Examora | MCQ & Notes
Back to Home

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 2 Structure of Atom

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 2 Structure of Atom covers the discovery of subatomic particles, atomic models (Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr), electromagnetic spectrum, photoelectric effect, Planck's quantum theory, dual behavior of matter, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, quantum mechanical model of atom, quantum numbers, orbital shapes, and electronic configurations (Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle, Hund's rule).

Overview of Topics & Subtopics (Click to Jump)

1. Subatomic Particles & Early Atomic Models

Short Note:

• Subatomic Particles:

  - Electron (e-): Discovered by J.J. Thomson (Cathode Ray Tube experiment). Charge = -1.602 × 10-19 C, Mass = 9.1 × 10-31 kg.

  - Proton (p+): Discovered by E. Goldstein (Anode Ray experiment). Charge = +1.602 × 10-19 C, Mass = 1.672 × 10-27 kg.

  - Neutron (n0): Discovered by James Chadwick. Neutral, Mass = 1.674 × 10-27 kg.

• Rutherford's α-Particle Scattering Experiment: Established that an atom consists of a tiny, dense, positively charged nucleus surrounded by electrons revolving in circular paths. Failed to explain atomic stability and line spectrum of hydrogen.

2. Electromagnetic Radiation, Planck's Quantum Theory & Bohr's Model

Short Note:

• Electromagnetic Radiation: Characterized by frequency (ν), wavelength (λ), and wave number (ν̄). Equation: c = ν λ and ν̄ = 1 / λ.

• Planck's Quantum Theory: Radiant energy is absorbed or emitted discontinuously in small packets of energy called quanta (or photons for light): E = h ν = h c / λ, where h = 6.626 × 10-34 J·s.

• Photoelectric Effect: Ejection of electrons from metal surface when light of suitable frequency (ν ≥ ν0) strikes it. Kinetic Energy K.E. = h ν - h ν0.

• Bohr's Atomic Model for Hydrogen:

  - Electrons revolve in non-radiating stationary orbits where angular momentum L = m v r = n h / (2π).

  - Radius of n-th orbit: rn = 0.529 × (n2 / Z) Å.

  - Energy of electron in n-th orbit: En = -2.18 × 10-18 × (Z2 / n2) Joules/atom = -13.6 × (Z2 / n2) eV.

  - Rydberg formula for hydrogen spectrum: ν̄ = 1/λ = RH [ (1/n12) - (1/n22) ], where RH = 109,677 cm-1.

3. Dual Nature of Matter & Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle

Short Note:

• de Broglie Dual Behaviour of Matter: Every moving microscopic particle possesses wave property. De Broglie wavelength: λ = h / p = h / (m v).

• Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle: It is impossible to determine simultaneously both the exact position and momentum (velocity) of a microscopic particle like an electron with absolute accuracy.

  - Mathematical relation: Δx · Δp ≥ h / (4π) or Δx · (m Δv) ≥ h / (4π).

4. Quantum Mechanical Model, Quantum Numbers & Electronic Configuration

Short Note:

• Quantum Numbers:

  1. Principal Quantum Number (n): Shell number / energy level (n = 1, 2, 3...). Determines orbital size and energy.

  2. Azimuthal / Angular Momentum Quantum Number (l): Subshell / orbital shape (l = 0 to n-1). s (l=0, spherical), p (l=1, dumbbell), d (l=2, double dumbbell), f (l=3).

  3. Magnetic Quantum Number (ml): Orbital orientation in space (ml = -l to +l). Total orbitals in subshell = 2l + 1.

  4. Spin Quantum Number (ms): Direction of electron spin (+1/2 or -1/2).

• Rules for Filling Orbitals:

  - Aufbau Principle: Orbitals are filled in order of increasing energy (determined by lowest (n + l) value).

  - Pauli Exclusion Principle: No two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers. Maximum 2 electrons per orbital with opposite spins.

  - Hund's Rule of Maximum Multiplicity: Electron pairing in degenerate orbitals (p, d, f) does not take place until each available orbital is singly occupied with parallel spins.

Intext & Conceptual Questions

Q1: Why are half-filled and fully-filled subshells extra stable? Give two main reasons.
Answer:

Explanation:

1. Symmetrical Distribution of Electrons: Electrons in half-filled or fully-filled subshells are symmetrically distributed in space, which leads to lower energy and greater stability.

2. Maximum Exchange Energy: Electrons with parallel spins in degenerate orbitals can exchange their positions. Each exchange releases energy called exchange energy. Since half-filled and fully-filled configurations have the maximum number of possible exchanges, the total exchange energy released is maximum, making the system extra stable (e.g., Cr: [Ar] 3d5 4s1 and Cu: [Ar] 3d10 4s1).

Textbook Chapter End Exercise Questions

Q1: Calculate the energy of one mole of photons of radiation whose frequency is 5 × 1014 Hz.
Answer:
Given:
Frequency (ν) = 5 × 1014 Hz
Planck's constant (h) = 6.626 × 10-34 J·s
Avogadro's constant (NA) = 6.022 × 1023 mol-1

Step 1: Energy of one photon (E):
E = h ν
E = 6.626 × 10-34 J·s × 5 × 1014 s-1
E = 3.313 × 10-19 Joules

Step 2: Energy of one mole of photons (Etotal):
Etotal = E × NA
Etotal = 3.313 × 10-19 J × 6.022 × 1023 mol-1
Etotal = 1.995 × 105 J/mol = 199.51 kJ/mol.

The energy of one mole of photons is 199.51 kJ/mol.
Q2: What is the de Broglie wavelength associated with an electron moving with a velocity of 2.05 × 107 m/s?
Answer:
Given:
Mass of electron (m) = 9.1 × 10-31 kg
Velocity (v) = 2.05 × 107 m/s
Planck's constant (h) = 6.626 × 10-34 kg·m2/s

De Broglie relation:
λ = h / (m v)
λ = (6.626 × 10-34) / (9.1 × 10-31 × 2.05 × 107)
λ = (6.626 × 10-34) / (1.8655 × 10-23)
λ = 3.55 × 10-11 m = 0.0355 nm (or 0.355 Å).

The de Broglie wavelength associated with the electron is 3.55 × 10-11 m.
Continue learning with this chapter:
Practice MCQs
Notes, MCQs and test for the same chapter
Practice MCQs

How to use these notes

These notes are designed for quick revision and should be used alongside the textbook. Read the chapter once for full understanding, then return here to recall definitions, formulas, key ideas and important examples.

Topics covered on this page

Quick revision tip

Finish one small section, close the page for a moment, and try to recall the main points in your own words. Then check the page again. This simple recall step can make revision more active.

More for this chapter

Class 11 › Chemistry › Structure of Atom
Chapter notesRead the chapterPractice MCQsCheck what you rememberChapter test10 questions on one pageOnline testTest 1, 2 and 3, one question at a timePYQPrevious year questionsStudy materialPDF notes
Topics in this chapter: Subatomic Particles & Early Atomic ModelsElectromagnetic Radiation, Planck's Quantum Theory & Bohr's ModelDual Nature of Matter & Heisenberg's Uncertainty PrincipleQuantum Mechanical Model, Quantum Numbers & Electronic Configuration