An original Thinka practice paper modelled on the structure and difficulty of the Jun 2024 (V3) Cambridge International A Level Chemistry (0620) paper. Not affiliated with or reproduced from Cambridge.
Extended Theory Paper
Answer all questions. Show your working where appropriate. Use of a calculator is allowed.
41 PastPaper.question · 85 PastPaper.marks
PastPaper.question 1 · Process Matching
1 PastPaper.marks
Match the experimental objective to the correct separation or purification technique from the list below. List: Filtration, Simple distillation, Fractional distillation, Crystallisation, Paper chromatography. Objective: Obtaining pure water from an aqueous solution of copper(II) sulfate.
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Simple distillation is used to separate a volatile solvent (water) from a non-volatile solute (copper(II) sulfate) by boiling the mixture and condensing the vapor to collect pure liquid water.
Match the experimental objective to the correct separation or purification technique from the list below. List: Filtration, Simple distillation, Fractional distillation, Crystallisation, Paper chromatography. Objective: Separating a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons with close boiling points in crude oil.
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Fractional distillation uses a fractionating column to separate mixtures of liquids with different boiling points, such as the various hydrocarbon fractions found in crude oil.
Match the description of the chemical process in the Blast Furnace to the correct substance from the list below. List: Carbon monoxide, Hematite, Limestone, Slag, Coke. Description: The substance that undergoes thermal decomposition to produce calcium oxide, which then reacts with silicon(IV) oxide impurities.
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Limestone (calcium carbonate, \(\text{CaCO}_3\)) undergoes thermal decomposition in the hot blast furnace to produce calcium oxide (\(\text{CaO}\)), which then reacts with acidic silicon(IV) oxide impurities to form molten slag (\(\text{CaSiO}_3\)).
Match the industrial process to the correct catalyst used from the list below. List: Iron, Nickel, Phosphoric acid, Vanadium(V) oxide, Manganese(IV) oxide. Process: The catalytic hydration of ethene with steam to manufacture ethanol.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
Phosphoric acid (\(\text{H}_3\text{PO}_4\)) absorbed on silica is the catalyst used in the industrial hydration of ethene with steam at \(300\ ^\circ\text{C}\) and \(60\ \text{atm}\) pressure to produce ethanol.
Match the industrial process for producing ethanol to the set of reaction conditions described below. List: Fermentation of glucose, Catalytic hydration of ethene. Conditions: Yeast catalyst, a temperature of \(30\ ^\circ\text{C}\), and anaerobic conditions (absence of oxygen).
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The fermentation of glucose uses the enzymes in yeast as a biological catalyst to convert glucose into ethanol and carbon dioxide at a moderate temperature of around \(30\ ^\circ\text{C}\) under anaerobic conditions.
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1 mark: Fermentation of glucose. Accept: fermentation.
PastPaper.question 6 · Process Matching
1 PastPaper.marks
Match the polymer to its type of polymerisation reaction from the list below. List: Addition polymerisation, Condensation polymerisation. Polymer: Nylon (a polyamide).
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Nylon is a polyamide formed by a condensation polymerisation reaction, where dicarboxylic acid and diamine monomers react together, eliminating a small molecule (such as water or hydrogen chloride) for each amide linkage formed.
Match the method of rust prevention to its description from the list below. List: Barrier method, Sacrificial protection, Galvanising. Description: Attaching blocks of a more reactive metal (such as zinc or magnesium) to the hull of a steel ship to prevent rusting, where the more reactive metal oxidises preferentially.
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Sacrificial protection involves attaching a more reactive metal (which loses electrons more readily) to the iron or steel structure. This more reactive metal corrodes preferentially, thereby protecting the underlying iron from being oxidised.
The table below shows the structure of a potassium ion.
| Species | Number of protons | Number of neutrons | Number of electrons | | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | | \({}^{39}_{19}\text{K}^{+}\) | 19 | 20 | **X** |
Complete the table by determining the number of electrons, **X**, in this potassium ion.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
The atomic number of potassium is 19, which represents the number of protons in its nucleus. The potassium ion has a \(1+\) charge, indicating that it has lost 1 electron. Therefore, the number of electrons is \(19 - 1 = 18\).
The table below shows the structure of a sulfide ion.
| Species | Number of protons | Number of neutrons | Number of electrons | Overall charge | | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | | Sulfide ion | 16 | 18 | 18 | **Y** |
Complete the table by determining the overall charge, **Y**, of this ion.
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The number of protons is 16 (each with a positive charge) and the number of electrons is 18 (each with a negative charge). The net charge is \(16 - 18 = -2\), which is written as \(2-\).
The table below shows subatomic particles in an oxide ion.
| Species | Number of protons | Number of neutrons | Number of electrons | | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | | \(\text{O}^{2-}\) | **P** | 8 | 10 |
Complete the table by determining the number of protons, **P**, in this ion.
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The species is an oxygen ion (\(\text{O}^{2-}\)). The atomic number of oxygen is 8, which corresponds to the number of protons in its nucleus. The identity of the element does not change when it becomes an ion, so the proton number remains 8.
The table below contains information about a specific ion of chromium.
| Species | Number of protons | Number of neutrons | Number of electrons | Mass number | | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | | Chromium ion | 24 | 28 | 21 | **M** |
Complete the table by determining the mass number (nucleon number), **M**, of this chromium ion.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
The mass number (nucleon number) is calculated as the sum of the protons and neutrons in the nucleus:
\(\text{Mass number} = 24 + 28 = 52\).
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1 mark for 52.
PastPaper.question 13 · Extended Theory
2 PastPaper.marks
State, in terms of its structure and bonding, why sodium chloride has a high melting point.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
Sodium chloride has a giant ionic lattice structure consisting of a regular arrangement of alternating positive sodium ions and negative chloride ions. The electrostatic forces of attraction between these oppositely charged ions are extremely strong throughout the giant structure. Consequently, a large amount of thermal energy is required to overcome and break these strong ionic bonds to melt the solid.
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M1: (Has a) giant ionic lattice / strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions (1 mark) M2: (Requires a) large amount of energy to break / overcome these forces (1 mark)
PastPaper.question 14 · Extended Theory
2 PastPaper.marks
Explain, in terms of its structure and bonding, why copper is an excellent conductor of electricity.
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Copper has a giant metallic structure consisting of a regular lattice of positive copper ions surrounded by a sea of mobile, delocalised electrons. Because these delocalised electrons are not fixed to any individual atom, they are free to move throughout the entire metallic structure and carry electrical charge when a voltage is applied.
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M1: Reference to delocalised electrons / mobile electrons (1 mark) M2: Electrons are free to move / flow to carry charge / current (1 mark)
PastPaper.question 15 · Extended Theory
2 PastPaper.marks
Graphite is a form of carbon that is commonly used as a lubricant. Explain, in terms of its structure and bonding, why graphite is soft and slippery.
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In graphite, carbon atoms are covalently bonded to three other carbon atoms, forming hexagonal layers. While the covalent bonds within the layers are very strong, the forces holding the different layers together are weak intermolecular forces. This lack of strong bonding between the layers allows them to slide over each other easily when physical force is applied, making the material soft and slippery.
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M1: Structure consists of layers / sheets of carbon atoms (1 mark) M2: Weak forces (of attraction) between layers allow them to slide / slip over each other (1 mark)
PastPaper.question 16 · Extended Theory
2 PastPaper.marks
Sulfur dioxide, SO2, is a gas at room temperature with a boiling point of -10 °C. Explain, in terms of forces of attraction, why sulfur dioxide has a low boiling point.
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Sulfur dioxide has a simple molecular structure. The covalent bonds within each SO2 molecule are strong, but the forces of attraction between the individual molecules (intermolecular forces) are very weak. Because very little thermal energy is needed to overcome these weak forces, sulfur dioxide boils at a very low temperature. Note that no covalent bonds are broken during boiling.
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M1: Simple molecular structure / weak intermolecular forces (or weak forces between molecules) (1 mark) M2: Little energy needed to overcome / break these forces (1 mark) [Reject: breaking covalent bonds]
PastPaper.question 17 · short_answer
2 PastPaper.marks
When anhydrous copper(II) nitrate is heated, it decomposes according to the following equation:
Calculate the total volume of gaseous products, in \(\text{dm}^3\), collected at room temperature and pressure (r.t.p.) when \(0.050\text{ mol}\) of copper(II) nitrate is completely decomposed. (The molar gas volume at r.t.p. is \(24\text{ dm}^3/\text{mol}\).)
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PastPaper.workedSolution
Step 1: Determine the total moles of gaseous products produced per mole of copper(II) nitrate decomposed. From the balanced equation, \(2\text{ mol}\) of \(\text{Cu(NO}_3\text{)}_2\) produces \(4\text{ mol}\) of \(\text{NO}_2\) and \(1\text{ mol}\) of \(\text{O}_2\), giving a total of \(5\text{ mol}\) of gas. So, the ratio of reactant to gas products is \(2 : 5\).
Step 2: Calculate the moles of gas produced from \(0.050\text{ mol}\) of reactant. \(\text{Moles of gas} = 0.050\text{ mol} \times \frac{5}{2} = 0.125\text{ mol}\)
Step 3: Calculate the volume of gas at r.t.p. \(\text{Volume} = 0.125\text{ mol} \times 24\text{ dm}^3/\text{mol} = 3.0\text{ dm}^3\).
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1 mark: Correct calculation of total moles of gas produced (0.125 mol). 1 mark: Correct calculation of the total gas volume with units (3.0 dm3 / 3 dm3).
PastPaper.question 18 · short_answer
2 PastPaper.marks
An oxide of phosphorus contains \(43.6\%\) phosphorus and \(56.4\%\) oxygen by mass. Deduce the empirical formula of this phosphorus oxide. [Relative atomic masses, \(A_r\): \(\text{P} = 31\); \(\text{O} = 16\)]
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Step 1: Calculate the moles of each element in \(100\text{ g}\) of the compound. \(\text{Moles of P} = \frac{43.6}{31} = 1.41\text{ mol}\) \(\text{Moles of O} = \frac{56.4}{16} = 3.53\text{ mol}\)
Step 2: Divide each mole value by the smallest value to find the simplest whole number ratio. \(\text{Ratio of P} = \frac{1.41}{1.41} = 1\) \(\text{Ratio of O} = \frac{3.53}{1.41} = 2.5\)
Step 3: Multiply by 2 to obtain integers, giving a ratio of \(2 : 5\). Empirical formula is \(\text{P}_2\text{O}_5\).
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1 mark: Correct calculated molar ratio of atoms (approx. 1.41 : 3.53 or 1 : 2.5). 1 mark: Correct empirical formula (P2O5).
PastPaper.question 19 · short_answer
2 PastPaper.marks
Calculate the mass of iron, in grams, produced when \(8.00\text{ g}\) of iron(III) oxide (\(\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3\)) is completely reduced by carbon monoxide in a blast furnace.
Step 1: Calculate the formula mass (\(M_r\)) of iron(III) oxide. \(M_r(\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3) = (2 \times 56) + (3 \times 16) = 160\).
Step 2: Calculate the moles of \(\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3\) reacted. \(\text{Moles} = \frac{8.00\text{ g}}{160} = 0.050\text{ mol}\).
Step 3: Determine the moles of iron produced. According to the stoichiometry, \(1\text{ mol}\) of \(\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3\) yields \(2\text{ mol}\) of \(\text{Fe}\). \(\text{Moles of Fe} = 0.050\text{ mol} \times 2 = 0.10\text{ mol}\).
Step 4: Calculate the mass of iron. \(\text{Mass of Fe} = 0.10\text{ mol} \times 56\text{ g/mol} = 5.60\text{ g}\).
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1 mark: Correct calculation of moles of Fe2O3 (0.050 mol) OR moles of Fe (0.10 mol). 1 mark: Correct final mass of iron with units (5.60 g / 5.6 g).
PastPaper.question 20 · short_answer
2 PastPaper.marks
Sodium hydroxide solution reacts with dilute sulfuric acid according to the equation:
Calculate the volume, in \(\text{cm}^3\), of \(0.200\text{ mol/dm}^3\) sodium hydroxide solution required to neutralize exactly \(25.0\text{ cm}^3\) of \(0.150\text{ mol/dm}^3\) sulfuric acid.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
Step 1: Calculate the moles of sulfuric acid used. \(\text{Moles of H}_2\text{SO}_4 = \frac{25.0}{1000} \times 0.150 = 0.00375\text{ mol}\).
Step 2: Determine moles of NaOH required from the stoichiometry (2:1 ratio). \(\text{Moles of NaOH} = 2 \times 0.00375 = 0.00750\text{ mol}\).
Step 3: Calculate the volume of sodium hydroxide solution needed. \(\text{Volume of NaOH} = \frac{0.00750}{0.200} = 0.0375\text{ dm}^3 = 37.5\text{ cm}^3\).
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1 mark: Correct calculation of moles of NaOH required (0.00750 mol). 1 mark: Correct volume of NaOH with units (37.5 cm3).
PastPaper.question 21 · short_answer
2 PastPaper.marks
A mixture containing \(4.0\text{ g}\) of hydrogen gas (\(\text{H}_2\)) and \(24.0\text{ g}\) of oxygen gas (\(\text{O}_2\)) is ignited to produce water.
Calculate the maximum mass, in grams, of water that can be produced. [Relative atomic masses, \(A_r\): \(\text{H} = 1\); \(\text{O} = 16\)]
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PastPaper.workedSolution
Step 1: Calculate moles of reactants available. \(\text{Moles of H}_2 = \frac{4.0}{2} = 2.0\text{ mol}\). \(\text{Moles of O}_2 = \frac{24.0}{32} = 0.75\text{ mol}\).
Step 2: Determine the limiting reactant. According to the equation, \(0.75\text{ mol}\) of \(\text{O}_2\) requires \(2 \times 0.75 = 1.5\text{ mol}\) of \(\text{H}_2\). Since we have \(2.0\text{ mol}\) of \(\text{H}_2\), oxygen is the limiting reactant.
Step 3: Calculate moles of water produced from the limiting reactant. \(\text{Moles of H}_2\text{O} = 2 \times \text{moles of O}_2 = 2 \times 0.75 = 1.50\text{ mol}\).
Step 4: Calculate mass of water. \(\text{Mass of H}_2\text{O} = 1.50\text{ mol} \times 18\text{ g/mol} = 27.0\text{ g}\).
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1 mark: Identification of O2 as the limiting reactant (or showing 0.75 mol of O2 limits production). 1 mark: Correct calculation of water mass with units (27.0 g / 27 g).
PastPaper.question 22 · short_answer
2 PastPaper.marks
In an experiment, \(11.5\text{ g}\) of ethanol (\(\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH}\), \(M_r = 46\)) is reacted with an excess of ethanoic acid to produce ethyl ethanoate (\(\text{CH}_3\text{COOC}_2\text{H}_5\), \(M_r = 88\)). The actual mass of ethyl ethanoate obtained is \(16.5\text{ g}\).
Calculate the percentage yield of ethyl ethanoate.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
Step 1: Calculate the theoretical moles of ethyl ethanoate from ethanol. \(\text{Moles of ethanol} = \frac{11.5}{46} = 0.250\text{ mol}\). Since the reaction is 1:1, theoretical moles of ethyl ethanoate = \(0.250\text{ mol}\).
Step 2: Calculate the theoretical maximum mass of ethyl ethanoate. \(\text{Theoretical mass} = 0.250\text{ mol} \times 88\text{ g/mol} = 22.0\text{ g}\).
1 mark: Correct calculation of the theoretical mass of ethyl ethanoate (22.0 g). 1 mark: Correct calculation of the percentage yield (75% / 75.0%).
PastPaper.question 23 · extended_theory
3 PastPaper.marks
The table shows the percentage yield of gaseous product \(X\) in a reversible reaction \(2Y(g) \rightleftharpoons X(g)\) at different temperatures and pressures.
Deduce, with a reason using data from the table, whether the forward reaction is exothermic or endothermic.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
1. Identify the effect of temperature on yield at a constant pressure: At 20 atm, when the temperature is raised from 300 \(^{\circ}C\) to 500 \(^{\circ}C\), the percentage yield of product \(X\) decreases from 45\\% to 15\\%. 2. Relate to the equilibrium shift: A decrease in yield indicates that the equilibrium position has shifted to the left (towards reactants). 3. Apply Le Chatelier's principle: An increase in temperature always shifts the equilibrium position in the direction of the endothermic reaction to absorb the added thermal energy. Since the shift is to the left, the backward reaction is endothermic. 4. Deduce the enthalpy change of the forward reaction: If the backward reaction is endothermic, the forward reaction must be exothermic.
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Award marks as follows: - Deduce that the forward reaction is exothermic [1 mark] - State that increasing temperature (from 300 \(^{\circ}C\) to 500 \(^{\circ}C\)) decreases the yield of \(X\) (using data from the table at a constant pressure) [1 mark] - Explain that an increase in temperature shifts equilibrium in the endothermic direction, meaning the backward reaction is endothermic / forward reaction is exothermic [1 mark]
PastPaper.question 24 · extended_theory
3 PastPaper.marks
Methanol is synthesised industrially according to the following reversible reaction:
Using the data in the table, explain the effect of increasing pressure on the yield of methanol in terms of the position of equilibrium and gas molecules.
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1. State the trend shown in the table: As pressure increases from 50 atm to 150 atm at a constant temperature of 250 \(^{\circ}C\), the percentage yield of methanol increases from 58\\% to 82\\%. 2. Relate this to the number of moles of gas: The left-hand side of the equation has 3 moles of gaseous reactants (1 \(\text{CO}\) + 2 \(\text{H}_2\)), while the right-hand side has only 1 mole of gaseous product (\(\text{CH}_3\text{OH}\)). 3. Apply Le Chatelier's principle: Increasing pressure shifts the equilibrium position to the side with fewer moles of gas (the right-hand side), thereby increasing the yield of methanol.
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Award marks as follows: - State that increasing pressure increases the yield of methanol (supported by the table values: 58\\% at 50 atm increases to 82\\% at 150 atm) [1 mark] - State that there are fewer moles of gas on the product side (1 mole) than on the reactant side (3 moles) [1 mark] - Explain that increasing pressure shifts the equilibrium position to the side with fewer moles of gas / shifts to the right [1 mark]
PastPaper.question 25 · extended_theory
3 PastPaper.marks
A chemical scientist investigated the reversible reaction of sulfur dioxide and oxygen to form sulfur trioxide:
Using the data in the table, answer the following: (a) Explain the effect of using a catalyst on the position of equilibrium and the rate of reaction. [2] (b) Deduce the sign of the enthalpy change (\(\Delta H\)) for the forward reaction. [1]
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For (a): - Compare Experiment 1 and Experiment 2 at 400 \(^{\circ}C\). - The yield is identical at 98\\% for both, meaning the catalyst does not alter the final position of equilibrium. - However, the time taken decreases significantly from 3600 s to 45 s, showing that the catalyst increases the rate of reaction.
For (b): - Compare Experiment 2 and Experiment 3. - When temperature increases from 400 \(^{\circ}C\) to 500 \(^{\circ}C\) (with Pt catalyst), the yield of \(\text{SO}_3\) decreases from 98\\% to 91\\%. - Since a temperature rise decreases the yield of product, the equilibrium shifts to the left. - An increase in temperature always shifts equilibrium in the endothermic direction, so the backward reaction is endothermic. - Therefore, the forward reaction must be exothermic, which corresponds to a negative enthalpy change (\(\Delta H < 0\)).
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Award marks as follows: - (a) Explains that the catalyst has no effect on the position of equilibrium/yield (remains 98\\%) [1 mark] - (a) Explains that the catalyst increases the reaction rate / decreases the time taken to reach equilibrium (from 3600 s to 45 s) [1 mark] - (b) States that \(\Delta H\) is negative / exothermic AND refers to the temperature increase causing a yield decrease (98\\% to 91\\%) [1 mark]
PastPaper.question 26 · Extended Theory
2.5 PastPaper.marks
A student is given a solid mixture consisting of copper(II) carbonate (insoluble in water) and sodium chloride (soluble in water). Describe the experimental procedure to obtain a pure, dry sample of copper(II) carbonate from this mixture.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
To obtain the copper(II) carbonate: 1. Add distilled water to the solid mixture in a beaker and stir thoroughly. The sodium chloride dissolves while the copper(II) carbonate remains insoluble. 2. Filter the mixture using a filter funnel and filter paper. The copper(II) carbonate is collected as the residue on the filter paper, while the sodium chloride solution passes through as the filtrate. 3. Wash the residue of copper(II) carbonate with a small amount of distilled water to remove any remaining sodium chloride solution. 4. Dry the copper(II) carbonate residue by pressing it gently between sheets of filter paper or by placing it in a warm oven.
PastPaper.markingScheme
1 mark: Add water and stir to dissolve the sodium chloride. 1 mark: Filter the mixture to obtain copper(II) carbonate as the residue. 0.5 mark: Wash the residue with distilled water and dry it.
PastPaper.question 27 · Extended Theory
2.5 PastPaper.marks
Describe how a student can prepare a pure, dry sample of the insoluble salt barium sulfate, starting from aqueous barium chloride and aqueous sodium sulfate.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
The preparation of an insoluble salt is done via precipitation: 1. Mix equal volumes of aqueous barium chloride and aqueous sodium sulfate in a beaker to form a precipitate of barium sulfate. 2. Filter the mixture to separate the insoluble barium sulfate precipitate (residue) from the soluble sodium chloride solution (filtrate). 3. Wash the residue on the filter paper with distilled water to remove any soluble impurities. 4. Dry the precipitate in a warm oven or leave it to dry between filter papers.
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1 mark: Mix the two aqueous solutions together. 1 mark: Filter the mixture to collect the precipitate as the residue. 0.5 mark: Wash the residue with distilled water and dry it.
PastPaper.question 28 · Extended Theory
2.5 PastPaper.marks
During a paper chromatography experiment to analyze a food coloring, the solvent front traveled 6.0 cm from the baseline. A spot of blue dye traveled 4.2 cm from the baseline. Calculate the Rf value of the blue dye and explain why the starting line (baseline) must be drawn in pencil rather than ink.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
1. The Rf value is calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the solute by the distance traveled by the solvent front: Rf = 4.2 \/ 6.0 = 0.70. 2. The baseline must be drawn in pencil because graphite (pencil lead) is insoluble in chromatography solvents. If ink from a pen were used, the ink dyes would dissolve in the solvent and run up the paper, interfering with the results and contaminating the chromatogram.
PastPaper.markingScheme
1 mark: Correct calculation of Rf = 0.70. 1 mark: State that pencil lead is insoluble in the solvent. 0.5 mark: Explain that ink contains soluble dyes which would run and interfere with the chromatogram.
PastPaper.question 29 · Extended Theory
2.5 PastPaper.marks
A student investigates the rate of reaction between magnesium ribbon and excess dilute hydrochloric acid by measuring the volume of hydrogen gas produced over time. Name two essential pieces of apparatus needed to measure the volume of gas and the rate of its production, and explain why a gas syringe is more suitable than downward delivery in air for determining this rate.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
1. The two essential pieces of apparatus are a gas syringe (or an inverted measuring cylinder filled with water) to measure the volume of gas, and a stopwatch (or timer) to measure time. 2. A gas syringe is preferred because downward delivery in air only collects gas in a container but does not allow the volume of gas to be measured continuously or quantitatively over time. Furthermore, hydrogen is extremely light and would easily escape or mix with air during downward delivery.
PastPaper.markingScheme
1 mark: Identify gas syringe (or inverted measuring cylinder) AND a timer (0.5 marks each). 1 mark: Explain that downward delivery does not allow continuous quantitative measurement of gas volume. 0.5 mark: Mention that hydrogen has a low density or that gas syringe prevents gas loss.
PastPaper.question 30 · structured
4 PastPaper.marks
A sample of an oxide of vanadium contains \(56.0\%\) vanadium by mass. Determine the empirical formula of this oxide. [\(A_r\): \(\text{V} = 51\); \(\text{O} = 16\)]
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PastPaper.workedSolution
1. Find the percentage of oxygen by mass: \(100\% - 56.0\% = 44.0\%\)
2. Calculate the number of moles of each element in a \(100\text{ g}\) sample: Moles of \(\text{V} = \frac{56.0}{51} = 1.10\text{ mol}\) Moles of \(\text{O} = \frac{44.0}{16} = 2.75\text{ mol}\)
3. Determine the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms: Divide both by the smaller value (\(1.10\)): \(\text{V} = \frac{1.10}{1.10} = 1.0\) \(\text{O} = \frac{2.75}{1.10} = 2.5\)
Multiply both values by 2 to obtain whole numbers: \(\text{V} = 2\) \(\text{O} = 5\)
4. Write the final empirical formula: \(\text{V}_2\text{O}_5\).
PastPaper.markingScheme
[1] Calculates the percentage of oxygen as \(44.0\%\) (or shows calculation \(100 - 56.0\)). [1] Divides percentages by relative atomic masses: \(\frac{56.0}{51}\) and \(\frac{44.0}{16}\) (moles of \(\text{V} = 1.10\), moles of \(\text{O} = 2.75\)). [1] Identifies the simplest ratio as \(1 : 2.5\) or \(2 : 5\). [1] Deduces the correct empirical formula: \(\text{V}_2\text{O}_5\).
PastPaper.question 31 · structured
4 PastPaper.marks
Lithium carbonate decomposes on heating according to the following equation:
Calculate the volume of carbon dioxide gas, in \(\text{dm}^3\), produced at r.t.p. when \(3.70\text{ g}\) of anhydrous lithium carbonate is completely decomposed. [\(A_r\): \(\text{Li} = 7\); \(\text{C} = 12\); \(\text{O} = 16\); molar volume of gas at r.t.p. = \(24.0\text{ dm}^3/\text{mol}\)]
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PastPaper.workedSolution
1. Calculate the relative formula mass (\(M_r\)) of \(\text{Li}_2\text{CO}_3\): \(M_r = (2 \times 7) + 12 + (3 \times 16) = 14 + 12 + 48 = 74\)
2. Calculate the number of moles of \(\text{Li}_2\text{CO}_3\) reacted: \(\text{Moles} = \frac{3.70\text{ g}}{74\text{ g/mol}} = 0.050\text{ mol}\)
3. Determine the moles of \(\text{CO}_2\) produced: According to the stoichiometry of the equation, the ratio of \(\text{Li}_2\text{CO}_3\) to \(\text{CO}_2\) is \(1:1\). Therefore, moles of \(\text{CO}_2 = 0.050\text{ mol}\)
4. Calculate the volume of \(\text{CO}_2\) gas at r.t.p.: \(\text{Volume} = \text{moles} \times 24.0\text{ dm}^3/\text{mol} = 0.050 \times 24.0 = 1.20\text{ dm}^3\).
PastPaper.markingScheme
[1] Calculates the \(M_r\) of \(\text{Li}_2\text{CO}_3\) as \(74\). [1] Calculates the moles of \(\text{Li}_2\text{CO}_3\) as \(0.050\text{ mol}\) (allow ecf from incorrect \(M_r\)). [1] Uses the \(1:1\) mole ratio to state that moles of \(\text{CO}_2 = 0.050\text{ mol}\). [1] Calculates the volume of \(\text{CO}_2\) gas as \(1.20\text{ dm}^3\) (or \(1.2\text{ dm}^3\); accept \(1200\text{ cm}^3\) if unit is clearly stated).
PastPaper.question 32 · structured
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In an acid-base titration, \(25.0\text{ cm}^3\) of a sodium hydroxide, \(\text{NaOH}\), solution of unknown concentration reacted completely with \(18.5\text{ cm}^3\) of \(0.0500\text{ mol/dm}^3\) sulfuric acid, \(\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4\). The equation for the reaction is:
Calculate the concentration, in \(\text{mol/dm}^3\), of the sodium hydroxide solution.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
1. Calculate the moles of \(\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4\) used: \(\text{Moles} = \text{concentration} \times \text{volume in dm}^3\) \(\text{Moles} = 0.0500\text{ mol/dm}^3 \times \frac{18.5}{1000}\text{ dm}^3 = 9.25 \times 10^{-4}\text{ mol}\) (or \(0.000925\text{ mol}\))
2. Determine the moles of \(\text{NaOH}\) that reacted: From the balanced equation, \(1\text{ mol}\) of \(\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4\) reacts with \(2\text{ mol}\) of \(\text{NaOH}\). \(\text{Moles of NaOH} = 2 \times 9.25 \times 10^{-4}\text{ mol} = 1.85 \times 10^{-3}\text{ mol}\) (or \(0.00185\text{ mol}\))
3. Calculate the concentration of the \(\text{NaOH}\) solution: \(\text{Concentration} = \frac{\text{moles}}{\text{volume in dm}^3}\) \(\text{Concentration} = \frac{1.85 \times 10^{-3}\text{ mol}}{0.0250\text{ dm}^3} = 0.0740\text{ mol/dm}^3\).
PastPaper.markingScheme
[1] Calculates the moles of sulfuric acid as \(9.25 \times 10^{-4}\text{ mol}\) (or \(0.000925\text{ mol}\)). [1] Uses the \(1:2\) stoichiometric ratio to find moles of \(\text{NaOH} = 1.85 \times 10^{-3}\text{ mol}\) (or \(0.00185\text{ mol}\)). [1] Divides the moles of \(\text{NaOH}\) by the volume of \(\text{NaOH}\) in \(\text{dm}^3\) (\(0.0250\text{ dm}^3\)). [1] Obtains the correct concentration: \(0.0740\text{ mol/dm}^3\) (or \(0.074\text{ mol/dm}^3\)).
PastPaper.question 33 · short-answer
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Hematite is reduced to iron in the blast furnace. Write a balanced chemical equation for this reduction reaction where carbon monoxide is the reducing agent.
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In the blast furnace, iron(III) oxide (hematite) reacts with carbon monoxide gas at high temperatures to produce molten iron and carbon dioxide gas. The balanced equation is \(\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + 3\text{CO} \rightarrow 2\text{Fe} + 3\text{CO}_2\).
Calcium carbonate (limestone) is added to the blast furnace to remove the acidic impurity silicon(IV) oxide. Explain how calcium carbonate achieves this, stating the name of the final waste product formed.
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Calcium carbonate decomposes at high temperatures to produce calcium oxide and carbon dioxide: \(\text{CaCO}_3 \rightarrow \text{CaO} + \text{CO}_2\). The calcium oxide (which is a basic metal oxide) then reacts with the acidic silicon(IV) oxide impurity to form slag (calcium silicate): \(\text{CaO} + \text{SiO}_2 \rightarrow \text{CaSiO}_3\).
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1 mark: stating that calcium carbonate decomposes to form calcium oxide (or that calcium oxide reacts with the acidic oxide in a neutralisation reaction). 1 mark: identifying the final waste product as slag / calcium silicate.
PastPaper.question 35 · short-answer
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Explain why zinc can be extracted from its oxide by heating with carbon, whereas aluminium cannot be extracted from aluminium oxide using carbon.
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Carbon is more reactive than zinc, so it can reduce zinc oxide by displacing zinc from the compound. However, aluminium is more reactive than carbon, meaning carbon is not a strong enough reducing agent to displace aluminium from its oxide.
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1 mark: stating aluminium is more reactive than carbon (or has a stronger affinity for oxygen than carbon). 1 mark: stating zinc is less reactive than carbon (or carbon is more reactive than zinc, allowing reduction to occur).
PastPaper.question 36 · short-answer
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Pure copper is relatively soft and malleable, but brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) is much harder. Explain why brass is harder than pure copper in terms of their structures.
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In pure copper, the atoms are all of the same size and arranged in neat, regular layers which can easily slide over one another when a force is applied. In brass, the introduction of zinc atoms, which have a different atomic size, disrupts and distorts this regular arrangement. This prevents the layers of atoms from sliding past one another easily, making the alloy much harder.
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1 mark: different size of zinc atoms disrupts/distorts the regular layers/arrangement of copper atoms. 1 mark: prevents/stops layers from sliding over each other easily.
PastPaper.question 37 · short-answer
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During the industrial extraction of aluminium, alumina (aluminium oxide) is dissolved in molten cryolite. State two distinct reasons why molten cryolite is used in this electrolysis process.
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Aluminium oxide has an extremely high melting point of about 2000 \(^{\circ}\text{C}\). Dissolving it in molten cryolite lowers the operating temperature of the cell to around 950 \(^{\circ}\text{C}\), saving a vast amount of thermal energy. Additionally, molten cryolite improves the overall electrical conductivity of the electrolyte mixture, allowing electrolysis to proceed more efficiently.
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1 mark: lowers the melting point of the electrolyte/aluminium oxide mixture (or reduces energy costs). 1 mark: improves/increases the electrical conductivity of the electrolyte mixture.
PastPaper.question 38 · Organic Isomers, Polymers and Structures
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An alkene, **A**, has the molecular formula \(\text{C}_4\text{H}_8\).
(a) Define the term *structural isomers*. [1]
(b) Give the IUPAC names of the two straight-chain (unbranched) isomers of **A** that contain a carbon-carbon double bond. [2]
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(a) Structural isomers are defined as compounds that share the exact same molecular formula but have different arrangements of atoms, resulting in different structural formulae.
(b) The two straight-chain alkene isomers of \(\text{C}_4\text{H}_8\) are: - but-1-ene, which has the double bond between the first and second carbon atoms: \(\text{CH}_2\text{=CH-CH}_2\text{-CH}_3\) - but-2-ene, which has the double bond between the second and third carbon atoms: \(\text{CH}_3\text{-CH=CH-CH}_3\)
PastPaper.markingScheme
M1: (Same molecular formula but) different structural formulae / different structures / different arrangement of atoms [1]
M2: but-1-ene [1]
M3: but-2-ene [1]
PastPaper.question 39 · Organic Isomers, Polymers and Structures
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A synthetic polymer, polymer **Y**, has the repeating unit shown:
(a) Name the type of polymerisation reaction used to form polymer **Y**. [1]
(b) Identify the two functional groups present in the monomers used to make this polymer. [2]
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(a) Polymer **Y** is a polyester, containing ester links (\(\text{-O-CO-}\)) in its backbone. Polyesters are formed when monomer units join together with the elimination of a small molecule (such as water). This process is known as condensation polymerisation.
(b) To synthesise a polyester, the monomers required must be a dicarboxylic acid (which contains carboxylic acid / carboxyl groups, \(\text{-COOH}\)) and a diol (which contains alcohol / hydroxyl groups, \(\text{-OH}\)).
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M1: Condensation (polymerisation) [1]
M2: Carboxylic acid / carboxyl group (accept \(\text{-COOH}\)) [1]
M3: Alcohol / hydroxyl group / diol (accept \(\text{-OH}\)) [1]
PastPaper.question 40 · Organic Isomers, Polymers and Structures
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Two structural isomers have the molecular formula \(\text{C}_3\text{H}_6\text{O}_2\) and contain an ester functional group.
(a) State the systematic IUPAC names of these two structural isomers. [2]
(b) State the name of the carboxylic acid required to synthesise the isomer methyl ethanoate. [1]
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PastPaper.workedSolution
(a) Esters with three carbon atoms (molecular formula \(\text{C}_3\text{H}_6\text{O}_2\)) can only be made from: 1. Methanol and ethanoic acid, which yields the ester methyl ethanoate (\(\text{CH}_3\text{COOCH}_3\)). 2. Ethanol and methanoic acid, which yields the ester ethyl methanoate (\(\text{HCOOCH}_2\text{CH}_3\)).
(b) Methyl ethanoate is synthesized from the alcohol methanol and the carboxylic acid ethanoic acid.
PastPaper.markingScheme
M1: methyl ethanoate [1]
M2: ethyl methanoate [1]
M3: ethanoic acid [1]
PastPaper.question 41 · Organic Isomers, Polymers and Structures
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The structural formula of a polymer is shown below:
\(\text{[-CH(CH}_3\text{)-CH}_2\text{-]}_n\)
(a) Name the monomer used to make this polymer. [1]
(b) Describe a chemical test, and its positive result, that can be used to distinguish this monomer from its polymer. [2]
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PastPaper.workedSolution
(a) By looking at the repeating unit of the polymer, the main carbon chain contains two carbon atoms, and one of those carbons has a methyl (\(\text{-CH}_3\)) branch. Thus, the monomer is propene (\(\text{CH}_3\text{-CH=CH}_2\)), which is an alkene.
(b) Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons, whereas addition polymers like poly(propene) are saturated. To distinguish them, bromine water (aqueous bromine) is used. Propene will rapidly react with bromine in an addition reaction, causing the orange-brown solution to become colourless. The saturated polymer will not react and the bromine water remains orange-brown.
PastPaper.markingScheme
M1: propene [1]
M2: Bromine water / aqueous bromine / \(\text{Br}_2\text{(aq)}\) [1]
M3: (With monomer) decolourises / turns colourless AND (with polymer) remains orange / brown / yellow / no change [1]