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Question 73 of 73

Q.(a)

(i) A compound on analysis gave the following percentage composition 76.6% carbon, 6.38% Hydrogen and 17.02% Oxygen. Determine the empirical formula of the compound.
(3)
(ii) State Pauli Exclusion Principle.
(2) OR
(b) Discuss the similarities between Beryllium and Aluminium. (5)
Tamil Nadu DgeTamil Nadu HSC First Year (DGE) Board 2026Subjective· 5mImportance★★★★★est
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This is a 5-mark 'either/or' question; both alternatives are worked out below.

(a) The empirical formula is C6H6O and Pauli's principle forbids two electrons having identical quantum numbers; (b) Be and Al show a diagonal relationship (amphoteric oxides, covalent chlorides, solubility in alkali, passivity to conc. HNO3).

PART (a)(i) — Empirical formula from 76.6% C, 6.38% H, 17.02% O:

Divide each percentage by its atomic mass to get relative moles:

  • C: 76.6 / 12 = 6.38
  • H: 6.38 / 1 = 6.38
  • O: 17.02 / 16 = 1.06 Divide each by the smallest value (1.06):
  • C: 6.38 / 1.06 = 6.0
  • H: 6.38 / 1.06 = 6.0
  • O: 1.06 / 1.06 = 1.0 So C : H : O = 6 : 6 : 1, and the empirical formula is C6H6O.

PART (a)(ii) — Pauli Exclusion Principle:

"No two electrons in the same atom can have the same set of all four quantum numbers (n, l, m, s)." As a consequence, an orbital (fixed n, l, m) can hold at most two electrons, and these must have opposite spins.

PART (b) — Similarities between Beryllium and Aluminium (diagonal relationship):

  1. Both form amphoteric oxides and hydroxides (BeO, Be(OH)2 and Al2O3, Al(OH)3) that dissolve in both acids and alkalis.
  2. Both dissolve in strong alkali forming beryllate and aluminate ions, liberating hydrogen.
  3. Their chlorides (BeCl2 and AlCl3) are covalent, exist as polymeric/dimeric bridged structures, are soluble in organic solvents and act as Lewis acids (catalysts). …

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