 hours? Show your calculations.

Item 5
A research laboratory focused on nuclear
chemistry, where scientists are investigating
the decay of various isotopes to understand
their stability and potential applications in
medicine and energy. During an
experiment, they observed that samples of
different isotopes undergo decay by
emission of radiations to form new chemical
species.

Task:
As a student of Chemistry, you are required
to help the researchers write balanced
nuclear equations for the reactions and
identify the Particles formed or emitted(X).

Note: The periodic table is provided

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