Honors Chemistry Essay Topics for the 2013 – 2014 Midterm
1. Draw a Bohr model and write the electron configuration, noble-gas configuration, and orbital
notation (for the noble gas configuration) for the element tin. Using this information
explain the difference between the Bohr Model and the electron configuration and what the
element does to gain greater stability. (Make sure you apply as much terminology as
possible!) (10 points)
2. Explain the difference between an ionic and covalent compound and an ionic and covalent
bond. The explanation must include the difference between a polar and a non-polar
compound. (Make sure you apply as much terminology as possible!) (10 points)
3. Using the periodic trends, determine and explain which of the following elements,
Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfur, and Chlorine, would most likely react together first if they
were all mixed together. What would the name and chemical formula be for the compound?
(Make sure you apply as much terminology as possible!) (10 points)
4. Determine the empirical and molecular formulas for a deadly nerve gas that contains
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. The mass percent for the elements in
the compound are as follows: C = 42.75 %, H = 5.380 %, O = 28.48 %, and N = 24.94 %.
The molar mass is known to be 171 grams. (Assume 100 g of the sample) (10 points)
5. A metal in a flame test produces a photon of energy that contains 4.41 x 10-19 J of energy,
what color of the visible spectrum is produced. Using Bohr’s planetary model of an atom,
describe what occurs within the atom that causes the metal to produce this form of visible
light. (Make sure you apply as much terminology as possible!) (10 points)
6. Consider the molecules [IF4]+1 and BrF5 for the following: (10 points)
a. Determine the number of valence electrons in each molecule/ion.
b. Draw the Lewis structure or orbital filling diagram to illustrate the bonding within the molecule/ion.
c. Draw the complete geometric structure for each. If resonance occurs, the structures must be written.
d. Write the name of the structure for each.
e. Indicate the bond and molecular polarity of the molecule/ion (polar or non-polar).
f. List the bond angles and hybridization.