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Michigan State University CEM 141 MSU
Exam 3 Questions and Answers 2026 Latest
Update
Ionization Energy Ans: energy required to remove an electron from an atom
in the gas phase
Left Side Electrons Ans: have weaker attractions to remove electrons
easier to remove electrons from the left side of the table than the right side
Does it take MORE or LESS energy to remove an electron from Li than from
Na? Ans: MORE
Why? Because as we move down a group, the orbitals become larger and
weaker. While going across the effective nuclear charge increases. (holds
onto the electrons tighter)
Big Bang evidence Ans: universe is expanding (red shift)
Where do atoms come from? Ans: The Big Bang
What were elements formed by? Ans: Nuclear reactions
Chemical reactions Ans: involve rearrangements of valence electrons
the element undergoing a chemical reaction does not ever change
Ionization energies are affected by Ans: -size of an atom
-size of positive charge
Periodic Trends Ans: -small atoms have higher ionization energies
-they are inversely related
Atomic Radius Decreases ----> Ionization energy increases Ans: when the
radius decreases, it pulls the electrons closer. decreasing the size of an atom
Nuclear Reactions Ans: Fusion and Fission
© 2026 All rights reserved
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Fusion Ans: two lighter nuclei combines to form a heavier nucleus (energy
released)
Fission Ans: a heavier nucleus is broken a part to form lighter, more stable
nuclei energy
Atomic # = Ans: # of protons
Atomic mass = Ans: what's left over
Do isolated atoms or molecules have melting or boiling points? Ans: No
Do isolated atoms or molecules exist in a state (solid, liquid, gas)? Ans: No
Why do bonds form between atoms? Ans: because valence electrons are
attracted to the nuclei of other atoms
Covalent Bonds Ans: two hydrogen atoms interact and form a covalent bond
What properties do metals have? Ans: -hard
-conduct electricity
-shiny
-react w/water
-malleable
Bonding in Metals Ans: atomic orbitals combine with each other to form
molecular orbitals
Covalent bonds hold atoms together within.. Ans: molecules
Molecular interactions hold atoms together between... Ans: molecules
T/F: Covalent bonds are stronger Ans: True
Why are metals shiny? Ans: photons of wavelengths are absorbed and then
re-emitted
Changes of state (solid --> liquid ---> gas) Ans: REQUIRES energy
Changes of state (gas --> liquid --> solid) Ans: RELEASES energy
© 2026 All rights reserved
Michigan State University CEM 141 MSU
Exam 3 Questions and Answers 2026 Latest
Update
Ionization Energy Ans: energy required to remove an electron from an atom
in the gas phase
Left Side Electrons Ans: have weaker attractions to remove electrons
easier to remove electrons from the left side of the table than the right side
Does it take MORE or LESS energy to remove an electron from Li than from
Na? Ans: MORE
Why? Because as we move down a group, the orbitals become larger and
weaker. While going across the effective nuclear charge increases. (holds
onto the electrons tighter)
Big Bang evidence Ans: universe is expanding (red shift)
Where do atoms come from? Ans: The Big Bang
What were elements formed by? Ans: Nuclear reactions
Chemical reactions Ans: involve rearrangements of valence electrons
the element undergoing a chemical reaction does not ever change
Ionization energies are affected by Ans: -size of an atom
-size of positive charge
Periodic Trends Ans: -small atoms have higher ionization energies
-they are inversely related
Atomic Radius Decreases ----> Ionization energy increases Ans: when the
radius decreases, it pulls the electrons closer. decreasing the size of an atom
Nuclear Reactions Ans: Fusion and Fission
© 2026 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
Fusion Ans: two lighter nuclei combines to form a heavier nucleus (energy
released)
Fission Ans: a heavier nucleus is broken a part to form lighter, more stable
nuclei energy
Atomic # = Ans: # of protons
Atomic mass = Ans: what's left over
Do isolated atoms or molecules have melting or boiling points? Ans: No
Do isolated atoms or molecules exist in a state (solid, liquid, gas)? Ans: No
Why do bonds form between atoms? Ans: because valence electrons are
attracted to the nuclei of other atoms
Covalent Bonds Ans: two hydrogen atoms interact and form a covalent bond
What properties do metals have? Ans: -hard
-conduct electricity
-shiny
-react w/water
-malleable
Bonding in Metals Ans: atomic orbitals combine with each other to form
molecular orbitals
Covalent bonds hold atoms together within.. Ans: molecules
Molecular interactions hold atoms together between... Ans: molecules
T/F: Covalent bonds are stronger Ans: True
Why are metals shiny? Ans: photons of wavelengths are absorbed and then
re-emitted
Changes of state (solid --> liquid ---> gas) Ans: REQUIRES energy
Changes of state (gas --> liquid --> solid) Ans: RELEASES energy
© 2026 All rights reserved
