Chapter – 4 Structure of the Atom

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1. Which of the following correctly represents the electronic distribution in the Mg
atom?
a) 3, 8, 1
b) 2, 8, 2
c) 1, 8, 3
d) 8, 2, 2
Answer: Option b) 2, 8, 2

Atomic number of Magnesium atom =

12 Number of electrons in Magnesium

atom = 12 So, electronic configuration

is 2, 8, 2

Q2. Rutherford’s alpha (𝖺) particles scattering experiment resulted into discovery of
a) Electron
b) Proton
c) Nucleus in the atom
d) Atomic mass
Answer: Option c) Nucleus in the atom

Rutherford’s alpha (𝖺) particles scattering experiment discovered nucleus of an

atom.

Q3. The number of electrons in an element 𝑿 is 15 and the number of neutrons is 16.
Which of the following is the correct representation of the element?
𝟑𝟏
a) 𝟏𝟓�
�
𝟑𝟏
b) 𝟏𝟔�
�
𝟏𝟔
c) 𝟏𝟓�
𝟏𝟓�
d) 𝟏𝟔�
�
Answer: Option a) X1531

Number of electrons in 𝑋 = 15

Number of neutrons in 𝑋 = 16

electrons in Neutral atom is equal to 15

Atomic number is equal to Number of Protons is further equal to Number of

Mass number is equal to Number of protons + Number of neutrons

 = 15 + 16 = 31

1 𝑋
So, the atom 31
is 5
.

Q4. Dalton’s atomic theory successfully explained.

i) Law of conservation of mass
ii) Law of constant composition
iii) Law of radioactivity
iv) Law of multiple proportion
Answer: Option iv)
Dalton’s atomic theory explain the law of chemical combination.

Q5. Which of the following statements about Rutherford’s model of atom are correct?

Established that the 𝖺 −𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒔 are four times as heavy as a

i) Considered the nucleus as positively charged.
ii)
hydrogen atom.
iii) Can be compared to solar system.
iv) Was in agreement with Thomson’s model.

a) i) and iii)
b) ii) and iii)
c) i) and iv)
d) Only i)
Answer: Option a)
Rutherford’s model of an atom has a central positively charged nucleus and
the electrons revolve around it.
This model of an atom looks same as the solar system so, it is also called
planetary model.

Q6. Which of the following are true for an element?

Atomic number = number of protons + number of electrons

Mass number = number of protons + number of neutrons
i)

Atomic number = number of protons + number of neutrons

ii)

Atomic number = number of protons + number of electrons

iii)
iv)

a) i) and ii)
b) i) and iii)
c) ii) and iii)
d) ii) and iv)
Answer: Option d)
ii) Atomic number = number of protons+ number of electrons
 iv) Atomic number= number of protons + number of electrons

Q7. In the Thomson’s model of atom, which of the following statements are correct?
i) The mass of the atom is assumed to be uniformly distributed over the atom.
ii) The positive charge is assumed to be uniformly distributed over the atom.
iii) The electrons are uniformly distributed in the positively charged sphere.
iv) The electrons attract each other to stabilise the atom.

a) i), ii) and iii)

b) i) and iii)
c) i) and iv)
d) i), iii) and
iv) Answer: Option
a)
i) The mass of the atom is assumed to be uniformly distributed over the atom.
ii) The positive charge is assumed to be uniformly distributed over the atom.
iii) The electrons are uniformly distributed in the positively charged sphere.

Thomson’s model of an atom states that an atom is a sphere which is positively

charged with negatively charged electrons in it.
The magnitude of negative electron and positive charge nucleus are equal, so,
the atom is electrically neutral.

Q8. Rutherford’s 𝖺 - particle scattering experiment showed that

i) electrons have negative charge.
ii) The mass and positive charge of the atom is concentrated in the nucleus.
iii) Neutrons exists in the nucleus.
iv) Most of the space in atom is
empty. Which of the above statements are
correct?
a) i) and iii)
b) ii) and iv)
c) i) and iv)
d) iii) and iv)
Answer: Option b)
ii) The mass and positive charge of the atom is concentrated in the nucleus
iv) Most of the space in atom is empty

Rutherford’s alpha particle scattering experiment states that an atom consists of

a positively charged, dense and very small nucleus with protons and neutrons.
Protons have positive charge and neutrons have no charge.
As alpha particles pass through the gold foil without deflection, so there is empty
space.

Q9. The ion of an element has 3 positive charges. Mass number of the atom is 27 and
the number of neutrons is 14. What is the number of electrons in the ion?
a) 13
b) 10
c) 14
d) 16
Answer: Option b)

Charge = +3

Mass number = 27

Number of neutrons = 14

Atomic number = mass number – number of neutrons = 27 − 14 = 13

Aluminium has the atomic number = 13

Number of electrons in 𝐴𝑙 atom = 13

Number of electrons in the 𝐴𝑙3+ ion = 13 − 3 = 10

It is formed by neutral atom by the loss of 3 electrons.

Q10. Identify the 𝑴𝒈𝟐+ ion from the figure where, n and p represent the number
of neutrons and protons respectively.

Answer: Option d)

Electronic configuration of Mg atom = 2, 8, 2 that of 𝑀𝑔2+ ion =

2, 8 Number of neutrons in Mg atom = 2 + 8 + 2 = 12

Number of neutrons in Mg atom = 24 − 12 = 12

Mass number of Mg atom = 24
Number of neutrons is equal to mass number – number of protons

Q11. In a sample of ethyl ethanoate (𝑪𝑯𝟑𝑪𝑶𝑶𝑪𝟐𝑯𝟓) the two oxygen atoms have
the same number of electrons but different number of neutrons, which of the
following is the correct reason for it?
a) One of the oxygen atoms have gained electrons.
b) One of the oxygen atoms has gained two neutrons.
c) The two oxygen atoms are isotopes.
d) The two oxygen atoms are isobars.
Answer: Option c) The two oxygen atoms are isotopes.

Two O-atoms in 𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂𝑂𝐶2𝐻5 have different number of neutrons, if two O-

atoms are isotopes, as isotopes of an element have same number of protons but
different number of neutrons.

Q12. Elements with valency 1 are

a) Always metals
b) Always metalloids
c) Either metals or non-metals
d) Always non-metals
Answer: Option c) Either metals or non-metals

valence electrons, valency is equal to one, as metals loose 1𝑒− and non-metals
Metals which have one valence electron and non-metals which have seven

gain 1𝑒− to complete their octet.

Q13. The first model of an atom was given by

a) N Bohr
b) E Goldstein
c) Rutherford
d) J.J Thomson
Answer: Option d)
The first model of an atom was given by J.J Thomson.

Q14. An atom with 3 protons and 4 neutrons will have a valency of

a) 3
b) 7
c) 1
d) 4
Answer: Option c)
Number of protons in an
atom = 3 Number of
neutrons = 4
Electronic configuration of Lithium = 2, 1
It has one valence electron, so valency is 1.

Q15. The electron distribution in an aluminium atom is

a) 2, 8, 3
b) 2, 8, 2
c) 8, 2, 3
d) 2, 3, 8
Answer: Option a) 2, 8, 3

Aluminium atom has protons = electrons = 13

Electronic configuration of 𝐴𝑙 = 2, 8, 3

Q16. Which of the following in figure do not represent Bohr’s model of an atom
correctly?

a) (i) and (ii)

b) (ii) and (iii)
c) (ii) and (iv)
d) (i) and (iv)
Answer: Option c)
Figure (ii) and (iv) are incorrect illustration of the Bohr’s model of an atom,
because maximum number of electrons in K shell is 2, not 4, so figure (ii) is
wrong. Maximum number of electrons of L shell is 8 electrons, not 9, so figure
(iv) is also wrong.

Q17. Which of the following statement is always correct?

a) An atom has equal number of electrons and protons
 b) An atom has equal number of electrons and neutrons
c) An atom has equal number of protons and neutrons
d) An atom has equal number of electrons, protons and neutrons
Answer: Option a)
An atom is electrically neutral, because an atom has equal number of protons and
electrons.

Q18. Atomic models have been improved over the years. Arrange the following atomic
in the order of their chronological order.
i) Rutherford’s atomic model
ii) Thomson’s atomic model
iii) Bohr’s atomic model

a) i), ii) and iii)

b) ii), iii) and i)
c) ii), i) and iii)
d) iii), ii) and i)
Answer: Option c)
The chronology in advancement of atomic model started from Thomson’s model,
then Rutherford alpha particle scattering experiment and then finally Bohr’s
atomic model.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q19. Is it possible for the atom of an element to have one electron, one proton and no
neutron? If so, name the element.
Answer:

Yes, an atom has one proton, one electron and no neutron. The element is1
protium 1𝐻, an
isotope of hydrogen.

Q20. Write any two observations which support the fact that atoms are divisible.
Answer:
The following observations show that atoms formed from different particles like
electrons, protons and neutrons, i.e., atoms are divisible –
i) An ionic compound involves the transfer of electrons and form ions
ii) The isotopes of the same elements are formed because of difference in the
number of neutrons.
Q21. Will 𝑪𝒍 and
𝟑𝟓
𝑪𝒍 have different valences? Justify your
𝟑𝟕

answer. Answer:

No, 35𝐶𝑙 and 37𝐶𝑙 have the same valences, 35𝐶𝑙 and 37
𝐶𝑙 are the isotopes. They
have same
number of protons, electrons and atomic number
i.e., 17. So, their electronic configuration and

valences is also same. Electronic configuration = 2,

8, 7
Valency 8 − 7 = 1
𝐶𝑙 and
35
𝐶𝑙 have same valency = 1
37
17 17
Therefore, both

Q22. Why did Rutherford select a gold foil in his 𝖺 −𝒓𝒂𝒚 scattering experiment?
Answer:

Gold is a heavy metal and also malleable. A thin foil (≈ 1000 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘) is
made from gold easily.

A light weight metal is not used because when the fast moving 𝖺- particles strike
it, the atom of light metal is pushed and no scattering occur.

Q23. Find out the valency of the atoms represented by the Figure (a) and (b).

Answer:

a) For figure (a), electronic configuration

𝐾 𝐿 𝑀
2 8 8

So, valency = 0
Outer shell is completely filled to form an octet.

b) For figure (b), electronic configuration

 𝐾 𝐿
2 7

electron easily. So, valency = 1

It requires one electron to complete its octet, so gain one

Q24. One electron is present in the outermost shell of the atom of an element 𝑿. What
would be the nature and value of charge on the ion formed if this electron is removed
from the outermost shell?
Answer:
An element X is a metal, as 1 electron is present in the outermost shell,
i.e., 1 valence electron.

formed with a charge of +1.

When valence electron is removed from the outer shell, a positive ion is

there in the L – shell? Atomic number of chlorine is = 𝟏𝟕.

Q25. Write down the electron distribution of chlorine atom. How many electrons are

Answer:

Atomic number of chlorine atom = 17.

So, the electronic configuration is

𝐾 𝐿 𝑀

2 8 7
L shell of chlorine has 8
electrons.

Q26. In the atom of an element X, 6 electrons are present in the outermost shell. If it
acquires noble gas configuration by accepting requisite number of electrons, then
what would be the charge on the ion so formed?
Answer:
The element X has 6 electrons in the outermost shell. So, for noble gas
configuration, element X requires 2 electrons.

So, the charge on the anion (𝑋2−) is −2.

Q27. What information do you get from the figure about the atomic number, mass
number and valency of atoms X, Y and Z? Give your answer in a tabular form.
Answer:
Element Atomic Mass number = Number of Electronic Valency
number (= {no. of (p + n)} electrons (= configuration

𝑋 5 5 + 6 = 11 5 2, 3 3
no. of p) no. of p)

𝑌 8 8 + 10 = 18 8 2, 6 2
𝑍 15 15 + 16 = 31 15 2, 8, 3,
5 5

Q28. In response to a question, a student stated that in an atom, the number of

protons is greater than the number of neutrons, which in turn is greater than the
number of electrons. Do you agree with the statement? Justify your answer.
Answer:

Th statement given is incorrect.

𝑝>𝑛>𝑒
Number of protons is never greater than that of neutrons.
Number of neutrons is equal to or greater than the number of protons as mass
number is equal to or double the atomic number or greater than double the
atomic number.

In neutral atom, the number of electrons = number of protons, so the number of

neutrons is greater than number of electrons.

𝟏 𝑿.
Q29. Calculate the number of neutrons present in the nucleus of an element X which
is represented as 𝟑𝟏
𝟓
Answer:

Element X is represented 1as 𝑋, so

31

5
Atomic number, 𝑍 = 15

Mass number, 𝐴 = 31
Number of neutrons = 𝐴 − 𝑍 = 31 − 15 = 16

Q30.Match the names of the Scientist given in Column A with their contributions
towards the understanding of the atomic structure as given in Column B.
Column A Column B
a) Ernest Rutherford Indivisibility of atoms
b) J.J Thomson Stationary orbits
c) Dalton Concept of nucleus
d) Neil’s Bohr Discovery of electrons
e) James Chadwick Atomic number
f) E Goldstein Neutron
g) Mosley Canal rays

Answer:
Column A Column B
h) Ernest Rutherford Concept of nucleus
i) J.J Thomson Discovery of electrons
j) Dalton Indivisibility of atoms
k) Neil’s Bohr Stationary orbits
l) James Chadwick Neutron
m) E Goldstein Atomic number
n) Mosley Canal rays

Q31. The atomic number of calcium and argon are 20 and 18 respectively, but the
mass number of both these elements is 40. What is the name given to such a pair of
elements?
Answer:

Mass number of 𝐶𝑎 (Calcium)

2 =
40
𝐶
0
Mass of number of 𝐴𝑟 (Argon)
1 =
40
𝐴𝑟
8
So, the pair of elements with same mass number but different atomic
number is called isobars.

Q32. Complete the table on the basis of information available in the symbols given
below.

𝟏𝟕𝑪
𝟑𝟓

𝒍
a)

𝟔�
𝟏𝟐
b)
�
𝟑𝟓𝑩
𝟖𝟏

𝒓
c)
 Element 𝑛𝑝 𝑛𝑛

Answer:
Formula to be used: -

𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠 (𝑛𝑝) =

𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑐 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑒𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑠 (𝑛𝑛) =
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 − 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑐 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟.

Element 𝒏𝒑 𝒏𝒏

17𝐶𝑙
35 17 35 − 17 =
18
12
𝐶 6 12 − 6 = 6
6

35𝐵𝑟
81 35 81 − 35 =
46

Q33. Helium atom has 2 electrons in its valence shell but its valency is not 2. Explain.
Answer:
Helium atom has one K shell which have 2 electrons.
It means the shell is complete, and called as duplet that is, it can neither gain
any electron nor lose.
So, its valency is 0 (Zero).
It is also called as noble gas, inert gas or rare gas.

Q34. Fill in the blanks in the following statements.

a) Rutherford’s 𝖺 −𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒔 scattering experiment lead to the discovery of

the

b) Isotopes have same but different

c) Neon and chlorine have atomic numbers 10 and 17 respectively. Their valences
will be and respectively.
d) The electronic configuration of silicon is and that of sulphur is
Answer:
a) nucleus.
b) atomic number and mass number.
c) zero and one .
d) 2, 8, 4 and 2, 8, 6.

Q35. An element X has a mass number 4 and atomic number 2. Write the valency of
this element.
Answer:
Mass number = 4

Atomic number = 2

Number of electrons will be = 2

So, the element has K shell with 2 electrons, which means it
is duplet. So, the valency of the element is equal to Zero.

The element 𝑋 is the noble 2gas 4𝐻.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q36. Why do helium, neon and argon have a zero valency?

Answer:

Helium (𝐻𝑒), Neon (𝑁𝑒) and Argon (𝐴𝑟) all three have filled
outer shell. The electronic configuration is shown as: -

𝐻𝑒 → 𝐾 = 2 (duplet)

𝑁𝑒 → 𝐾 = 2, 𝐿 = 8 (octet)

𝐴𝑟 → 𝐾 = 2, 𝐿 = 8, 𝑀 = 8 (octet)
Helium, Neon and Argon have stable electronic configuration, i.e., they neither
lose electrons nor gain electrons. So, their valency is Zero.

Q37. The ratio of the radii of hydrogen atom and its nucleus is ≈ 𝟏𝟎𝟓. Assuming the
atom and the nucleus to be spherical.

b) If atom is represented by planet earth ′𝑹𝒆′ = 𝟔. 𝟒 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝒎, estimate the

a) What will be the ratio of their sizes?

size of the nucleus.

Answer:

𝑟𝐻
a) Atomic size is expressed in terms of atomic radius,
= 105
𝑟𝑛

4
the volume of sphere,
= 𝜋𝑟3
3
4
𝑉𝐻 = 𝜋𝑟𝐻 3
3
 4 3

𝑉𝑛 = 𝜋𝑟𝑛
3
4
So, the ratio of

𝑉
volumes,
𝑟
3
𝜋𝑟3
3 = = (105)3 = 1015
𝑉𝑛= 4 3 𝑟3
𝐻 𝐻

𝜋𝑟𝑛 𝑛
3
b) the size of the

𝑉𝑛
nucleus –

= 10
−15
𝑉𝐻

𝑜𝑟,
𝑉𝑛 = 10−15 × 𝑉𝐻

If atom is represented as planet earth with 𝑅𝑒 = 6.4 × 106 𝑚

4
volume of atom,
𝑉𝐻 = 𝜋𝑅𝑒𝑒 3
3
4
= × 3.14 × (6.4 × 106 𝑚)3
3
= 1097.5 × 1018𝑚3

= 10975 × 1021𝑚3

𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑢𝑠 = 10−15 × (1.0975 × 1021)3

= 1.0975 × 106 𝑚3

So, if the atom is represented as planet earth then the size of the

= 1.0975 × 106 𝑚3
nucleus

Q38. Enlist the conclusions drawn by Rutherford from his 𝖺-ray scattering
experiment.
Answer:

The conclusions from the Rutherford’s 𝖺-ray scattering experiment are: -

i) There are empty spaces inside the atom as 𝖺-ray particles are
passed through the gold foil without getting deflected.
ii) There are few particles or rays deflected from their path thus, positive

A small fraction of 𝖺-ray particles are deflected by 180𝑜, which show

charge of the atom occupies less space.
iii)
that positive charge and mass of gold atom are in small volume with
an atom.
Q39. In what way is the Rutherford’s atomic model different from that of Thomson’s
atomic model?
Answer:
In Rutherford’s model of an atom, the positive charge and mass of an atom are in
small nucleus in the centre of an atom and negatively charged electrons are
revolving around the nucleus.
Whereas in Thomson’s model, an atom is a positively charged sphere with
electrons in it, which neutralises the positive charge and an atom is electrically
neutral.

Q40. What were the drawbacks of Rutherford’s model of an atom?

Answer:
Drawbacks of Rutherford’s model of an atom: -
Rutherford’s model do not explain the stability of an atom, as an atom consists of
positively charge nucleus in the centre and the electrons revolving around it.
These revolving electrons lose energy as they are charged particles and due to
acceleration, radiate energy.
So, the orbit of the revolving electron become smaller as the spiral path shown
below. And ultimately electron fall into the nucleus and atom collapses.

Q41. What are the postulates of Bohr’s model of an atom?

Answer:
The postulates of Bohr’s model of an atom are: -
i) In an atom, the electrons revolve around the nucleus in definite
circular paths called as orbits or shells.
These are K, L, M, N. . . . or as n = 1, 2, 3, 4. . . . .
 2𝑛2, where ‘𝑛’ is the orbit 1, 2, 3. . . The number of electrons in various
ii) The maximum number of electrons in a shell is calculated by formula

shells are as follows:

iii) The maximum number of electrons in the outer orbit is eight.

iv) Outer shells are filled with electrons after inner shells are filled.

v) When electrons revolving in the discrete orbit do not radiate energy.

Q42. Show diagrammatically the electron distribution in a sodium atom and a sodium
ion and also give their atomic number.
Answer:

The Atomic number of sodium (𝑍) =

11 The Mass number of sodium (𝐴) =

23 Number of protons = 11

Number of neutrons = 23 − 11 = 12

Number of electrons = 11

electronic configuration of 𝑁𝑎 atom = 2, 8, 1 (K, L, M shells

respectively) The 𝑁𝑎+ ion is formed from sodium atom by loss of

an electron.
So, the electronic configuration is 2, 8 in K, L respectively.
Rutherford’s model of an atom, ~ 𝟏. 𝟎𝟎% of the 𝖺-particles were found to deflect at
Q43. In the gold foil experiment of Geiger and Marsden, that paved the way for

angles > 𝟓𝟎𝒐. If one mole of 𝖺-particles were bombarded on the gold foil, compute the
number of 𝖺-particles that would deflect at angles less than 𝟓𝟎𝒐.
Answer:

Total number of 𝖺-particles used for bombardment =

1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 = 6.022 × 1023 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠

Number of 𝖺-particles deflected at angles greater than

50𝑜 (> 50𝑜) = 1%

Number of 𝖺-particles deflected at the angles less than

50𝑜 = 100 − 1 = 99%

So, the actual number of 𝖺-particles deflected at the angles less than
99
50𝑜 =
100 × 6.022 × 1023
= 5.96 × 1023