Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Nitrogen and sulfur

Nitrogen and sulfur — practice question

A sample is made up of three distinct atom types: $^{40}_{18}\text{Ar}$, $^{40}_{19}\text{K}$ and $^{40}_{20}\text{Ca}$.
(a(i))[1]

State completely, in terms of the numbers of subatomic particles, what all three atoms have in common.

(a(ii))[1]

State completely, in terms of the numbers of all subatomic particles, how these three atoms are different from one another.

(b)[3]

A sulfur sample contains only two isotopes, $^{32}\text{S}$ and $^{34}\text{S}$. The relative atomic mass of this sample is $32.09$. Calculate the percentage abundance of the isotopes in this sample.

(c(i))[1]

The electronic configuration of a sulfur atom is $1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^4$. Identify which orbital in a sulfur atom has the lowest energy.

(c(ii))[1]

Sketch the shape of a $p$ orbital.

(c(iii))[2]

During ionisation, a sulfur atom loses an electron. $\text{S}(g) \rightarrow \text{S}^+(g) + e^- \qquad \Delta H = 1000\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}$. Identify the orbital from which this electron is removed. Explain your answer.

(d(i))[1]

Complete the diagram to show how electrons are arranged within the third shell of a phosphorus atom.

(d(ii))[2]

Explain why the first ionisation energy of sulfur is lower than that of phosphorus.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 12-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: They all share the same nucleon number OR the same total / sum of protons + neutrons

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