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NCERT Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 2 Notes Structure of Atom - Download PDF

NCERT Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 2 Notes Structure of Atom - Download PDF

Edited By Shivani Poonia | Updated on Jul 08, 2025 08:40 AM IST

Everything in the universe is made up of atoms, from the tiniest drop of water to the vast universe. But can you imagine what an atom looks like? Can you see beyond that tiny structure? Well, some scientists did. This chapter Structure of Atom takes us on a trip to see the structure of that tiny atom which some brilliant scientists have already discovered, and some have even looked beyond the atoms, into the electrons, protons and neutrons.

This Story also Contains
  1. NCERT Notes for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 2 Structure of Atom
  2. Previous Year Questions of Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 2
  3. Approach to Solve Questions of Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 2
  4. NCERT Class 11 Notes Chapter-Wise
  5. NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry
  6. NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Solutions Subject-wise
  7. NCERT Solution subject-wise
NCERT Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 2 Notes Structure of Atom - Download PDF
NCERT Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 2 Notes Structure of Atom - Download PDF

This chapter contains concepts like atomic theories, quantum numbers, photoelectric effect etc., that are too crucial to understand. The NCERT notes for Class 11 Chemistry chapter 2 will act as a key guide to grasp these concepts effectively. These NCERT notes offer a structured approach to help you excel in your exams. The atomic models like the Thomson model of atom, the Rutherford model, and the Bohr model of atom are well explained in the notes. We have also included formulas and diagrams to provide you clear picture. Follow these notes for feasible learning!

Also read

NCERT Notes for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 2 Structure of Atom

The notes of this chapter contain all the concepts in detail that will be enough for you to attempt the questions. The diagrams discussed here will help you visualise the concepts and the formulas will help you tackle the numericals.

2.1 Discovery of sub-atomic particles

The structure of the atom was obtained from the experiments on electrical discharge through gases.

2.1.1 Discovery of electron

The discovery of the electron began with Michael Faraday's work in the 1830s, where he found that electricity passing through solutions caused chemical changes, suggesting that electricity has tiny particles.

Later, in the 1850s, scientists studied electrical discharges in partially evacuated cathode ray tubes. These glass tubes had metal plates (electrodes) inside, and when high voltage was applied at low pressure, a stream of particles moved from the negative electrode (cathode) to the positive electrode (anode) - these were called cathode rays. When these rays passed through a hole in the anode and hit a zinc sulphide screen, they created a glowing spot, showing the presence of particles, which were later identified as electrons.

Properties of Cathode Rays

  • They travel in a straight line.

  • Cathode rays begin from the cathode and then move towards the anode.

  • They are invisible but can be made visible with the help of materials like fluorescent or Phosphorescent.

  • Since under the supply of electric charge, they are moved to the positive charge, which indicates that cathode rays consist of negatively charged particles.

  • The properties of cathode rays do not depend upon the material of the electrode in which it is used and the nature of gases that are present in the cathode ray tube.

2.1.2 Charge-to-mass ratio of an electron

Experimentally, J.J. Thomson determined the charge-to-mass ratio of the electrons. According to Thomson’s experiment, the amount of deviation for a particle from its path under the presence of an electric and a magnetic field depends upon

  • Deflection tends to be higher when the magnitude of the charge is higher for the particles.

  • When the mass of a particle is lighter, the deflection will be greater.

  • With the increase of voltage across the electrodes for with the increase of the strength of the magnetic field the deflection of electrons will also rise.

Thomson determined the value,

eme=1.758820×1011Ckg1

Where the me is the mass of the electron and e is the magnitude of charge.

2.1.3 Charge on the electron

The oil drop experiment conducted by R.A. Millikan found the charge on the electron.

Charge of an electron=-1.6022×10-19C

Mass of electron = 9.1094×10-31kg

2.1.4 Discovery of Protons and Neutrons

Goldstein conducted another experiment with the help of a perforated cathode ray tube. A new type of eraser passes through the perforation of the card order by reducing the pressure, and it moves in just the opposite direction to that of the cathode rays. These are named canal rays or anode rays.

Properties of anode rays

  • The magnitude of the positive charge of anode rays depends upon the nature of the gas that is present in the tube.

  • It also depends on the gas for the value of the charge-to-mass ratio.

  • The behavior of anode rays is just the opposite of cathode rays and the magnetic and electric fields.

The smallest and lightest positive ion was obtained from hydrogen and was called a proton. This positively charged particle was characterised in 1919.

Later, the neutral particles were discovered by Chadwick (1932) by bombarding a thin sheet of beryllium with α-particles. When electrically neutral particles having a mass slightly greater than that of protons were emitted. He named these particles as neutrons.

2.2 Atomic Models

A series of atomic models were introduced that led to the discovery of atoms and their subatomic particles.

Name

Symbol

Absolute Charge (C)

Relative Charge

Mass (kg)

Mass (u)

Approx. Mass (u)

Electron

e

–1.602176 × 10¹⁹

–1

9.109382 × 10³¹

0.00054

0

Proton

p

+1.602176 × 10¹⁹

+1

1.6726216 × 10²⁷

1.00727

1

Neutron

n

0

0

1.674927 × 10²⁷

1.00867

1

2.2.1 Thomson model of atom

J.J. Thomson proposed a structure for an atom that can be regarded as a sphere of an approximate radius carrying a positive charge due to protons, and in which the negatively charged electrons are embedded. Thereby, the atom can be visualized as a pudding for a cake of positively charged protons with electrons in it. And the mass of atoms is evenly spread over the atom.

2.2.2 Rutherford’s nuclear model of atom

Rutherford's α-scattering experiment

A stream of high energy α–particles from a radioactive source was directed at a thin foil (thickness ∼ 100 nm) of gold metal. The thin gold foil had a circular fluorescent zinc sulphide screen around it. Whenever α–particles struck the screen, a tiny flash of light was produced at that point

Observations of Rutherford's experiment:

  1. Most of the α-particles passed through the gold foil undeflected indicating that most of the atom is empty space.
  2. A small fraction of the α–particles was deflected by small angles indicating that the postive charge is concentrated in a very small volume.
  3. Very few α–particles (∼1 in 20,000) bounced back, that is, were deflected by nearly 180°, thus confirming the size of the nucleus to be very small.

The observations of the Rutherford Alpha scattering experiment are

  1. Most of the part of the atom is empty and atom is spherical in shape.

  2. Each atom consists of a small, heavy, positively charged portion located at the centre, known as nucleus.

  3. All positive charges of an atom (i.e protons) are present in the nucleus and electrons move around the nucleus in circular orbits.

  4. Electrons and the nucleus are held together by electrostatic forces of attraction.

2.2.3 Atomic number and mass number

Atomic Number

The number of protons present in the nucleus is referred to as the atomic number. For example, the number of protons in a sodium atom is 11 and also the atomic number of sodium is 11. For maintaining electrical neutrality the number of electrons in an atom is equal to the number of protons.

Mass Number

The sum of the number of protons and neutrons present in a nucleus together is called the mass number.

2.2.4 Isobars and isotopes

The element that has the same atomic number but a different mass number is an isotope. 1H1, 1H2, 1H3.

And the element that is processing the same mass number but a different atomic number is an isobar. 6C14, 7N14.

2.2.5 Drawbacks of Rutherford model

  • According to Maxwell's theory, a moving charged particle under acceleration radiates energy and thus the electron must spiral into the nucleus, but that does not occur. The stability of the atom was not explained by the Rutherford's model.
  • Rutherford's model does not provide any information about the position of the electron or its energy.

2.3 Developments leading to Bohr’s model of atom

Historically, results obtained from studies of radiation interactions with matter have yielded enormous information about the structure of atoms and molecules. Niels Bohr used these findings to refine the model presented by Rutherford. Two developments played a major role in the formulation of Bohr’s model of atom.

  • Radiation causes wavelike and particle-like properties, which means that it has a dual character

  • The atomic spectra can be explained only by assuming the quantum state electronic energy levels in atoms.

2.3.1 Wave nature of electromagnetic radiation

Electromagnetic radiation -

According to electromagnetic wave theory, energy is emitted continuously from a source in the form of radiation (or waves), known as electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiations have both magnetic field as well as electric field components which oscillate in the phase perpendicular to each other as well as perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. These waves do not require any medium for propagation and can propagate through a vacuum. There are many types of electromagnetic radiations which constitute what is known as the electromagnetic spectrum. There are several parameters required to characterise or define a wave. These parameters are defined below:

1. Wavelength (λ): It is the distance traveled by the wave during one complete oscillation

The maxima are called as Crests and the minima are called as Troughs. Alternatively, the distance between two consecutive crests or two consecutive troughs is also called as the wavelength.

2. Time Period (T): It is the time required for one complete oscillation or one complete cycle by a wave.

3. Frequency (ν): It is number of waves produced by the source in one second. It is the inverse of the time period. Its SI unit is Hertz (Hz).

ν=1 T

4. Speed (c): It is the distance travelled by the wave in one second. In one time period, the wave travels a distance equal to its wavelength.

c= distance  time = Wavelength  Time Period =λT

ν=1 T

c=ν×λ

The speed of all the different components of light is the same i.e. they travel with the speed of 3 × 108 m/s. Their frequency and wavelength are different

5. Wave number (ν¯) : It is the inverse of the wavelength. It can also be defined as the number of wavelengths present in unit length.

ν¯=1λ

The rays present on the left extreme of the spectrum have the greatest frequency, the least wavelength, and the greatest energy. As the frequency increases, wavelength decreases and the energy increases.

2.3.2 Particle nature of electromagnetic radiation: Planck’s Quantum theory

  • Max Planck put forward a theory for explaining the phenomenon of blackbody radiation and the photoelectric effect. The theory focuses on

  • The radiant energy absorbed or emitted is in the form of small pockets of energy and these small pockets of energy are quantum.

  • The energy of each Quantum is directly proportional to the frequency of the radiation emitted.

The ideal body that has the ability to emit and absorb all frequencies is a black body. And the corresponding radiation emitted by a black body is black body radiation.

E=hν=hcλ

where h is Planck's constant and it has a value equal to 6.63 × 10-34 J-s

Photoelectric Effect

When a beam of light passes on the surface of some metals, electrons are emitted from the metal surface. This phenomenon is the photoelectric effect. And it has been observed that only photons of light of a particular frequency, that is the threshold frequency, can cause the photoelectric effect. The kinetic energy of the electron emitted from the surface of the metal is directly proportional to the frequency of the striking photons. And also when the intensity of the photon of the light is increasing, more electrons are ejected.

Photoelectric effect

There were certain observations in the photoelectric effect experiment.

(1) There was a requirement of a minimum energy for each metal for the photoelectric effect to occur. This minimum energy is known as work function (W0) and it can be closely associated with the ionisation energy of the metal.

  • Corresponding to the work function, there is a minimum frequency of light required for the photoelectric effect. This minimum frequency is called as Threshold frequency.
  • Corresponding to the work function, there is a maximum wavelength of incident light above which the photovoltaic effect cannot occur. This maximum wavelength is called Threshold wavelength.

Mathematically, the work function, threshold frequency and threshold wavelength can be associated as

W0=hν0=hcλ0

Note: hc is approximately equal to 2 x 10-25 J-m or 12400 eV-nm. (eV is the energy in electron volts)

(2) The number of electrons ejected is proportional to the intensity (brightness) of light striking the metal, but does not depend upon the frequency of light.

(3) There was almost no time lag between the striking of light and ejection of photo electrons

(4) The kinetic energy of the ejected electrons (photoelectrons) depends upon the frequency of the light used.

Einstein's photoelectric equation

From conservation of energy

Ep=W0+KEhν=hν0+12mv2

where m is the mass of the electron and v is the velocity associated with the ejected electron. Also, h is Planck’s constant and v0 is threshold frequency of metal.

(5) The Kinetic energy of ejected photoelectron is also sometimes associated with Stopping Potential. It is defined as the minimum opposing potential applied due to which the kinetic energy of electron becomes zero.

12mv2=eVs

where,

Vs = Stopping potential

e = Charge on electron

Dual behavior of Electromagnetic Radiation

Light and other electromagnetic radiation consist of a dual nature. That is, they have particle and wave-like properties. Radiations emitted by the matter show the properties of a particle by exhibiting propagation. Electrons also exhibit wave-particle duality.

2.3.3 Evidence for the quantized* electronic energy levels: Atomic spectra

When a light ray passes through a prism the wave which is having a short wavelength forms a colored band more than the one that has a longer wavelength. These bands then spread to form a series of colored bands and are called the spectrum. The one that is deviated least is the one which is having the longest wavelength, that is, their red color.

Continuous spectrum

When white light is passed through a prism, it will split into seven different colored bands, just like a rainbow and these colors are continuous and it is called the continuous spectrum.

Emission spectra

When radiation is emitted from a source and is then passed to a prism, which is then received on a photographic plate it is called the emission spectrum. The emission spectrum can be observed by heating a substance to a high temperature.

Line spectra

The emission spectra of atoms in the gas phase do not show a continuous spread of wavelength from red to violet, rather they emit light only at specific wavelengths with dark spaces between them. Such spectra are called line spectra or atomic spectra because the emitted radiation is identified by the appearance of bright lines in the spectra. Sodium emits yellow light while potassium emits violet light.

Absorption spectra

A ray of light, when allowed to pass through the vapors of a substance and the transmitted light is then allowed to strike a prism, dark lines appear. The dark line represents that the radiations corresponding to them are absorbed by the substance. The spectrum is called the absorption spectrum.

The figure below is showing absorption and emission spectra.

Line Spectrum of Hydrogen

When an electric discharge is passed through gaseous hydrogen, the H2 molecules dissociate, and the energetically excited hydrogen atoms produced emit electromagnetic radiation of discrete frequencies. The spectrum, consisting of a large number of lines, is obtained and the spectrum is called the hydrogen spectrum. The series of lines is named as the Lyman series, Balmer series, Paschen series, Brackett series, and Pfund series.

2.4 Bohr’s Model for Hydrogen atom

1. The electron in the hydrogen atom can move around the nucleus in a circular path of fixed radius and energy. These paths are called orbits, stationary states, or allowed energy states and are arranged concentrically around the nucleus. The force of attraction between the nucleus and an electron provides the centripetal force required by the electron to carry out the circular motion.

2. The energy of an electron in the orbit does not change with time. However, the electron will move from a lower stationary state to a higher stationary state when a required amount of energy is absorbed by the electron or energy is emitted when the electron moves from a higher stationary state to a lower stationary state

3. Energy can be absorbed or emitted when electron transitions between two different orbits and the frequency of the photon involved can be calculated using the formula:

|E1E2|=hν

4. The angular momentum of an electron is quantised. In a given stationary state, it can be expressed as

L= mvr= nh/2π, n = orbit number

So, only those energy states (or orbits) are allowed in which the above equation holds true for the angular momentum.

Note: Bohr's model is only valid for hydrogen-like species or unielectronic species that contain only a single electron

2.4.1 Explanation of line spectrum of Hydrogen

The line spectrum of the hydrogen atom can be explained using Bohr's model, which says that electrons absorb or emit energy when they jump between orbits (energy levels). When an electron moves from a lower orbit (ni) to a higher one (nf), energy is absorbed. When it moves from a higher orbit to a lower one, energy is emitted as light. The energy difference between two levels is given by:

ΔE=EfEi=RH(1nf21ni2)

Where RH=2.18×1018 J is the Rydberg constant. The frequency of light emitted or absorbed is:

ν=ΔEh

And the wavenumber (lines in the spectrum) is

v¯=R(1ni21nf2)

This formula matches the one given by Rydberg earlier using experimental data. Each spectral line in hydrogen corresponds to a specific electron transition. In a large sample of hydrogen atoms, many such transitions occur, producing multiple lines. The brightness of a line depends on how many photons of the same energy are emitted or absorbed.

2.4.2 Limitations of Bohr’s model

It fails to account for the finer details (doublet, that is, two closely spaced lines) of the hydrogen atom spectrum observed by using spectroscopic techniques.

This model is also unable to explain the spectrum of atoms other than hydrogen, for example, He.

Further, Bohr’s theory was also unable to explain the splitting of spectral lines in the presence of a magnetic field (Zeeman effect) or an electric field (Stark effect). It could not explain the ability of atoms to form molecules by chemical bonds.

2.5 Towards Quantum mechanical model of atom

Two important developments that contributed significantly to the formulation of such a model are

  • Dual behaviour of matter.
  • Heisenberg uncertainty principle

2.5.1 Dual behaviour of matter

The scientist de-Broglie proposed that just like light, matter should exhibit both particle and wave-like properties. This means that just as the photon has momentum as well as wavelength, electrons should also have momentum as well as wavelength, and he proposed the following mathematical relationship

λ=hmv=hp=h2mKE=h2mqV

where m is the mass of the particle, v is its velocity, p is the momentum, and K.E. is the Kinetic Energy of the particle.

V is the voltage across which the charged particle having charge q is accelerated.

(2) de Broglie’s prediction was confirmed experimentally when it was found that an electron beam undergoes diffraction, a phenomenon characteristic of waves.

(3) It needs to be noted that, according to de Broglie, every object in motion has a wave character. This wavelength is quite significant for the subatomic particles, which have very small masses. The wavelengths associated with ordinary objects are however so short that their wave properties cannot be detected as they have large masses.

2.5.2 Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle

It states that it is impossible to determine simultaneously the exact position and exact momentum (or velocity) of an electron.

If an attempt is made to ensure that any one of these two quantities is measured with a higher accuracy, then the other quantity becomes less accurate.

Mathematically, the product of uncertainty in position(Δx) and uncertainty in momentum(ΔP) is equal to or greater than h/4π

Δx.ΔPh4π

It can be proved mathematically that the uncertainty principle is only significant for subatomic particles but not for large-sized objects.

2.6 Quantum mechanical model of atom

  • Theoretical science that deals with the study of the motion of microscopic objects that have both particle-like and wave-like properties.

  • The energy of an electron in an atom is in a quantized state.

  • The existence of quantised electronic energy levels is a direct result of the wave-like properties of electrons and are allowed solutions of the Schrödinger wave equation.

  • The exact position and exact velocity of an electron in an atom cannot be found out simultaneously.

  • An atomic orbital is the wave function ψ for an electron in an atom.

  • The square of the orbital wave function |ψ|2 is the probability of finding an electron.

For a system (such as an atom or a molecule whose energy does not change with time), the Schrödinger equation is written as H^Ψ=EΨ, where H^ is a mathematical operator called the Hamiltonian.

2.6.1 Orbitals and Quantum Numbers

As the atomic energy levels or the orbits are quantized, they can be expressed in terms of quantum numbers. Quantum numbers are;

  • Principal
  • Azimuthal
  • Magnetic
  • Spin

Principal quantum number(n)

It represents the principal shell of an atom. It can have integral values except zero, like 1,2,3,.... Also denoted as K, L, M, etc.

The maximum number of electrons in a principal shell can be 2n2, where n is the principal quantum number.

This quantum number gives information about :

  • Distance of electron from nucleus i.e., size of electron cloud.
  • Energy of an electron in any shell

En=1312×Z2n2 kJ/mol

Where Z is the atomic number and n is the principal quantum number.

Azimuthal quantum number(l):

The azimuthal quantum number represents the subshell or subenergy shell in an atom.

l has values from 0 to (n-1).

For eg: for n = 2 ; l = 0, 1

Subshell notation for 0, 1 is s and p.

No. of electrons [2(2l+1)]: for s subshell l = 2; for p subshell, l = 6.

Magnetic quantum number(m):

It represents the number of orbitals present in a subshell.

m has values ranging from -l to +l, including zero.

For eg, for ‘s’ subshell :

  1. The value of l is 0

  2. m has value = 0

For ‘p’ subshell :

  1. The value of l is 1

  2. m has value -1, 0, +1

Spin quantum number(s):

Electrons in an orbital can spin either clockwise or anticlockwise.

Thus, an electron can have only two possible values of this quantum number, either +12 or 12 respectively.

2.6.2 Shapes of atomic orbitals

According to the German physicist, Max Born, the square of the wave function (i.e.,ψ 2) at a point gives the probability density of the electron at that point.

The region where this probability density function reduces to zero is called nodal surfaces or simply nodes.

Shape of s orbital: spherical

In general, it has been found that the ns-orbital has (n – 1) nodes, that is, the number of nodes increases with the increase of principal quantum number n.

Shape of p orbital: Dumb-bell

Shape of d orbital: Double Dumb-bell

The total number of nodes are given by (n–1), i.e., sum of l angular nodes and (n – l – 1) radial nodes.

2.6.3 Energies of orbitals

The orbitals having the same energy are called degenerate. The 1s orbital in a hydrogen atom, as said earlier, corresponds to the most stable condition and is called the ground state and an electron residing in this orbital is most strongly held by the nucleus.

An electron in the 2s, 2p or higher orbitals in a hydrogen atom is in an excited state.

Within a given principal quantum number, the energy of orbitals increases in the order s<p<d<f. For higher energy levels, these differences are sufficiently pronounced and staggering of orbital energy may result, e.g., 4s<3d and 6s<5d;4f<6p.

2.6.4 Filling of orbitals in atom

Aufbau Principle -

According to this rule, “orbitals are filled in the increasing order of their energies starting with the orbital of lowest energy”. Energy of various orbitals are compared with (n+l) rule.

The orbitals having a lower value of (n+l), has lower energy.

If the value of (n+l) is the same for two orbitals, then the orbital with the lower value of ‘n’ would have lower energy and be filled first.

For eg: 3p and 3d.

For 3p : n=3, l=1 so n+l= 4

For 3d : n=3, l=2 so n+l=5. Thus energy of 3p is lower than that of 3d.

Pauli Exclusion Principle -

“No two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers".

Hund’s Rule of Maximum Multiplicity -

The pairing of electrons in the orbitals belonging to the same subshell ( p,d, or f ) does not take place until each orbital belonging to that subshell has got one electron each i.e. it is singly occupied.

2.6.5 Electronic Configuration of Atoms

Writing of electronic configuration of any element is based on three rules. They are:

  1. Aufbau principle

  2. Pauli’s exclusion principle

  3. Hund’s rule of maximum multiplicity

The distribution of electrons into orbitals of an atom is called its electronic configuration.

The electronic configuration of the different elements can be represented in two ways:

  1. Subshell notation

  2. Orbital diagram

Let’s understand with the help of examples:

The hydrogen atom has only one electron, which goes in the orbital with lowest energy, namely 1s. The E.C. of hydrogen is 1s1 (subshell notation)

The electronic configuration of lithium is 1s2 2s1. Lithium has 3 electrons as its atomic number is 3. 2 electrons are filled in the 1s orbital, and 1 electron is filled in the 2s orbital.

let us consider fluorine (Z = 9) :

F(Z = 9) = 1s2, 2s2, 2px2, 2py2, 2pz1 or

The importance of knowing the exact electronic configuration of an element lies in the fact that the chemical properties of an element are dependent on the behavior and relative arrangement of its electrons.

2.6.6 Stability of completely filled and half-filled subshells

The completely filled or half-filled subshells have a symmetrical distribution of electrons in them and are therefore more stable.

Symmetrical distribution of electrons: It is well known that symmetry leads to stability. The completely filled or half-filled subshells have a symmetrical distribution of electrons in them and are therefore more stable.

Exchange Energy: The stabilizing effect arises whenever two or more electrons with the same spin are present in the degenerate orbitals of a subshell. These electrons tend to exchange their positions and the energy released due to this exchange is called exchange energy. The number of exchanges that can take place is maximum when the subshell is either half-filled or completely filled. As a result, the exchange energy is maximum and so is the stability.

For example, the valence electronic configurations of Cr and Cu are 3d54s1 and 3d104s1, respectively and not 3d44s2 and 3d94s2.

Previous Year Questions of Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 2

Question: The extra stability of a half-filled subshell is due to
(A) Symmetrical distribution of electrons
(B) Smaller coulombic repulsion energy
(C) The presence of electrons with the same spin in non-degenerate orbitals
(D) Larger exchange energy
(E) Relatively smaller shielding of electrons by one another

Identify the correct statements

(1) (B), (D) and (E) only

(2) (A), (B), (D) and (E) only

(3) (B), (C) and (D) only

(4) (A), (B) and (D) only

Answer: The extra stability of a half-filled subshell is due to the symmetrical distribution of electrons, smaller coulombic repulsion, larger exchange energy, and smaller shielding of electrons.

Hence, the correct answer is option (2).

Question: Which one of the following about an electron occupying the 1s orbital in a hydrogen atom is incorrect? (Bohr's radius is represented by a0 )

(1). The probability density of finding the electron is maximum at the nucleus

(2) The electron can be found at a distance 2a0 from the nucleus

(3) The 1s orbital is spherically symmetrical

(4) The total energy of the electron is maximum when it is at a distance a0 from the nucleus

Answer:

1. Ψ2= Probability density is maximum at the nucleus. Hence, statement 1 is true
2. Electrons can exist up to infinity from the nucleus. Hence, statement 2 is true.
3. The 1s orbital is spherically symmetrical- it is true
4. The energy of an electron is maximum at an infinite distance from the nucleus.

More further the electron is from the nucleus, the more is its energy. The total energy of an electron is given by 13.6z2n2.

So as n↑⇒ energy

Hence, statement 4 is false.

Hence, the correct answer is option (4).

Question: Which of the following sets of quantum numbers are correct?

n l m1

(i) 1 1 +2

(ii) 2 1 +1

(iii) 3 2 -2

(iv) 3 4 -2

Choose from the options given below

1) (i) and (ii)

2) (ii) and (iii)

3) (ii) and (iii)

4) (i) and (iv)

Answer:

As in the case n = 1, then I ≠ 1, therefore option (i) is incorrect.

In case n = 3, I ≠ 4, therefore option (iv) is also incorrect.

In case n = 2, I = 0, 1. When l = 1, then m = -1, 0, +1. Therefore, option (ii) is correct.

In case n = 3, l = 0, 1, 2. When l = 2, m = -2, -1, 0, +1, +2. Therefore, option (iii) is also correct.

Hence, the correct answer is option (2).

Approach to Solve Questions of Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 2

To solve the questions effectively, students have to focus on understanding the fundamental concepts, along with practicing questions. Students should utilise the sources and content provided online to ensure a complete understanding of the subject.

Here are a few tips that help students to solve the questions with a good approach:

1. Understand the concepts

Firstly, start with a thorough reading of the NCERT textbook.

  • Understand common atomic models like, Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, and Bohr.
  • Try to learn important formulas lie, Planck’s constant, speed of light, Rydberg constant.

2. Keep revising the important concepts

The atomic models are one of most important topics of this chapter. Learn their findings and limitations

  • Rutherford’s model
  • Bohr’s model
  • Postulates of Bohr’s model, energy levels, and radius/velocity expressions.
  • Know where and why Bohr's model fails.

3. Focus on the important topics like

Concepts like the line spectrum of hydrogen and quantum numbers are frequently asked in exams. Prepare them well.

  • Dual Nature of Matter and Light
  • Balmer, Lyman, Paschen series
  • Four quantum numbers: n, l, m, s; their significance and allowed values
  • Aufbau Principle, Pauli’s Exclusion Principle, and Hund’s Rule

4. Summarise the concepts

Make a summary sheet with formulas and quantum numbers. Also, practice electron configurations for elements up to atomic number 30.

5. Solve the questions

Try to solve the in-text and end-of-exercise problems provided in the NCERT textbook. Questions from the NCERT books are asked directly in the NCERT boards and other competitive exams. Do previous year questions from NEET and JEE to get used to question patterns.

NCERT Class 11 Notes Chapter-Wise

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NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry

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NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Solutions Subject-wise

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NCERT Solution subject-wise

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Also read

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Hund’s rule and Pauli’s exclusion principle?
  • Pauli's exclusion principle tells us to place the arrows of electrons in the same orbital in opposite directions. Hund's rule tells us to place the electrons in different orbitals of the same energy sublevel (s, p, d, f) rather than pairing them up – more unpaired electrons is better. 
  • According to Hund's rule: Before the double occupation of any orbital, every orbital in the sub-level is singly occupied. For the maximization of total spin, all electrons in a single occupancy orbital have the same spin.
2. What is Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle?

Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle states that it is fundamentally impossible to determine simultaneously, and with absolute precision, both the position and the momentum (or velocity) of a subatomic particle like an electron. If you know the position very accurately, your knowledge of its momentum becomes uncertain, and vice versa. Mathematically: Δx ⋅ Δp ≥ h/4π.

3. What is Hund's Rule of Maximum Multiplicity?

Hund's Rule states that for a given subshell (orbitals of equal energy or degenerate orbitals, like the three p-orbitals or five d-orbitals), electrons will first occupy all the orbitals individually with parallel spins (same spin direction) before any orbital is doubly occupied (paired up). This maximizes the total spin multiplicity and leads to a more stable configuration.

4. What is the meaning of the principal quantum number (n)?

The principal quantum number (n) describes the energy level or shell of an electron in an atom, with higher values of 'n' indicating higher energy levels and larger distances from the nucleus.  

5. What is the meaning of the principal quantum number (n)?

The principal quantum number (n) describes the energy level or shell of an electron in an atom, with higher values of 'n' indicating higher energy levels and larger distances from the nucleus.  

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A block of mass 0.50 kg is moving with a speed of 2.00 ms-1 on a smooth surface. It strikes another mass of 1.00 kg and then they move together as a single body. The energy loss during the collision is

Option 1)

0.34\; J

Option 2)

0.16\; J

Option 3)

1.00\; J

Option 4)

0.67\; J

A person trying to lose weight by burning fat lifts a mass of 10 kg upto a height of 1 m 1000 times.  Assume that the potential energy lost each time he lowers the mass is dissipated.  How much fat will he use up considering the work done only when the weight is lifted up ?  Fat supplies 3.8×107 J of energy per kg which is converted to mechanical energy with a 20% efficiency rate.  Take g = 9.8 ms−2 :

Option 1)

2.45×10−3 kg

Option 2)

 6.45×10−3 kg

Option 3)

 9.89×10−3 kg

Option 4)

12.89×10−3 kg

 

An athlete in the olympic games covers a distance of 100 m in 10 s. His kinetic energy can be estimated to be in the range

Option 1)

2,000 \; J - 5,000\; J

Option 2)

200 \, \, J - 500 \, \, J

Option 3)

2\times 10^{5}J-3\times 10^{5}J

Option 4)

20,000 \, \, J - 50,000 \, \, J

A particle is projected at 600   to the horizontal with a kinetic energy K. The kinetic energy at the highest point

Option 1)

K/2\,

Option 2)

\; K\;

Option 3)

zero\;

Option 4)

K/4

In the reaction,

2Al_{(s)}+6HCL_{(aq)}\rightarrow 2Al^{3+}\, _{(aq)}+6Cl^{-}\, _{(aq)}+3H_{2(g)}

Option 1)

11.2\, L\, H_{2(g)}  at STP  is produced for every mole HCL_{(aq)}  consumed

Option 2)

6L\, HCl_{(aq)}  is consumed for ever 3L\, H_{2(g)}      produced

Option 3)

33.6 L\, H_{2(g)} is produced regardless of temperature and pressure for every mole Al that reacts

Option 4)

67.2\, L\, H_{2(g)} at STP is produced for every mole Al that reacts .

How many moles of magnesium phosphate, Mg_{3}(PO_{4})_{2} will contain 0.25 mole of oxygen atoms?

Option 1)

0.02

Option 2)

3.125 × 10-2

Option 3)

1.25 × 10-2

Option 4)

2.5 × 10-2

If we consider that 1/6, in place of 1/12, mass of carbon atom is taken to be the relative atomic mass unit, the mass of one mole of a substance will

Option 1)

decrease twice

Option 2)

increase two fold

Option 3)

remain unchanged

Option 4)

be a function of the molecular mass of the substance.

With increase of temperature, which of these changes?

Option 1)

Molality

Option 2)

Weight fraction of solute

Option 3)

Fraction of solute present in water

Option 4)

Mole fraction.

Number of atoms in 558.5 gram Fe (at. wt.of Fe = 55.85 g mol-1) is

Option 1)

twice that in 60 g carbon

Option 2)

6.023 × 1022

Option 3)

half that in 8 g He

Option 4)

558.5 × 6.023 × 1023

A pulley of radius 2 m is rotated about its axis by a force F = (20t - 5t2) newton (where t is measured in seconds) applied tangentially. If the moment of inertia of the pulley about its axis of rotation is 10 kg m2 , the number of rotations made by the pulley before its direction of motion if reversed, is

Option 1)

less than 3

Option 2)

more than 3 but less than 6

Option 3)

more than 6 but less than 9

Option 4)

more than 9

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