Questions for Focused Reading

January 8

12.14

1.    Why is it not possible to solve the Schrodinger equation for a polyelectronic atom exactly?

2.    For a given value of 'n', the energy of its s orbital is less than the energy of its p orbital.  Why?

12.15

3.    Define the following terms:  ionization energy, electron affinity, atomic radius

4.    I will expect you to know the trend in first ionization energy wrt the periodic table. 
If you know the general trend going across a period and down a group you have C-level knowledge.
If you know where the glitches are in the trends going across a period and can explain them in terms of half-full subshells, you have B-level knowledge.
If you can explain the reason for the glitches by discussing radial distribution functions, shielding, and penetration as well as describing the relative stability of half-full subshells, then you have A-level knowledge.

5.    Explain the trend in atomic radius across periods 2 and 3 in terms of effective nuclear charge.  Your answer should include a qualitative definition of effective nuclear charge and should describe what happens to the degree of shielding as one goes across period 2 or 3.