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Photoelectron spectroscopy test with answers for AP Chemistry (free PDF download)

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Quick answer: Electrons fill subshells in order of energy, giving each atom a configuration. This AP Chemistry test on photoelectron spectroscopy has 8 questions worth 20 marks, to do in 40 minutes: configurations of manganese, reading a PES spectrum and Coulomb’s law. The mark scheme is on a separate page; free printable PDF.

Photoelectron spectroscopy test with answers for AP Chemistry (free PDF download)

This test covers configurations, PES, Coulomb’s law and periodic trends. It has 8 questions worth 20 marks. A calculator is allowed and no hints are given.

Level: AP Chemistry · Curriculum: AP Chem Unit 1

Time: 40 minutes · 8 questions · Total: 20 marks · Calculator allowed

Question 1 Configurations of manganese (2 marks)

Manganese has atomic number 25.
  1. Write the configuration of an Mn atom. (1 mark)
  2. Write the configuration of Mn²⁺ and state its number of unpaired electrons. (1 mark)

Question 2 Reading a PES spectrum (3 marks)

The figure shows the PES of element X.
  1. Identify the element. (1 mark)
  2. Assign each peak to a subshell. (1 mark)
  3. Explain why the 1s peak has the highest binding energy. (1 mark)
Photoelectron spectrum of an element with peaks at 1311, 89, 51 and 7.6 electronvolts and heights 2, 2, 6 and 2binding energy (eV, log scale, high at left)signal1s131122s8922p5163s7.62
PES of element X (approximate energies).

Question 3 Coulomb’s law (3 marks)

  1. The distance between a nucleus and an electron increases by a factor of 1.5 and the effective nuclear charge doubles. Calculate the factor by which the force changes. (2 marks)
  2. Explain why Mg²⁺ is smaller than Na⁺. (1 mark)

Question 4 Successive ionisation energies (2 marks)

The first four ionisation energies of an element are 899, 1757, 14848 and 21006 kJ/mol. Identify the group of the element and justify your answer. (2 marks)

Question 5 Phosphorus and sulfur (3 marks)

IE₁ for phosphorus is 1012 kJ/mol and for sulfur 1000 kJ/mol. Explain why sulfur’s value is lower although its nuclear charge is higher. (3 marks)

Question 6 Order of radii (2 marks)

Arrange Cl, Na, Mg and Cl⁻ from smallest to largest radius. Give a reason. (2 marks)

Question 7 Binding energy from kinetic energy (3 marks)

Photons of energy 1487 eV eject electrons from an aluminium sample. The faster electrons have a kinetic energy of 1414 eV.
  1. Calculate their binding energy. (1 mark)
  2. Identify the subshell, using that 2s is 118 eV and 2p is 73 eV. (1 mark)
  3. State what kinetic energy the 2s electrons would have. (1 mark)

Question 8 Radius and effective charge (2 marks)

Estimate Zeff for the valence electron in Na and in Cl (core of 10 electrons) and use it to explain why Cl is smaller. (2 marks)

See the photoelectron spectroscopy test answers and mark scheme

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