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1.1 Atomic Structure

Course AQA A Level Chemistry

Time Allowed 80
Score /62
Percentage /100

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Question 1a
Successive ionisation energies provide the evidence for the arrangement of electrons in atoms. In Table 1, the successive
ionisation energies of oxygen are given.
Table 1
Ionisation number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Ionisation energy (kJ mol-1) 1314 3388 5301 7469 10989 13327 71337 84080

i) Give the equation, including state symbols for the third ionisation energy of oxygen.

ii) Explain how this data shows evidence of two energy shells in oxygen.
[4 marks]

Question 1b
Give the full electron configuration of the following atoms and ions.
i) Tellurium, Te
ii) Zinc(II) ion, Zn2+
iii) Copper(I) ion, Cu2+
[3 marks]

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Question 1c
Chlorine has two naturally occurring isotopes. 35Cl with a mass of 34.969 and 37Cl with a mass of 36.966. The relative
atomic mass of Cl is 35.5. Calculate the abundance of each isotope to 2 d.p.
[3 marks]

Question 1d
In order to ionise the sample of chlorine atoms in the Time of Flight (TOF) mass spectrometer, the sample must be ionised.
i) Suggest why electron bombardment would be a more suitable method for a sample of chlorine, rather than
electrospray ionisation.
ii) Predict whether the atomic radius of 35Cl or 37Cl would be the greatest and give a reason for your answer.
[3 marks]

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Question 2a
A sample of Cerium, Ce, was analysed in a Time of Flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. The relative abundances of three of the
four main isotopes that were identified are shown in Table 1.
A sample of Cerium, Ce, has four isotopes that have a known relative abundance. This sample has an Ar of 140.12.
Table 1
Isotope 136Ce 138Ce 140Ce mCe

Abundance (%) 0.19 0.25 88.45 To be calculated

Use the data from Table 1 to calculate m, the mass number and the abundance of isotope mCe.
[4 marks]

Question 2b
A time of flight (TOF) mass spectrum for a sample of Cerium, Ce, was obtained. The sample analysed was ionised by
electron impact. Identify the ion of Cerium, Ce, in Table 1 with the shortest time of flight and justify your answer.
[1 mark]

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Question 2c
An 86Sr+ ion travels through the TOF mass spectrometer with a kinetic energy of 1.921 x 10-15 J.
The ion takes 1.09 x 10-5 s to reach the detector.
Calculate the length of the flight tube in meters. Give your answer to 3 significant figures.
1 2 d
KE = mv v = L = 6.02 x 1023
2 t
[5 marks]

Question 2d
A 79Se+ ion travels through the flight tube with an energy of 6.27 x 10-16 J.
Calculate the velocity of the ion.
[4 marks]

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Question 3a
A sample of element Z was extracted from a meteorite. Table 1 shows the relative abundance of each isotope in a mass
spectrum of this sample of Z. Calculate the relative atomic mass of Z and suggest an identity of Z. Give your answer to 1
d.p.
Table 1
m/z value 64 66 67 68

Relative abundance (%) 38.9 27.8 14.7 18.6

Question 3b
TOF (time of flight) mass spectrometry is a powerful instrumental method of analysis. In order to obtain a mass spectrum
of Z, a gaseous sample must first be ionised. Describe how ionisation takes place and give two reasons why ionisation is
necessary. Include an equation to show the process of ionisation.
[5 marks]

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Question 3c
Sometimes in the mass spectrum on Z a very small peak with an m/z value of 32 is present. Explain the occurrence of this
peak.
[2 marks]

Question 3d
Calculate the mass of a single 68Z+ ion in kg. Assume the mass of the 68Z+ is the same as the 68Z atom. Give your answer to 3
significant figures.
(The Avogadro Constant L = 6.02 x 1023)
[2 marks]

Question 4a
Amorphous, unorganised solid form, boron is used as a rocket fuel igniter and in pyrotechnic flares.
i) Write an equation, including state symbols to show the process that occurs when the first ionisation of boron, B, is
measured.

ii) Suggest why the ionisation energy of boron is lower than that of beryllium going against the general trend in
ionisation energies across the period.
[3 marks]

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Question 4b
A naturally occurring sample of the element boron, B, has two isotopes and a relative atomic mass of 10.8.
i) Give the definition of relative isotopic mass.

ii) Calculate the relative abundances of both isotopes in the sample of boron, B.
[5 marks]

Question 4c
Ions of boron, B, are deflected in a TOF mass spectrometer. Give one reason why isotopes of the same mass and velocity
are deflected by different amounts in the same magnetic field.
[1 mark]

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Question 4d
A sample of another group three element Aluminum, Al, is analysed in a TOF mass spectrometer. The 27Al+ ion travelled
down a 5 m flight tube with a kinetic energy of 1.45 x 10-13 J.
1 2 d
KE = mv v = L = 6.02 x 1023
2 t
i) Calculate the mass of 1 aluminium atom in kg.
ii) Calculate the velocity of the Al+ ion travelling through the flight tube and give your answer to 3 significant figures.
iii) Calculate its time of flight and give your answer to 3 significant figures.
[6 marks]

Question 5a
Give the full electron configuration of the Cu+ ion.
[1 mark]

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Question 5b
A sample of copper atoms were placed through a TOF mass spectrometer. Two isotopes of copper were detected, one of
them being 63Cu and the other being 65Cu.
d
v=
t
Calculate the velocity of the 63Cu if it travels down a 5 m flight tube in 4.200 x 10-6 s. Give your answer to 3 significant
figures.
[2 marks]

Question 5c
Calculate the percentage relative abundance of 63Cu with a mass of 62.9296 and 65Cu with a mass of 64.9278, when the
average mass of the Cu isotope is 63.546. Give your answer to 3 significant figures.
[3 marks]

Question 5d
Palladium is another transition metal that is primarily used in a catalytic converter in cars.
i) Give the electron configuration for the Zirconium 2+ ion, Zr2+, starting with [Kr].
ii) Give the equation including state symbols to represent the third ionisation energy of Zirconium, Zr.
[2 marks]

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