Domain 1: Atomic and Nuclear Theory and the Periodic Table

EOCT Review Problems

Problem 1: Atomic Model

You have just been asked by a 2nd grader to explain atoms. Come up with an age-appropriate explanation that includes the definition and a drawing with labels (the nucleus, electron cloud, and the three subatomic particles).

You are asked by an 8th grader to explain the same thing. Showing the student the information from above, explain the relative size, location, and charge for each of the subatomic particles. Make sure to explain why atoms are neutral and why the exact position of electrons at any given point in time cannot be determined.

Problem 2: Levels of organization of matter

Create and draw a picture analogy to show the relationship between the following terms and provide an explanation of your analogy (why does your analogy correctly show the relationship).

  1. atoms
  2. elements
  3. molecules
  4. compounds

Problem 3: Matter Classification

You run into a grown up that doesn’t know the difference between mixtures and pure substances.

1. Before you can demonstrate the difference, you need to clarify the process of classifying matter.

2. Once you’ve taught them the process, create your own demonstration (using common household items) to show the difference between the following pairs:

  1. mixtures and pure substances
  1. heterogeneous mixtures and solutions
  1. compounds and elements (paper demonstrations will suffice for this pair)

Problem 4: States of matter

  1. You have been given three different objects (a bottled energy drink, a chocolate bar, and a helium-filled balloon). Describe the distinguishing characteristics for the state of matter represented by each object. How does the particle arrangement in each state influence the distinguishing characteristics?
  1. One of the above objects contains a gas. Explain the following:
  2. The object was left in your car overnight and the temperature plummeted. When you got it from the car the next morning, it was smaller and no longer floating to the car roof. You took it back inside where it was warm, and it magically regained its former characteristics. What caused the magical restoration?
  1. Your little baby sister was delighted to have the object and gave it a big squeeze. The squeezes became so powerful that the object popped. Why?

Problem 5: Phases Diagrams

1. Draw a phase change diagram that includes solid, liquid, and gas phases. You will need to make it large so that labels are clear. You need to label the following:

  1. y axis with the appropriate

label and scale

  1. x axis with the appropriate

label and scale

  1. freezing point
  2. boiling point
  3. solid phase
  4. liquid phase
  5. gas phase
  1. Explain what happens to temperature during a phase change.
  1. Which phase changes are endothermic?
  1. Which phase changes are exothermic?
  1. Write a rhyme to help you remember which changes are endothermic and which are exothermic.
  1. Draw a picture to show what happens to particle motion as a substance changes phases from a solid to liquid to gas.

Problem 6: Elements

1. Invent your own chemical element. THIS IS ENTIRELY FICTICIOUS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PERIODIC TABLE INTERPRETATION. Create a box for your new element on the Periodic Table. List the following for your element inside the box (be sure that all the information is in the correct location):

a.the element name

b.the chemical symbol (be sure that it is different from all other known elements)

c.the atomic number

d.the mass number

  1. Based on your new periodic table entry, explain how you would determine the number of protons, electrons and neutrons in one atom of the element.
  1. Create 2 isotopes of your new element. Explain how to determine the number of neutrons in your isotopes.
  1. Based upon its classification as a metal, a nonmetal or metalloid, explain where you would generally find it on the periodic table.
  1. How many energy levels does it have?
  1. What representative group does it belong to? Explain the relationship between group number and the number of valence electrons.
  1. According to the number of valence electrons, what is its oxidative state and how reactive is the element?
  1. List 3 chemical properties of your new element.
  1. List 3 physical properties of your new element.
  1. Based on the chemical and physical properties of the new element, what other elements can your new element bond with?
  1. Explain what kind of bonds your element is capable of forming.
  1. Create 2 different kinds of binary compounds (1 ionic compound and 1 covalent compound) with your new element and 1 other element. Based on the number of valence electrons and the oxidative states of the elements, correctly write the formulas and IUPAC names for the compounds.

Problem 7: Formation of Ions

Explain why atoms are not always neutral.

What are the appropriate names for positively and negatively charged ions?

What kind of elements form positively charged ions?

What kind of elements form negatively charged ions?

What kind of bond is formed between positively and negatively charged ions?

Problem 8: Types of radioactive decay

As the local expert on nuclear chemistry, you have been asked by 11Alive News to appear in an educational segment highlighting the sources of radiation and the types of radioactive decay, including the charges, relative penetrating strength and appropriate protective measures for each type. The segment must exactly fill a 2 minute time slot. You must prepare your segment on paper before filming the segment.

Problem 9: Radioactive half-life

1. As part of an excavation team, you discover some relics of an ancient settlement. Relative dating suggests that the settlement is approximately 7000 years old, but in order to professionally report your discovery you must determine the age more accurately. Explain how to determine the age of the settlement using radioactive isotopes. In your explanation, include the following:

  1. how to determine which radioactive isotope to use
  2. how the half-life is used to date objects
  1. Solve the following:
  2. A sample of francium-212 will decay to one-sixteenth its original amount after 80 minutes. What is the half-life of francium-212?
  1. What amount of an iodine-131 sample will remain after 3 half-lives?

Problem 10: Assessing Nuclear Energy

With increasing talk of global warming, there has been great interest in finding “cleaner energy” sources that reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. You are going to mediate a debate between two individuals, one supporting nuclear energy and the other arguing against it. In preparing for the debate, you must research both sides of the argument. Come up with 3 supporting facts for each side of the debate.

Problem 11: Fission vs. Fusion

You have just been contracted by the government to investigate an unnamed country’s nuclear weapon capabilities. They are expanding their uranium program. Explain why uranium should be of concern to your government.

How could the unnamed country create nuclear weapons from uranium? Be sure to include fission, energy, and uncontrolled chain reactions.