Science, Tech, Math › Science AP Chemistry Practice Test Review Periodic Table and Atomic Structure Topics Take this quiz to test yourself about AP chemistry exam concepts to make sure you're ready!. Peter Muller / Getty Images Science Chemistry Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on July 03, 2019 1. Which element, commonly encountered as a diatomic gas, makes up most of the Earth's atmosphere? H C N O F Ne Correct Wrong While you'll be given a periodic table, you need to know the symbols of common elements and which ones form diatomic molecules. A bit of common knowledge is useful, too. While hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine all exist as diatomic gases, most of the atmosphere is nitrogen. 2. Which of the following elements is a liquid at normal room temperature? He Hg Si Cu Zn Ag Au Correct Wrong While you likely knew mercury is a liquid element, this quiz question also requires you recognize its element symbol. 3. Which of the following elements has the highest electronegativity? He C N O F Ne Correct Wrong Electronegativity is one of the properties that follows a trend on the periodic table. It increases moving left to right across the periodic table and decreases moving down a group. The exception to the trend is the noble gases, which have electronegativity values near 0. The halogens, like fluorine, have the highest electronegativity values of all the elements. 4. Which of the following statements is false? Alkali metals usually have a +1 oxidation state. Alkali metals forms oxides that act as basic anhydrides. Alkali metals form covalent bonds with oxygen. Alkali metals have relatively low first ionization energies. Correct Wrong For the AP chemistry exam (or any general chemistry test), you need to have a good understanding of the properties of element groups. Alkali metals do form bonds with oxygen, but metals and nonmetals form ionic bonds rather than covalent ones. 5. The rule which states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of quantum numbers is known as: the Bohr model of the atom the de Broglie hypothesis Einstein's theory of relativity the Heisenberg uncertainty principle Hund's rule the Pauli exclusion principle Correct Wrong You won't be asked about the theory of general relativity, but it's a good idea to know about the other topics! 6. The electrons of which element are all spin-paired? C N O F Ne Correct Wrong If you see a noble gas as an option for a question about spin pairing, it's a safe bet because atoms of these elements have complete valence electron shells. 7. Which electron configuration would you expect for a magnesium atom in its ground state? 1s²2s²2p⁵ 1s²2s²2p⁶ 1s²2s²2p⁶3s¹ 1s²2s²2p⁵3s² 1s²2s²2p⁶3s² Correct Wrong To answer this question, you need to know the number of electrons in a magnesium atom (which is the same as its atomic number) and then make certain each sublevel is either completely filled or half-filled. 8. Quantum numbers (n, l, m₁, m₂) for the valence electron of a potassium atom in its ground state could be: 3,0,0,-1/2 3,1,1,1/2 4,0,0,-1/2 4,1,1,-1/2 4,2,1,1/2 Correct Wrong If you missed this question, you may wish to review the rules for assigning quantum numbers. 9. Which of the following ions would have the smallest ionic radius? O²⁻ F⁻ Mg²⁺ Al³⁺ Correct Wrong Atomic and ionic radius don't mean the same thing, but they do follow the same general trend on the periodic table. Ionic radius increases as you move down a period and decreases as you move across a group. So, for the smallest radius, you're looking for an ion near the top of the table and to the right. 10. Radioactive decay from an isotope of which element is used to determine approximate age of ancient artifacts? H He C N U Correct Wrong Carbon dating is used because the element is abundant in organic material and because the half-like of carbon-14 makes it useful for estimating age. AP Chemistry Practice Test You got: % Correct. You Need Review Before the AP Chemistry Test Hero Images / Getty Images Now you know your weak areas, at least as far as atoms and the periodic table are concerned. Before taking the AP chemistry test, you might want to review the AP chemistry topics list, to make sure you feel confident in all the area. Are you ready for another quiz? See how well you know the trends in the periodic table. Share Your Results AP Chemistry Practice Test You got: % Correct. Ready to Take the AP Chemistry Exam Cultura RM Exclusive/Matt Lincoln / Getty Images You did well on this quiz, so you're on track to succeed on the AP chemistry exam. Before taking the test, you might want to review the full list of chemistry topics to make sure you're comfortable with all of them. De-stress using these simple test-taking tips. Ready for another practice quiz? See if you can classify these chemical reactions. Share Your Results