SCH4U UNIT 1 Lesson 1 Key Questions

1. The development of MRI imaging technology is one useful spinoff of basic research into the
structure of the atom. Research, however, is expensive. Many people argue that the high cost
of research outweighs its potential benefits. Provide one argument for and on argument
against increasing current funding for atomic-structure research. (6 Marks)
For: At the beginning of the 1900s the atomic model said the atom consisted of electrons in a
positively charged medium. Within the next hundred years the scope of the model changed
completely which not only allowed scientists a deeper understanding of how things work at an
atomic level but also led to the application of this knowledge i.e. MRI and X- Ray. MRIs can
detect tumors and certain cancers which allow doctors to diagnose, treat and potentially save
lives. All of which could not have been done without research being done on the structure of
the atom With a continuous funding into the structure of the atom scientists could potentially
find more applications that would benefit people as well as gain a deeper understanding of how
the universe works at an atomic level.
Against: The main problem with funding the research of the atom is the funding. The cost of
researching quantum mechanics will only cost more and more money. Taking into account the
fact that many poorer Ontarians will not have access to the technology even if it is funded it
seems counterintuitive to only fund something that will be able to a certain demographic. In
the early years of quantum mechanics many results were found without the experiments being
too pricey however many experiments are being done today which arent yielding resulting but
are costing a lot more to do. Therefore continuing to fund projects that dont have any results is
a waste of money.
2. The emission spectrum of an unknown element contain two lines-one in the visible portion
of the spectrum, and on the other, ultraviolet. Based on the following figure on what you
have learned about Niels Bohrs model of the atom, account for the difference in energy
between these lines. (3 marks)
The difference between these two lines is because of electrons transitioning from higher
orbitals to relatively low orbitals. The line in the visible spectrum can be described (if we assign
arbitrary values) as an electron transitioning from the fifth orbital down to the second whereas
the line that occurs in the UV portion can be said to be an electron transitioning from the sixth
orbital down the second. The electrons that emit the light in the visible portion give off less
energy than the electrons that are emitting the line in the UV portion of the spectrum.


3. Draw the energy level diagram and write electron configuration for zirconium. (3 marks)
4d
5s
4p
3d
4s
3p
3s
2p
2s
1s

1s
2
2s
2
2p
6
3s
2
3p
6
4s
2
3d
10
4p
6
5s
2
4d
2
B Use the diagram to explain why the Zr
4+
ion exists (2 marks)
. Zr
4+
exists because the electrons from the 4d and 5s orbitals are lost to form a more stable
electron configuration. Recall that atoms tend to gain or lose electrons so they have the same
electron configuration as the closest noble gas. Due to this the Zr atom ditches 4 electrons to
achieve a more stable state.
c) Compare the stability of the Zr atom and the Zr ion. Account for any differences in their
stability. (2 marks)
The Zr
4+
ion is more stable because its valence shell is completely filled meaning it is less likely
to react, it shares the same electron configuration as krypton which is an inert gas. The Zr atom
on the other hand does not have a filled valence shell which makes it more reactive and
therefore less stable.