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Electron arrangement test with answers for GCSE chemistry (free PDF download)

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Quick answer: Electrons fill shells from the nucleus outwards, holding 2, 8 and 8 in the first three shells of the first 20 elements. This Chemistry 9-10 test on electron arrangement has 9 questions worth 20 marks, to do in 45 minutes: electron arrangements, group and period and mendeleev’s table. The mark scheme is on a separate page; free printable PDF.

Electron arrangement test with answers for GCSE chemistry (free PDF download)

This chemistry grades 9-10 test on electron arrangement test works like a real class test. The mark scheme is on a separate page, so revise with the lesson first.

This test covers electron arrangements, groups and periods, and the history of the periodic table. Show the electron count in each calculation, and write full sentences when a question asks you to explain.

Level: Chemistry grades 9-10 (GCSE · IGCSE · O Level · Class 9-10) · Curriculum: HS-PS1-1, HS-PS1-2

Electron arrangement test: the test questions

Time: 45 minutes · 9 questions · Total: 20 marks · Calculator allowed

Question 1 Electron arrangements (3 marks)

Write the electron arrangement of each atom.
  1. Aluminium, atomic number 13 (1 mark)
  2. Sulfur, atomic number 16 (1 mark)
  3. Argon, atomic number 18 (1 mark)

Question 2 Group and period (2 marks)

An atom has the arrangement 2,8,8,2. State its group and its period. (2 marks)

Question 3 Mendeleev’s table (3 marks)

Describe how Mendeleev arranged the elements.
  1. State what order he used first. (1 mark)
  2. Explain why he left gaps. (1 mark)
  3. Give one piece of evidence that his table was correct. (1 mark)

Question 4 Atom Y (2 marks)

Atom Y is shown below.
  1. State its group. (1 mark)
  2. State its period. (1 mark)
Neutral atom Y with 2 electrons in the first shell and 5 in the secondY
Atom Y.

Question 5 Similar elements (2 marks)

Explain why lithium, sodium and potassium react in similar ways. (2 marks)

Question 6 Moseley’s contribution (2 marks)

Explain how Moseley’s work solved the problem of tellurium and iodine. (2 marks)

Question 7 Noble gases (2 marks)

Explain why neon is unreactive. (2 marks)

Question 8 Identify an element (2 marks)

An atom has three shells and six electrons in the outer shell. Calculate its atomic number and identify the element, given that atomic number 16 is sulfur. (2 marks)

Question 9 Losing or gaining (2 marks)

A magnesium atom is 2,8,2 and an oxygen atom is 2,6. State how many electrons each atom must lose or gain to get a full outer shell. (2 marks)

See the electron arrangement test answers and mark scheme

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