Past Paper Questions and Answers

Stoichiometry

  1. Define relative atomic mass
    • The ratio of the average mass of an atom to the mass of C-12 isotope
    • It is the average mass of the element taking into account all its isotopes and their relative abundance, compared to one atom of C-12
  2. What are the assumptions made in back titration?
    • all the (x) reacted
    • the only compound of the (tablet/thing) was (x)
    • there were no basic impurities in the (x) that would react with (y)
  3. How can you determine who all the hydrated salt has been converted into anhydrous form? [1]
    • by repeating the process of heating and weighing until a constant mass is obtained (for accurate results it will be necessary to cool the sample to room temperature before each weighing)
  4. State some assumptions in back titrations and other problems
    • no side reactions occur that generate other products
    • all of the (PbSO3) formed precipitates out as a solid and can be weighed
  5. Describe difference between P4 and 4P [1]
    • P4 is a molecule comprising of 4 phosphorus atoms
    • 4P is four phosphorus atoms

Atomic structure

  1. Differentiate between a continuous spectrum and a line spectrum
    • continuous spectrum: radiation spread over all frequencies
    • line spectrum: radiation absorbed/emitted at certain/specific frequencies
  2. Outline how the spectra of light from stars can be used to detect the presence of carbon [1]
    • Presence of dark/absorption lines to corresponding to those found for carbon
    • Missing wavelength/frequencies correspond to carbon’s spectrum
  3. What do isotopes have in common?
    • same atomic number
    • same chemical properties because same number of electrons
    • (different physical properties because different number of neutrons)
  4. Explain how the successive ionization energies in sodium are related to the electron configuration
    • the first ionization energy is the lowest as it corresponds to removing the electron in the valence level that is furthest from the nucleus and experiences the least electrostatic attraction (there is also some repulsion from other electrons)
    • the IE of the second electron is much larger as it involves removing an electron that is in an energy level closer to the nucleus and experiences a greater electrostatic attraction
    • as successive electrons are removed within the level, IEs increase due to the greater effective nuclear charge experienced by these electrons
    • the large increase in the 9th and 10th IEs is due the the 10th electron being removed removed from the energy level closest to to the nucleus, where it will experience significant electrostatic attraction to the nucleus
    • the 11th electron has the highest IE as it is also removed from the energy level closest to the nucleus and experiences the greatest electrostatic attraction to the nucleus (it’s the final electron is only experiences attraction to nucleus and no repulsion to other electrons, as the 10th one has already been removed)
  5. Explain why noble gases show the highest first ionization energies respective to their periods
    • the outer energy level is full
    • there is an increased charge on the on the nucleus
    • they have the greatest attraction for electrons and the effective nuclear charge is the highest for their electrons
  6. Explain why the relative atomic mass of argon is greater than that of potassium, even through the atomic number of potassium is greater than that of argon
    • argon has a greater number of heavier isotopes
    • argon has a greater number of neutrons
    • (potassium has more protons than argon, so it has a higher atomic number; argon has a higher atomic mass as there is a higher abundance of heavier isotopes that contain more neutrons than potassium)
  7. Describe the bonding within the carbon monoxide molecule
    • triple covalent bond molecule
    • one electron pair donated by oxygen to carbon atom (coordinate covalent compound)
  8. The graph of ionization energies of aluminium is shown. Explain why there is a large increase between the 9th and 10th ionization energies
    • the 9th IE corresponds to the following: Al8+ → Al9+β€…+β€…eβˆ’
    • from Al8+ the electron is removed from the 2p orbital
    • from Al9+ the electron is removed from the 2s orbital
    • electrons in a 2s orbital are of a lower energy, and closer to the nucleus and experience a stronger force of electrostatic attraction and so are more difficult to remove

  1. This question is about the hydrogen spectrum
    1. Describe the appearance of the visible emission spectrum of hydrogen [2]
      • Line spectrum
      • Lines converge at high energy/frequency
    2. Explain how this spectrum is related to the electron energy levels in a hydrogen atom [3]
      • Electron transition from higher to lower/second energy levels
      • Each transition causes emission of light of specific wavelength/energy
      • Each transition is related to energy difference
      • Energy levels in hydrogen atom are closer/converge at higher energy

Periodicity

  1. Explain why noble gases have the highest first ionization energies
    • the electrons experience the greatest effective nuclear charge
    • so the valence electrons experience the greatest electrostatic force of attraction to the nucleus
  2. Explain why chlorine has a smaller atomic radius than sodium
    • valence electrons of both are σ €­σ €­in third shell so they experience similar shielding effects
    • chlorine has 17 p and sodium has 11 p so valence electrons of chlorine will experience a greater attraction to the nucleus and be held closer to nuclear so smaller atomic radius
    • The effective nuclear charge of chlorine is higher as it has more protons, so the electrons in the outer energy level are pulled closer by the electrostatic attraction between the nucleus and the electrons
  3. Explain why S2βˆ’ has a greater ionic radius that Clβˆ’
    • sulfide has 16 p and chloride has 17 p
    • sulfide’s valence electrons in outer energy level experience less attraction from the nucleus and will be held less closely, resulting in a larger ionic radius
  4. Explain why there are relatively large differences between the 4th and 5th, and between the 10th and 11th ionization energies
    • 4th electron removed from 3d and 5th electron removed from 3p
    • 10th electron removed from 3p and 11th electron removed from 3s
    • Electrons removed from lower energy level (closer the nucleus) are attracted more strongly
    • Electrons closer to the nucleus also have a greater effective nuclear charge
  5. Explain why Ni2+ is green but Sc3+ is colorless
    • Color is due to partially filled d sub-level
    • d sub-level is split
    • Ni2+ has incomplete 3d sub-level but Sc3+ has no 3d electrons
    • Electrons move from lower to higher sub-levels when they absorb energy/light
    • Ni2+ appears green because it absorbs red
  6. Explain what is meant by a transition metal [1]
    • Incomplete d sub-level in its compounds/ions

  1. Explain why melting points of
    1. Group 1 elements decrease down the group
      • metallic bond strength decreases down the group as delocalized valence electrons are in energy levels more distant from the nucleus
      • higher distance between nucleus and delocalized electrons so less bond strength
    2. Group 17 increase down the group
      • exist as diatomic molecules attracted by weak London forces
      • they increase down the group as the atoms become larger and contain more electrons so higher melting points (bigger electron cloud increases the LDF as there is an increased probability of temporary dipoles forming)

Chemical bonding and structure

  1. Given two white solids, find out which one is an ionic compound
    • test the mp: ionic solids usually have high melting points
    • test the solubility: ionic compounds usually dissolve in water but not hexane
    • test the conductivity: ionic compounds in aq solutions are good conductors, as are ionic compounds when they are molten
  2. Why are double bonds shorter and stronger than single bonds?
    • multiple bonds have a greater number of shared electrons and so have a stronger force of electrostatic attraction between the bonded nuclei
    • there is a greater pulling power on the nuclei, bringing them closer together, resulting in bonds that are shorter and stronger than single bonds
  3. What are the main ideas of the VSEPR theory?
    • total no. of electron domains around the central atom determines the geometrical arrangement of the electron domains
    • shape of the molecule is determined by angles between the bonded atoms
    • repulsion applies to electron domains
    • non-bonding pairs (lone pairs) have a higher concentration of charge than bonding pairs because they are not shared between two atoms, and so cause slightly more repulsive than bonding pairs
  4. Describe the bonding in metals [2]
    • electrostatic attraction
    • between a lattice of metal positive ions/cations AND a sea of delocalized electrons
  5. Suggest why the mp of vanadium is higher than that of titanium [1]
    • vanadium has a smaller ionic radius leading to a stronger metallic bonding
  6. Explain why an alloy is harder than the pure metal
    • foreign atoms/ions distort the regular arrangement of atoms/ions or are of a different size to the pure atoms/ions
    • this prevents layers from sliding over each other
  7. Compare the structure and bonding in carbon dioxide and silicon dioxide [3]
    • Structure: CO2 molecular and SiO2 three dimensional/giant covalent
    • CO2 linear and SiO2 tetrahedral
    • Intramolecular bonding: covalent bonds in CO2 and SiO2
    • Double bonds in CO2 and single bonds in SiO2
  8. Predict and explain whether NH3 and BF3 are polar molecules
    • BF3 is nonpolar as no net dipole; in BF3 bond polarities cancel each other out/symmetrical distribution of charge
    • NH3 is polar as there is net dipole movement; N–H bond polarities do not cancel each other out/unsymmetrical distribution of charge (there is a lone pair, making it tetrahedral)
  9. Describe the nature of ionic bonding [1]
    • Electrostatic attraction AND oppositely charged ions
  10. Explain resonance [1]
    • More than one possible position for a multiple/Ο€ bond
  11. Explain why x is more volatile than y (template question) [2]
    • Hydrogen bonding in y
    • Dipole-dipole forces in y are more polar
    • C has greater molar mass/more dispersion/London/instantaneous induced dipole-induced dipole forces/van der Waal forces;

Energetics and thermochemistry

  1. Comment on the relative values of the first and second electron affinity values of (oxygen) as given in the data booklet [2]
    • The first electron affinity corresponds to the attraction of an outer electron into the outer energy level of oxygen, which is an exothermic as heat is released
    • The second electron affinity corresponds to a negatively charged oxide ion accepting an additional outer electron into an energy level despite the mutual repulsion between the negatively charged species, which is an endothermic process
  2. Describe assumptions made using this expression (graph: temperature vs. time) to calculate heat changes
    • all the heat released by the reaction is transferred to the solution and there is no heat loss to surroundings
    • the specific heat capacity of the solution is equal to that of water
    • the density of the solution is 1.00g/cm3 (same as water)
    • the temperature changes occur uniformly thought the solution
    • the polystyrene cup does not absorb any heat (it has negative heat capacity)
    • the excess zinc powder does not absorb any heat (it has negligible heat capacity)
  3. The heat graph is extrapolated to calculate the maximum temperature allowing for heat loss; state the assumption made.
    • that the temperature decreases at a uniform rate (so linear extrapolation is appropriate)
  4. The experiment is repeated and another value of enthalpy is obtained. Comment on these differences
    • Heat to the atmosphere/surroundings
    • The specific heat capacity is take of pure water, even though it might not be
    • The density of the solution taken to be that of pure water
    • Uncertainty of thermometer is so high so temperature change is unreliable
    • Not all solid dissolved

  1. Why does the reaction
    1. Represent the bond enthalpy of HCL: HCl(g) → H(g)β€…+β€…Cl(g)
      • bond enthalpy is the energy required to break 1 mole of a bond in gaseous molecule averaged over similar compounds
      • the bond breaks with each atom taking on the bonded electron and no charged species being formed
      • this equation shows the H–Cl bond being broken to give H(g) and Cl(g)
    2. Represent the C–Cl bond enthalpy in tetrachloromethane: CCL4 → CCl3(g)β€…+β€…Cl(g)
      • bond enthalpy is required to break 1 mole of a bond in a gaseous molecule averaged over similar compounds
      • therefore the equation representing a bond enthalpy of the C–Cl bond should only involve the breaking of one C–Cl bond
  2. Explain why the data booklet value of enthalpy of combustion differs from
    1. The theoretical value
      • the enthalpy change calculated from the bond enthalpies are averaged values obtained from similar compounds and are not specific to the compounds in the reactions
      • the tabulated bond enthalpies are also obtained from gaseous compounds but the combustion reactions conducted in the reactions uses liquid methanol
    2. The lab calculated value
      • heat released from the reaction is lost to the surrounding air as well as going into heating the glass test-tube and is not all going into heating the water
      • complete combustion might not occur in the lab, which would decrease the amount of heat released by the reactions
  3. The following reactions take place in the ozone layer by the absorption of UV light
    1. State and explain, by reference to the bonding, which of the reactions required a shorter wavelength: I) O3 → O2β€…+β€…O.; and II) O2 → O.β€…+β€…O.
      • the bond order in O2 = 2; the bond order in O3 = 1.5, because of the two resonance structures (coordinate bond)
      • reaction II will require shorter wavelength as the bond in O2 has a higher bond order and is stronger than the bonds in O3
      • UV light of a higher energy (shorter wavelength) will be required to break the stronger bond in O2
    2. Explain why ozone can be decomposed by light with a longer wavelength than the required to decompose oxygen
      • the oxygen double bond has a bond order of 2, stronger than the 1.5 bond order in ozone
      • so less energy is required to dissociate ozone than oxygen
      • longer wavelength radiation of lower energy is needed to dissociate ozone
  4. State whether the the following reactions of the born-haber cycle are endothermic or exothermic
    1. Β½ Cl2 → Cl(g) and Li(s) → Li(g)
      • bond dissociation and enthalpy of atomization
      • so both endothermic
    2. Cl(g)β€…+β€…eβˆ’β€„β†’β€„Clβˆ’(g) and Li(g) → Li+(g)β€…+β€…eβˆ’
      • electron affinity is exothermic
      • ionization energy is endothermic
    3. Li+(g)β€…+β€…Clβˆ’(g) → LiCl(s)
      • reverse lattice enthalpy is exothermic
      • (otherwise, lattice enthalpy is endothermic)
    4. Β½ Cl2(g) → Cl(g) and Cl(g) → Cl(g)β€…+β€…eβˆ’β€„β†’β€„Clβˆ’(g)
      • bond dissociation is endothermic
      • electron affinity is exothermic
  5. This is a question about the born-haber cycle
    1. The theoretically calculated value for lattice enthalpy of magnesium chloride is different from the experimental value explain
      • theoretical values are calculated assuming that bonding in MgCl2 is ionic in nature; however, the bond between Mg and Cl also has some covalent character
      • this results in the experimental atomic enthalpy being higher than the theoretical lattice enthalpy
    2. Explain why magnesium oxide has a higher lattice enthalpy than magnesium chloride
      • lattice enthalpy increases in magnitude with increasing charge of the ions in salt and with decreasing ionic radius
      • for MgO, the ionic attraction is between 2+ and 2– ions, so this will result in a higher lattice enthalpy for MgCl2 where the attraction is between 2+ and 2– ions
      • the O2βˆ’ ions also has a smaller ionic radius than Clβˆ’ so this results in a higher lattice enthalpy of MgO

Chemical kinetics

  1. Explain why temperature increases the rate of reaction [2]
    • Greater proportion of molecules have energy higher than activation energy
    • Greater area under maxwell-boltzmann curve to the right of Ea
    • Greater frequency of collisions between molecules
    • More collisions per unit time/second

  1. This is about rate equations
    1. Explain how you would confirm the rate equation rate = k[NO]2[H2]
      • Test the effect on the reaction rate of varying concentration independently
      • Test the effect of varying [NO] on rate whilst keeping [H2] constant and vice versa
      • Test that doubling [NO] quadruples the rate
      • And soubling [H2] doubles rate
    2. State, giving your reason, whether confirmation of the rate expression would prove that the mechanism given is correct. [1]
      • No, different mechanisms could give the same rate expression
      • Mechanisms can be divorced
      • Does not give information about what occurred after RDS

Equilibrium

  1. Outline the characteristics of a homogeneous chemical system that is in a state of equilibrium
    • If the system is homogeneous all of the reactants and products are in the same phase
    • If it is in equilibrium the concentrations of the reactants and the products remain constant as the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are the same

Acids and bases

  1. Distinguish between the terms strong acid and weak acid [2]
    • Strong acid: completely dissociated/ionized in solution/water
    • Weak acid: only partially dissociated/ionized in solution/water
  2. Outline what is meant by amphiprotic with H2PO2- [2]
    • Can act as both Bronsted-Lowry acid and BL base, can accept and donate a hydrogen ion or proton
    • HPO22- and H3PO2

  1. This question is about phosphorus
    1. State the equation of P4O10 and water [1]
      • P4O10 + 6H2O β†’ 4H3PO4
    2. Suggest why oxides of phosphorus are not major contributors to acid deposition [1]
      • Phosphorus not commonly in fuels
      • No common pathways for phosphorus oxidised to enter the air
      • Amount of phosphorus-containing organic matter undergoing anaerobic decomposition is small
    3. The levels of sulfur dioxide, a major contributor to acid deposition, can be minimized by either pre-combustion and post-combustion methods. Outline one technique of each method. [2]
      • Pre-combustion: remove sulfur containing compounds
      • Post-combustion:remove SO2 by neutralization with alkali/base

Redox processes

  1. Define the term standard electrode potential, and state what the negative value means
    • It is the voltage obtained for a half-cell when it is connected to the standard hydrogen electrode
    • The negative value of SEP indicated that the electrons flow from the half cells to the hydrogen electrode, meaning that oxidation is occurring in the half-cell
  2. Explain the function of the salt bridge in the electrochemical cells
    • Required to complete the electrical circuit
    • To allow the movement of ions into the half-cells to maintain the balance of charges as ions are formed and consumed by the redox reactions occurring
  3. Why is aluminium preferred over iron in most uses? [1]
    • Aluminum is less dense and more malleable
    • More resistant to corrosion
    • Better conductor of heat
  4. State the conditions necessary for the potential of the cell to calculus the standard electrode potential for the cell [1]
    • 1.0 mol dm-3 and 298 K
  5. Which equation represents the reduction process occurring in the standard hydrogen electrode?
    • 2H+(aq) + 2e- β†’ H2(g)
  6. Which metal will be produced: Cd or Cr (EΓΈ is lower)
    • Cd2+ is a stronger oxidizing agent than H2O and will be displaced to produce Cd
    • Cr2+ is a weaker oxidizing agent than H2O and H2 will displace in preference to Cr
  7. Describe the materials and conditions used in the standard hydrogen electrode. [5]
    • Platinum electrodes
    • 1 mol dm-3 [H+(aq)]
    • H2 gas
    • 1 atm (1.01 * 105 Pa)
    • 298 K

  1. This question is about

Organic chemistry

  1. Describe a chemical test that could be used to distinguish between pent-1-ene and pentane.
    • Add bromine (water)
    • Pentane no change/stays brown and pent-1-ene decolorizes bromine (water)
    • OR add acidified KMnO4
    • Pentane no change/stays purple and pent-1-ene decolorizes acidified KMnO4
    • (This reaction is a sign of unsaturation)
  2. Explain using equations, the following in the free-radical mechanism of the reaction of methane with chlorine: initiation, propagation, termination [4]
    • Initiation: Cl2 β†’ (UV) 2Cl*
    • Propagation: Cl* + CH4 β†’ CH3* + HCl and CH3* + Cl2 β†’ CH3Cl + Cl*
    • Termination: Cl* + Cl* β†’ Cl2
  3. Phenylamine, C6H5NH2, is produced by the reduction of nitrobenzene, C6H5NO2 .Suggest how this conversion can be carried out. [2]
    • Heat with tn and hydrochloric acid
    • Or hydrogen and nickel catalyst
  4. Explain why the hydroxide ion is a better nucleophile than water [2]
    • OH- has a negative charge/higher electron density
    • Stronger attraction to the carbon atom with the partial positive charge
  5. Outline two reasons why the polymerization of alkenes is of economic importance. [2]
    • Wide range of uses/physical properties/versatile
    • Large industry/many tons of plastics consumed by society

  1. This question is about alkenes
    1. State and explain the trend of the boiling points of the first five members of the alkene homologous series. [3]
      • Boiling points increase
      • Increasing size of molecules/area of contact/number of elections
      • Strength of intermolecular/van der Waals/London dispersion forces increase/more energy required to break intermolecular bonds
    2. Describe features of a homologous series
      • Same general formula
      • Successive members differ by CH2
      • Same functional group and similar chemical properties
      • Gradual trend in physical properties
  2. This question is probably about stereoisomerism
    1. Define the term stereoisomers [1]
      • Compounds with the same structural formula and different arrangement in space/3D structures
    2. State the conditions needed for a compound to show cis-trans [2]
      • Restricted rotation around a double bond
      • Carbon atoms of the C=C double bond in alkene or carbon atoms of the C-C single bond in cyclohexane must have two different atoms/groups of atoms

Spectral analysis

  1. Outline why TMS may be added to the sample to carry out the 1H NMR spectroscopy [2]
    • Acts as an internal standard
    • Acts as a reference point
    • One strong signal
    • 12 H atoms in same environment
    • Signal is well away from other absorptions

Experimental

  1. The student added the acid to quickly. Outline how this could have affected the calculated concentration [2]
    • Equivalence point has been exceeded as to much acid has been added
    • Calculated concentration increases
  2. Suggest why, despite preparing the solution and performing the titrations very carefully, widely different results were obtained [1]
    • Color change difficult to detect
    • Used different HCL standards
    • No significant figures used in subsequent calculation
    • Incorrect method of calculation

Option C: Energy

  1. Identify a reagent and catalyst of transesterification of cooking oil to biofuels [2]
    • Reagent: methanol/ethanol
    • Catalyst: strong acid/base
  2. State an advantage and disadvantage for the energy sources [4]
    • Advantages:
      • Biofuels: low carbon footprint, sustainable, lower emission of CO2, economic
      • Fossil fuels: higher energy content, low cost, readily accessible
    • Disadvantages:
      • Biofuels: lower specific energy, high cost, uses agricultural land, GHG/CO2 produced
      • Fossil fuels: linked to CC, not sustainable/renewable, greater pollution possibilities

  1. This question is about knocking and hexane
    1. Hexane can be converted to different organic products in a reforming process. Identify one of these products. [1]
      • Benzene
      • Cyclohexane
      • 2,2-dimethylbutane
    2. Suggest why the product above has a lesser tendency to auto-ignite than hexane [1]
      • Increased branching (for benzene)
      • Tertiary radicals are more stable
      • Higher octane rating
    3. Give an advantage and disadvantage of adding ethanol to motor vehicles [2]
      • Advantages:
        • Ethanol does not produce particulates
        • Higher octane rating
        • Less environmental risks associated with spills for ethanol
        • Economic advantages for countries unable to produce crude oil
      • Disadvantages
        • Volatile
        • Land could have been used for food production
        • Biodiversity affected
    4. Outline how higher contain fuels help eliminate knocking in engines [1]
      • Fuels can be compressed more with tough underfiring unwanted auto-ignition
    5. Outline how catalytic reforming increases a fuel’s octane rating [1]
      • Produces more branched chain hydrocarbons with higher octane rating
      • Produces aromatics which have higher octane rating
      • Produced cyclohexanes which have higher octane rating

Nature of science

  1. Suggest why collaboration is important [1]
    • Different solutions/statistical data can be compared
    • Acceleration of research
    • Discoveries become available to everyone