KCET Chemistry - Chapter-wise MCQs
Chapter: Atomic Structure
Question 1
Which of the following statements is incorrect about the discovery of the electron?
(A) Discovered by J.J. Thomson
(B) Identified using a cathode ray tube experiment
(C) Electrons are negatively charged
(D) Electrons have the same mass as protons
Answer: (D) Electrons have the same mass as protons
Explanation:
Electrons were discovered by J.J. Thomson using the cathode ray experiment.
Electrons are negatively charged.
Electron mass = 9.1 × 10⁻³¹ kg, Proton mass = 1.67 × 10⁻²⁷ kg → Electron is much
lighter than a proton.
Question 2
Which of the following has the maximum number of unpaired electrons?
(A) Mg (Z=12)
(B) Fe (Z=26)
(C) Mn (Z=25)
(D) Cu (Z=29)
Answer: (C) Mn (Z=25)
Explanation:
Mn (25): [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s² → 5 unpaired electrons in d-orbital (Hund’s rule)
Fe (26): [Ar] 3d⁶ 4s² → 4 unpaired electrons
Mg (12): [Ne] 3s² → No unpaired electrons
Cu (29): [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹ → No unpaired electrons in 3d
Question 3
What is the maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in the third shell
(n=3)?
(A) 8
(B) 18
(C) 32
(D) 50
Answer: (B) 18
Explanation:
Maximum electrons in a shell = 2n²
For n = 3, 2(3)² = 18 electrons
Question 4
Which quantum number determines the shape of an orbital?
(A) Principal quantum number (n)
(B) Azimuthal quantum number (l)
(C) Magnetic quantum number (m)
(D) Spin quantum number (s)
Answer: (B) Azimuthal quantum number (l)
Explanation:
n → Size of the orbital
l → Shape of the orbital (s, p, d, f orbitals)
m → Orientation in space
s → Electron spin
Question 5
The total number of orbitals in the second energy level (n=2) is:
(A) 2
(B) 4
(C) 8
(D) 16
Answer: (B) 4
Explanation:
Number of orbitals per shell = n²
For n = 2, orbitals = 2² = 4 (1s, 3p)
Question 6
Which of the following statements is true according to Bohr’s atomic model?
(A) Electrons move in elliptical orbits
(B) Energy levels are continuous
(C) Electrons emit energy when moving in orbits
(D) Angular momentum is quantized
Answer: (D) Angular momentum is quantized
Explanation:
Bohr’s model states that electrons revolve in fixed circular orbits
Angular momentum = nh/2π (quantized values only)
Electrons absorb or emit energy only when jumping between orbits
Question 7
Which of the following sets of quantum numbers is not possible?
nl ms
2 1 -1 +1/2
3 2 -2 -1/2
4 3 4 +1/2
5 3 2 -1/2
(A) Row 1
(B) Row 2
(C) Row 3
(D) Row 4
Answer: (C) Row 3
Explanation:
m (magnetic quantum number) can have values from -l to +l
If l = 3, m should be -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, but not 4 → Row 3 is invalid
Question 8
Which of the following transitions in a hydrogen atom will produce light of the shortest
wavelength?
(A) n=5 to n=4
(B) n=4 to n=3
(C) n=3 to n=2
(D) n=2 to n=1
Answer: (D) n=2 to n=1
Explanation:
Energy emitted (ΔE) is directly proportional to frequency (ν) and inversely
proportional to wavelength (λ).
Larger energy difference → Higher frequency → Shorter wavelength
n=2 to n=1 (Lyman series) has the highest energy gap → shortest wavelength
Question 9
Which of the following series of the hydrogen spectrum lies in the visible region?
(A) Lyman
(B) Balmer
(C) Paschen
(D) Brackett
Answer: (B) Balmer
Explanation:
Lyman (UV) → n₁ = 1
Balmer (Visible) → n₁ = 2
Paschen (Infrared) → n₁ = 3
Brackett (Infrared) → n₁ = 4
Question 10
What is the de Broglie wavelength of an electron moving with a velocity of 6 × 10⁶ m/s?
(Mass of electron = 9.1 × 10⁻³¹ kg, h = 6.63 × 10⁻³⁴ Js)
(A) 0.122 nm
(B) 0.152 nm
(C) 0.175 nm
(D) 0.198 nm
Answer: (A) 0.122 nm
Explanation:
De Broglie wavelength (λ) = h / mv
= (6.63 × 10⁻³⁴) / (9.1 × 10⁻³¹ × 6 × 10⁶)
= 0.122 nm
