Download Atomic Structure and Nuclear Chemistry OEQs

Science Open-Ended Questions
Subject
Unit Name
Chemistry
Atomic Structure and Nuclear Chemistry
The model of the atom has evolved over the years as new evidence has emerged through the works of
many scientists.
 Discuss how the model of the atom has changed from the model illustrated by the Ancient
Greeks to the modern Bohr model.
 Do you believe that there are smaller subatomic particles than the ones that are currently
believed to be the smallest? Explain.
The Periodic Table of Elements is an organized table that contains all of the elements known-to-date.
 How the Periodic Table developed and what are its key features?
 What will happen if new elements are discovered in the future? Be specific with your
explanation.
The Periodic Table arranges the elements based on atomic number and chemical properties.
 What determines the columns/groups/families of the Periodic Table and how is that related to
an atom’s electrons?
 Why isn’t Helium in the second column? Explain in detail.
Given the following electron configuration: 1s22s22p63s23p64s1
 Identify the element and distinguish between valence and non-valence electrons, given
this electron configuration.

What would happen if exponent in the 3p6 were to change? Explain.
The orbital notation for carbon is shown below.
↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓
1s
2s
2px
2py
2pz
 Which rule for “seating” electrons in their orbitals does this notation violate and why?
 What would happen if the orbital notation had the incorrect number of arrows/symbols?
Nuclear energy is both beneficial and potentially harmful to our lives.
 Give an example of how nuclear energy can be both beneficial and potentially harmful to us. Be
specific and explain in detail.
 Do you feel the risks out weight the benefits of nuclear energy or vise-versa. Explain.
Nuclear chemistry involves processes of fission and fusion.
 Describe how nuclear fission and fusion works? Give an example of where these processes can
be found?
 Do you believe that the U.S. should convert to using nuclear energy as a sole energy source?
Explain your reasoning.