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Most Repeated MDCAT Chemistry: Atomic Structure MCQs
The most repeated Atomic Structure questions in MDCAT Chemistry, measured from 377 real past papers. Atomic Structure contributed 463 questions across those papers, and 11 distinct questions recurred with the same verified answer across 2 or more different exam years — listed below (ranked by how many years each recurs in), with the answer, an explanation, and the exact years.
Measured from 377 real past papers · updated July 2026
- 1Repeated in 2 yearsAtomic Structure
With increase in the value of Principal Quantum Number (n), the shape of the s-orbitals remains the same although their sizes:
- ADecrease
- BIncrease✓
- CRemain the same
- DMay or may not remain the same
Explanation
As the principal quantum number (n) increases, the size of the s-orbitals also increases. The shape of the s-orbitals remains spherical, with a probability distribution that becomes more spread out from the nucleus as n increases. So, while the shape (spherical) remains the same, the size of the orbital increases with higher values of n ( as shown in figure). This means that s-orbitals with larger principal quantum numbers have a higher probability of finding electrons farther away from the nucleus. Therefore, option B is correct.
Appeared in the past papers of: 2012, 2013
- 2Repeated in 2 yearsAtomic Structure
The maximum number of electrons that an orbital can accommodate is/are:
- A0
- B1
- C2✓
- D3
- E4
Explanation
The maximum number of electrons in a single orbital is two. The maximum number of electrons an orbital can accommodate is 2. As in an orbital two electrons can never have the same values of all 4 quantum no.s according to Pauli’s exclusion principle. So to follow this rule, an orbital can accommodate 2 electrons only.
Appeared in the past papers of: 2009, 2010
- 3Repeated in 2 yearsAtomic Structure
J.J Thomson determined the:
- ACharge of an electron
- BMass of an electron
- Ce/m value of an electron✓
- DCharge of a proton
- EMass of a proton
Explanation
Thomson was able to deflect the cathode ray towards a positively charged plate deduce that the particles in the beam were negatively charged. Then Thomson measured how much various strengths of magnetic fields bent the particles. Using this information Thomson determined the mass to charge ratio of an electron.All other options are incorrect because those were not discovered by J.J thomson.
Appeared in the past papers of: 2016, 2023
- 4Repeated in 2 yearsAtomic Structure
The radius of the first orbit of hydrogen is 0.53 Å. Which orbit has a radius of 4.77 Å?
- AFirst
- BSecond
- CThird✓
- DFourth
Explanation
The radius of any orbit can be calculated by using formula n^2 (0.53) For 1st orbit; (1)^2(0.53) = 0.53Å For 2nd orbit; (2)^2(0.53) = 2.12Å For 3rd orbit; (3)^2(0.53) = 4.77 Å So, 4.77 Å is radius for third orbit. Hence, option C is correct.
Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024
- 5Repeated in 2 yearsAtomic Structure
Which of the following has only one orientation is space in the magnetic field?
- Ap orbital
- Bs orbital✓
- Cd orbital
- Df orbital
Explanation
Orientation of orbitals are given by magnetic quantum number. By using formula; (2l + 1) we can calculate the orientations of orbitals in space. For s orbital, l=0, so; [2(0) +1] = 1, s orbital will have 1 orientation in space. For p orbital, l=1, so; [2(1) +1] = 3, p orbital will have 3 orientations in space. For d orbital, l=2, so; [2(2) +1] = 5, d orbital will have 5 orientations in space. For f orbital, l=3, so; [2(3) +1] = 7, d orbital will have 7 orientations in space.Hence, option B, s orbital is correct.
Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024
- 6Repeated in 2 yearsAtomic Structure
What is the mass of one proton?
- AEqual to 1836 electron✓
- BEqual to positron
- CEqual to electron
- DEqual to 1836 neutron
Explanation
The mass of proton is 1836 times that of electron. STB Pg- 79 Hence, option A is correct.
Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024
- 7Repeated in 2 yearsAtomic Structure
In which spectral series is the far ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum found?
- APaschen series
- BBalmer series
- CLyman series✓
- DPfund series
Explanation
Lyman series—Correct answer: This series corresponds to transitions where electrons fall to the first energy level (n=1) and lies in the far ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024
- 8Repeated in 2 yearsAtomic Structure
How many electrons can have the value n=2, I=1 and s - ½ in the configuration 1S2?, 2S2?,2p3?
- A3✓
- B1
- C5
- D7
Explanation
This is the correct answer. Let's break down the quantum numbers:n = 2: This indicates that the electrons are in the second principal energy level. l = 1: This indicates that the electrons are in a p subshell.s = -1/2: This indicates that the electrons have a spin of -1/2. NNow, let's analyze each configuration:1s2: This configuration has 2 electrons in the 1s orbital. Since the 1s orbital has l = 0, none of these electrons can have l = 1. 2s2: This configuration has 2 electrons in the 2s orbital. Since the 2s orbital has l = 0, none of these electrons can have l = 1. 2p3: This configuration has 3 electrons in the 2p subshell.
Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024
- 9Repeated in 2 yearsAtomic Structure
The quantum numbers +1/2 and -1/2 for the electron spin represent:
- AThe direction of the electron's spin✓
- BThe energy level of the electron
- CThe orbital shape of the electron
- DThe number of electrons in an orbital
Explanation
The quantum numbers +1/2 and -1/2 represent the direction of the electron's spin. Electrons can spin in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The +1/2 and -1/2 values indicate these two possible spin orientations.
Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024
- 10Repeated in 2 yearsAtomic Structure
Which statement correctly describes a nucleon?
- AAny atomic nucleus
- BA radioactive atomic nucleus
- CA neutron or a proton✓
- DA neutron proton or an electron
Explanation
A nucleon is either a proton or a neutron, which are the subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They are held together by the strong nuclear force, which overcomes the repulsive forces between the positively charged protons. This binding is crucial for the stability and mass of the atom. The other options are incorrect: 'Any atomic nucleus' describes a region, not the specific particles; 'A radioactive atomic nucleus' refers to the behavior of the nucleus, not the definition of nucleons; and 'A neutron proton or an electron' includes an electron, which is not part of the nucleus.
Appeared in the past papers of: 2013, 2014
- 11Repeated in 2 yearsAtomic Structure
Why do electrons have opposite spins when they are in the same orbital?
- AThis condition reduces friction
- BThis condition creates more energy
- CThis condition results in zero magnetism and removes the charge of the electron
- DThis condition results in less repulsion and opposite magnetic fields✓
Explanation
When electrons have opposite spins, their magnetic fields align in opposite directions. This results in less repulsion between the electrons because their opposite spins create opposite magnetic fields, leading to a cancellation of magnetic interactions. As a result, option D is correct.
Appeared in the past papers of: 2022, 2023