MCAT CHEM1 Kaplan Review | 100+ Questions | Atomic Structure, Quantum Numbers, Electron Configurations

This expert-verified review document includes 100+ concise MCAT-style flashcards designed for the Kaplan CHEM1 section, with a strong focus on atomic theory, electron configuration, quantum numbers, and atomic behavior. It’s tailored for pre-med students preparing for the MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations section and covers foundational chemistry concepts through equations, visual mnemonics, and logic-based explanations. Major concepts include: Atomic mass vs atomic weight, isotope stability, and isotope abundance calculations Structure of the atomic symbol and interpretation of superscripts, subscripts, and charge states Key quantum contributors: Rutherford (nucleus discovery), Planck (quanta), Bohr (orbitals) 4 quantum numbers (n, l, ml, ms), orbital shapes, magnetic orientations, and spin states Electron configurations (standard and noble gas notation), with emphasis on exceptions in d-block elements (e.g., Cr, Mo, Cu, Ag, Au) Aufbau principle, Hund’s rule, and Pauli exclusion principle for electron filling order Differences between paramagnetic vs diamagnetic substances, and electron pairing Equations and constants: E = hf, E = hc/λ, Bohr energy levels, Rydberg equation, work function Photoelectric effect: energy needed to eject electrons and UV photon requirements Concepts of absorption/emission, wavelength-energy-frequency relationship, and orbital transitions Common MCAT calculations: percent isotope composition, electron transitions, and condensed configurations Electromagnetic spectrum order: gamma → X-ray → UV → visible → IR → microwave Best suited for: MCAT preparation (Kaplan, AAMC practice frameworks) Students in General Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or Physics for Life Sciences Foundational review before upper-level biomedical coursework Keywords: atomic mass, atomic weight, isotopes, protons, neutrons, quantum numbers, principal quantum number, azimuthal number, magnetic number, spin, orbital shapes, electron configuration, noble gas notation, d-block exceptions, paramagnetic, diamagnetic, electron shells, Aufbau principle, Hund’s rule, Pauli exclusion, photoelectric effect, Rydberg equation, Planck constant, energy levels, spectroscopy, light emission, MCAT chemistry, Kaplan CHEM1