Midterm Exam #3 is next Monday. It covers all of chapters 6-8.
Disclaimer: I've tried to be thorough here, but I can't guarantee that every
question will be of a type implied by this list. In particular, harder or extra credit
problems may require integration of knowledge over several topics or extensions
of textbook concepts.
Chapter 6
• Sections 1-4: Moderately important. Both concept questions and calculations
are likely from this section.
• Section 5: Important. You must know what values quantum numbers may
take and how this impacts numbers of orbitals and electrons in various shells
and subshells.
• Section 6: Moderately important. You'll possibly see one question regarding
shapes of orbitals and radial structure.
• Sections 7-9: Very important. For example, you must know how to write
electronic configurations and orbital diagrams for both atoms and ions. Know
how to generate these for all atoms that obey the “rules”, and know
exceptions to these rules in atoms up to Kr. (Cu and Cr are the only
exceptions in this region.)
Chapter 7
• Section 1: Useful only for background purposes, I'm unlikely to have any
questions taken from this section.
• Section 2: Zeff - moderately important. Effective nuclear charge gives a
conceptual basis for several of the trends identified in the chapter.
• Sections 3-4: Very important. You must know trends in both atom and ion
sizes and in ionization energy.
• Section 5: Moderately important. You should know what electron affinity is
and that it is largest for the halogens.
• Sections 6-8: Moderately important. You should know the general differences
in behavior between metals and nonmetals and some of the most important
trends in reactivity. Also, I may ask questions similar to the assigned
homework problems in these sections.
Chapter 8
• Section 1: Minimal importance. You should know the general difference
between ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds and of course the octet rule. Omit
Lewis Symbols subsection. (Lewis symbols are for atoms, not molecules, not
to be confused with Lewis Structures of great importance.)
• Sections 2-4: Moderately important. You should definitely know trends in
electronegativity.
• Sections 5-7: Very important!
• Section 8: Moderately important