1 | Page
Michigan State University CEM 141
Comprehensive Chemistry Exam 1: Atomic
Structure, Bonding, and Stoichiometry
Questions and Answers 2026 Latest Update
What indicates that a question is scientific? Ans: It can be tested and
answered through observations and experiments.
Which properties of atoms are still considered valid according to Greek
philosophy? Ans: Atoms are in constant motion.
What experiment provided evidence that electrons are negatively charged?
Ans: The cathode ray tube experiment, where the beam of particles bent
toward the positively charged plate.
What happens to the strength of the electrostatic force when the distance
between two charged objects decreases? Ans: The electrostatic force
becomes stronger.
Is a nitrogen molecule made of the same type of atoms? Ans: True, because
nitrogen is an element that exists as diatomic molecules.
What occurs to potential energy as two xenon atoms move extremely close
together? Ans: Potential energy increases due to the repulsive force between
overlapping electron clouds.
What is the best representation of bromine at 300 K, given its melting and
boiling points? Ans: Bromine is in a liquid state at 300 K.
What does the curve in the potential energy diagram indicate? Ans: The
potential energy increases as the objects get closer together.
Which statement best describes the forces between helium atoms in the
solid state? Ans: The partial positive end of one atom's instantaneous dipole
attracts the partial negative end of the neighboring atom's induced dipole.
© 2026 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
What happens when a covalent bond is formed between two nitrogen
atoms? Ans: Energy is released and a molecule is formed.
How does the London dispersion force between neon atoms compare to that
between argon atoms? Ans: The London dispersion force between neon
atoms is weaker due to a smaller electron cloud.
Is the statement true or false? When chlorine freezes, London dispersion
forces are formed. Ans: True.
What is the significance of the gold foil experiment in atomic theory? Ans: It
disproved the idea that all atoms are indivisible and indestructible.
What type of question is 'Is there an attractive force between a pencil and
the earth?' Ans: It is a scientific question because it can be tested.
What is the composition of a compound? Ans: A compound is made of
different types of atoms.
What does it mean for atoms to be in constant motion? Ans: It refers to the
idea that atoms are always moving and not static.
What defines an element in terms of atom types? Ans: An element is made
of one type of atom.
What happens to kinetic energy as two atoms approach each other? Ans:
Kinetic energy decreases as the atoms slow down.
What is the relationship between potential energy and distance in atomic
interactions? Ans: Potential energy decreases as atoms get closer until
repulsion occurs.
What type of forces exist between atoms in the solid state? Ans: Attractive
forces due to electron cloud interactions.
What is the outcome of a covalent bond formation? Ans: A molecule is
formed and energy is released.
What is the effect of distance on electrostatic forces? Ans: Decreasing
distance increases the strength of the electrostatic force.
© 2026 All rights reserved
Michigan State University CEM 141
Comprehensive Chemistry Exam 1: Atomic
Structure, Bonding, and Stoichiometry
Questions and Answers 2026 Latest Update
What indicates that a question is scientific? Ans: It can be tested and
answered through observations and experiments.
Which properties of atoms are still considered valid according to Greek
philosophy? Ans: Atoms are in constant motion.
What experiment provided evidence that electrons are negatively charged?
Ans: The cathode ray tube experiment, where the beam of particles bent
toward the positively charged plate.
What happens to the strength of the electrostatic force when the distance
between two charged objects decreases? Ans: The electrostatic force
becomes stronger.
Is a nitrogen molecule made of the same type of atoms? Ans: True, because
nitrogen is an element that exists as diatomic molecules.
What occurs to potential energy as two xenon atoms move extremely close
together? Ans: Potential energy increases due to the repulsive force between
overlapping electron clouds.
What is the best representation of bromine at 300 K, given its melting and
boiling points? Ans: Bromine is in a liquid state at 300 K.
What does the curve in the potential energy diagram indicate? Ans: The
potential energy increases as the objects get closer together.
Which statement best describes the forces between helium atoms in the
solid state? Ans: The partial positive end of one atom's instantaneous dipole
attracts the partial negative end of the neighboring atom's induced dipole.
© 2026 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
What happens when a covalent bond is formed between two nitrogen
atoms? Ans: Energy is released and a molecule is formed.
How does the London dispersion force between neon atoms compare to that
between argon atoms? Ans: The London dispersion force between neon
atoms is weaker due to a smaller electron cloud.
Is the statement true or false? When chlorine freezes, London dispersion
forces are formed. Ans: True.
What is the significance of the gold foil experiment in atomic theory? Ans: It
disproved the idea that all atoms are indivisible and indestructible.
What type of question is 'Is there an attractive force between a pencil and
the earth?' Ans: It is a scientific question because it can be tested.
What is the composition of a compound? Ans: A compound is made of
different types of atoms.
What does it mean for atoms to be in constant motion? Ans: It refers to the
idea that atoms are always moving and not static.
What defines an element in terms of atom types? Ans: An element is made
of one type of atom.
What happens to kinetic energy as two atoms approach each other? Ans:
Kinetic energy decreases as the atoms slow down.
What is the relationship between potential energy and distance in atomic
interactions? Ans: Potential energy decreases as atoms get closer until
repulsion occurs.
What type of forces exist between atoms in the solid state? Ans: Attractive
forces due to electron cloud interactions.
What is the outcome of a covalent bond formation? Ans: A molecule is
formed and energy is released.
What is the effect of distance on electrostatic forces? Ans: Decreasing
distance increases the strength of the electrostatic force.
© 2026 All rights reserved
