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IB Chemistry SL 3.1.2 Electron Configuration and Position Questions

Use real exam questions to convert between periodic position and electron arrangement, then classify the element.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Chemistry SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • Deduce an element’s group, period and block from its full or abbreviated electron configuration and occupied energy levels.
  • Write or identify the electron configuration and valence-electron arrangement corresponding to a stated periodic-table position.
  • Use electron arrangement to classify an element and justify its periodic-table location, energy-level count or stated chemical behaviour.

IB Chemistry SL 3.1.2 Electron Configuration and Position Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Iron rusts in the presence of oxygen and water. Rusting is a redox process involving several steps that produces hydrated iron(III) oxide, Fe2O3∙nH2O\mathrm{Fe}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3} \bullet \mathrm{nH}_{2} \mathrm{O}, as the final product. The half-equations involved for the first step of rusting are given below.

Half-equation 1: Fe(s)→Fe2+(aq)+2e−\quad \mathrm{Fe}(\mathrm{s}) \rightarrow \mathrm{Fe}^{2+}(\mathrm{aq})+2 \mathrm{e}^{-}

Half-equation 2: O2(aq)+4e−+2H2O(l)→4OH−(aq)\quad \mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{aq})+4 \mathrm{e}^{-}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(\mathrm{l}) \rightarrow 4 \mathrm{OH}^{-}(\mathrm{aq})

State the relationship between the electron arrangement of an element and its group and period in the periodic table.

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