DAT Question of the Day

Correct Answer: E. They all have a valence shell configuration of s²p⁵

The group 7A elements are often referred to as the halogens. This is a diverse group of elements as some are gases under standard conditions (F2, Cl2) while others are liquids (Br) and still others are solids (I and At). The only elements in this group that are diatomic are: fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. They also span a range of element classifications, with both non-metals and metalloids represented in the family. The only characteristic that is true for all elements in group 7A is that they all have an outer-shell electron configuration of s²p⁵, resulting in a total of 7 valence electrons.

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Correct Answer: D. Group 18 (VIIIA or O) – Inert Gases

The Group 18 (VIIIA or O) – Inert Gases elements, He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe and Rn are all monatomic, chemically unreactive gases that possess the stable electron configurations that all Representative elements try to attain by undergoing chemical reactions.

The alkali Metals, Alkaline Earth Metals and Halogens are all chemically active and react in such ways as to attain the same number of electrons as their nearest Inert Gas.

The Transition Metals are not a Group on the Periodic Table, but represent the filling of the 3 – 6 d sub-shells. Their chemistry is not determined by the Inert Gases.

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Correct Answer: A. Br3COH

The strongest acid is the molecule with the most stable conjugate base. In this instance, the tribromomethoxide (A) is the more stable conjugate base by virtue of the three electron withdrawing chlorine atoms (Inductive effect).

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Correct Answer: D. The rate order

“SN” stands for nucleophilic substitution and the “1” represents the fact that the rate-determining step is unimolecular.

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Correct Answer: C. Lead (Pb).

The correct answer is C. First of all, we can immediately disregard answers A, B, and E. Nearly all compounds containing sodium, potassium, or zinc are soluble. Thus, we are left with answers C and D. Of the two, we realize that sulfur does not bind with sulfate. Sulfur sulfate does not exist. Lastly, you could eliminate sulfur by recognizing that it’s a nonmetal, not a metal. We recognize as well that lead compounds are rarely soluble, but lead perchlorate is. Thus, answer C is the correct answer.

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