CAPE: UNIT 1: MAY 2017: PAPER 2

SECTION A: MODULE 1

1. (a) Define the term ‘relative atomic mass’ [2 marks]

The relative atomic mass of an element represents the average mass of one atom of the element
(relative to 1/12 the mass of one atom of carbon-12), taking into account different isotopes and their
relative proportions

(b) Dalton’s atomic theory suggests that

 All atoms of a particular element are identical
 Atoms of elements are indivisible
State TWO pieces of evidence that lead to the rejection of these claims [2 marks]

The first postulate can be rejected, since isotopes of elements exist. This means that the atoms
of an element are not always identical. Their number of neutrons and (hence mass numbers) will
be different.

The second postulate can be challenged, since atoms are divisible. Atoms are made up of
protons neutrons and electrons. The nucleus of an atom can split to release alpha, beta or
gamma radiation

(c) Write the equation which represents the capture of a neutron by a fluorine-19 atom, with the
resultant expelling of an α particle [2 marks]

19 + 1 16 + 4
F there:
How to get n X He2+
9 0
 “capture” means you’re adding a neutron 7 2
 “expelling” means you’re releasing an alpha particle
(d) Figure 1 shows the mass spectrum of the metal zirconium, Zr
 Calculate the relative atomic mass of the metal [2 marks]
From the graph:
51.5% of the atoms weighed 90 g
11.2% of the atoms weighed 91 g
17.1% of the atoms weighed 92 g
12.6% of the atoms weighed 94 g
2.8% of the atoms weighed 96 g
Relative Atomic Mass = [(51.5 x 90) + (11.2 x 91)+ (17.1 x 92) + (12.6 x 94) + (2.8 x 96)]/95.2 =
91.183

(e) L, M and N are examples of three solid compounds which are ionic, polar and covalent
respectively.
Using the format in Table 1, describe THREE simple laboratory tests, stating the corresponding
observations, to show the differences between L, M and N.

TABLE 1: TESTS AND OBSERVATIONS

OBSERVATION FOR COMPOUND

Test L (IONIC M (POLAR N (COVALENT

COMPOUND) COMPOUND) COMPOUND)
1. Add a few grams of each to Will dissolve Will dissolve Will not dissolve
100 ml of distilled water and
stir
2. Add a few grams of each to Will not dissolve Will not dissolve Will dissolve
100 ml of ethanol and stir
3. Dissolve a few grams of Will conduct Will conduct Will not conduct
(Bulb will light) (Bulb will light) (Bulb will not light)
each in distilled water, attach
electrodes and connect to a
simple circuit with a bulb

SECTION A: MODULE 2

2. (a) Define the term ‘standard electrode potential’ [2 marks]

The standard electrode potential of a half-cell is the potential of that half cell relative to a
standard hydrogen half-cell under standard conditions.

(b) Identify the parts of the standard hydrogen electrode labeled A and B in Figure 2

A: Hydrogen gas (H2) B: 1 moldm-3 H+ ions (HCl)

(c) The electrochemical cell at 298K is represented by the following notation:
Pt(s)|I2(s), I- (aq) || Ag+ (aq)|Ag(s)

(i) Construct a labeled diagram to represent this cell and indicate the direction of electron flow
when the cell is operating [4 marks]

Electron flow

Silver rod
(cathode)
Platinum rod
(anode)

Salt bridge

Solution B: 1 moldm-3
Solution A: 1 moldm-3 I- ions
Ag+ ions
AND 1 moldm-3 I2 (aq)

How to get there:

According to the notation, cathode is on the right, and anode is on the lef
Pt(s)|I2(s), I- (aq) || Ag+ (aq)|Ag(s)
Anode || Cathode
(ii) Write the relevant equations to represent the change taking place at the anode and cathode
[2 marks]
Anode: I2 + 2e 2I- Since oxidation occurs at the anode: 2I- I2 + 2e = -0.54V (**Error??**)
+
Cathode: Ag + e Ag = +0.80 V

(iii) Write the balanced equation for the OVERALL cell reaction [2 marks]
2I- I2 + 2e -0.54V
X2: 2Ag+ +2e 2Ag +0.80 V
2Ag+ + 2I- 2Ag + I2 +0.26 V

(iv) Refer to the data booklet to calculate the standard cell potential [1 mark]
Standard cell potential: -0.54 V + 0.80 V = +0.26 V

(d) List TWO types of energy storage devices [2 marks]

Batteries and cells (could be fuel cells, Daniel cell, car batteries etc)

SECTION A: MODULE 3
3. KClO3 undergoes disproportionation when heated to just above its melting point to produce KCl
and KClO4
(a) (i) Define the term ‘disproportionation’ [1 mark]
This occurs when an atom, ion or molecule is simultaneously oxidized and reduced in a given
reaction. (Group 7 elements usually show disproportionation)

(ii) Write the balanced equation for the reaction above and hence deduce the oxidation number
of chlorine in KClO3 and KClO4 respectively [3 marks]
4 KClO3 → KCl + 3 KClO4
KClO3: 1+ x + (-2 x 3) = 0 x = +5
KClO4: 1+ x + (-2 x 4) = 0 x = +7

(b) Explain the trend in volatility of the halogens as the group is descended [3 marks]
As the group is descended, volatility decreases. (The elements change from F 2 being a gas, Cl2
being a gas, Br2 being a liquid and I 2 being a solid). This is because the halogens are held together
by intermolecular Van der Waal forces. As the number of electrons increases (as we go down the
group), the size of the induced dipoles increases and so the strength of the Van der Waal forces
will increase.

(c) MX is the formula of a salt of a halogen with a relative atomic mass of 80. (This halogen is
bromine) A student was asked to carry out the following tests on MX.
Complete Table 2 to show the student’s record of the observations made [5 marks]

TABLE 2: RECORD OF OBSERVATIONS

No. Test Observation
(i) Warm with concentrated H2SO4 White fumes of HBr which
quickly break down to release
brown fumes of Br2 (and
colorless fumes of H2 (which
will not be seen)
(ii) Add AgNO3 (aq) to MX (aq) followed by concentrated Cream precipitate which is
NH3(aq) sparingly soluble in aqueous
ammonia
(iii) Pass Cl2 (g) through MX (aq) This is a displacement reaction
Cl2 + MBr  MCl + Br2
 Bromine is liberated. The
solution turns reddish-brown

(d) Write an ionic equation to show the oxidizing nature of sulfuric acid in Test (c) (i) [3 marks]
What is happening here is:
2Br- (aq) + H2SO4 (aq)  SO42- (aq) + 2 HBr (g)
2HBr  H2(g) + Br2(g)
Br- was oxidized to Br2 by the H2SO4

SECTION B: MODULE 1
4. (a) Apply the concept of the ‘hybridization of atomic orbitals’ to explain the planarity of the
ethene molecule [3 marks]
In ethene, the double bond is made of a sigma bond and a pi bond. For the pi bond, a p orbital
must be kept pure. This means the hybridization will be sp 2. The energy of the s orbital can only
mix with two of the p orbitals. This gives rise to two trigonal planar structures (one on each side
of the molecule) which results in ethene being overall, planar.
(b)(i) State TWO principles which form the basis of the valence-shell electron pair repulsion
theory [2 marks]
Electrons in the valence shells of atoms in a molecule will repel each other and try to get as far
apart as possible
The force of repulsion exerted by a lone pair of electrons is greater than that exerted by a
bonding pair

(ii) Use the VSEPR theory to account for the difference in shape between the ammonia molecule
(NH3) and the ammonium ion (NH4+) [4 marks]

From the dot and cross diagrams, NH 3 has four negative centers and 1 lone pair. Its shape will be
pyramidal and its bond angle approximately 108 o. This is because its lone pair exerts a stronger
force of repulsion than its bonding pairs, which forces the bonding pairs away from the lone pair.
This gives a pyramidal shape.

xx
x x
H e N e H
xe
H
From the dot and cross diagrams, NH4+ has four negative centers and 0 lone pairs. Its shape will
be tetrahedral and its bond angle approximately 109 o. This is because it does not have a lone
pair. The only repulsion is between bonding pairs and that repulsion is weaker than bonding pair-
lone pair repulsion.
+
H
xe
x x
e e
H N H
xe
H
(c) A solution of potassium iodide was made by dissolving 20g in 1 dm 3 of water. A mixture of 25cm3 of
this solution and an equal volume of dilute sulphuric acid on titration with 0.02 moldm -3 potassium
dichromate (VI) solution needed 24.80 cm3 for complete oxidation.

Calculate the molar ratio of Cr2O72- to I- and hence derive the ionic equation for the reaction

K2Cr2O7 1000 cm3 = 0.02 moles

0.02 moldm-3
1 cm3= 0.02/1000
24.80 cm3
24.8 cm3 = 0.02/1000 x 24.8 = 0.000496 moles

KI 1mole KI = 39 + 127 = 166 g

20 g in 1dm3
166 g = 1 mole
25 cm3
1 g = 1/166
20 g = 1/166 x 20 = 0.1205 moles
1000 cm3 = 0.1205 moles
1 cm3= 0.1205/1000
25 cm3 = 0.1205/1000 x 25 = 0.0030 moles

The ratio of Cr2O72- to I- = 0.000496 moles to 0.003 moles

Divide through by the smaller number (0.000496) = 1 mole Cr 2O72- to 6 moles I-

Cr2O72- + 14H+ + 6e  2 Cr3+ + 7H2O

Multiply by 3: 2 I-  I2 + 2e
Cr2O72- + 14H+ + 6I-  2 Cr3+ + 7H2O +3 I2

SECTION B: MODULE 2
5. Explain each of the following terms:
(i) Rate Law [2 marks]
The Rate Law or Rate Equation shows the species which affect the slow step (rate determining
step) of the reaction, and the extent to which varying their concentration affects the rate of
reaction

(ii) Order of reaction [2 marks]

This is the power to which the concentration of a species is raised to in the experimentally
determined rate equation

(b) Parts (b)(i) to (b)(iii) refer to the following reaction

aX + bY  Products
(i) Write an expression for the rate law [2 marks]
Best Answer would be since rate depends on concentration of one or more reactants:
Rate = k [X]a[Y]b

(ii) Write an expression for the OVERALL order of reaction [1 mark]

Overall order = a +b

(iii) The overall order of this reaction was found to follow second order kinetics. Deduce the units
of the rate constant for the reaction [1 mark]
K = Rate/([X][Y]) = moldm-3s-1/(moldm-3 x moldm-3 )= mol-1dm3s-1

(c) The decomposition of gaseous nitrogen (V) oxide exhibits first order kinetics and is
represented by the equation: 2 N2O5 (g)  4 NO2 (g) + O2 (g)

A proposed mechanism for the reaction is made up of the following steps (W and Z are
intermediates)
N2O5  W + O2
W Z + NO2
Z + N2O5  3 O2 + N2O5
Use the information relating to the kinetics of the reaction to write the equation representing
the rate determining step. Give a reason for your answer [3 marks]

The rate depends on the concentration of the reactant, which is N 2O5. The Rate Determining
Step will be Step 1. The species which is involved in the slow step (rate determining step) will
also appear in the rate equation. Since N2O5 is the only reactant, it has to appear in the rate
equation, and thus also in the rate determining step.

(d) Data for the decomposition of nitrogen (V) oxide at 333K is presented in Table 3

(i) Plot the data on the grid provided on page 17 [2 marks]

 (ii) Using the graph in (d)(i) calculate the rate constant for the decomposition of nitrogen (V)
oxide at 333K, stating the appropriate units [2 marks]

Since this is a first order reaction, the rate constant can be found by simply calculating the
gradient, which was 0.000875 s-1

SECTION B: MODULE 3

6. Table 4 provides information on the atomic radius (AR), ionization energy (IE) and standard
electrode potentials for some metals

(a) Explain using relevant data from Table 4, the trends in the atomic radius and ionization
energy of the metals [3 marks]
As the group is descended, the atomic radius increases (from 0.122 nm to 0.225 nm). This is
because the number of electrons and hence the number of shells is increasing. The distance
between the nucleus and valence shell becomes larger. This in turn affects the ionization energy
(IE). The greater the atomic radius, the more shielded the valence electrons are from the
nucleus, and the more easily they will be lost. Hence IE decreases as the group is descended
(from 1760KJmol-1 to 966 KJ mol-1)

(b)(i) Describe the difference in the reactions of calcium and barium with water [1 mark]

The reaction with barium and water will be more vigorous than that of calcium and water

(ii) Using the data from Table 4, explain the differences described in (b)(i) [2 marks]

When the Group 2 metals react with water, they form metal hydroxides and hydrogen. This
means the metal must exist as the M2+ ion. As the group is descended, it becomes more feasible
for the metal to lose 2 electrons (E Θ values become more positive +1.85 to +2.91 V) and exist as
M2+ to form the metal hydroxide. So Ba is much more reactive (loses electrons more readily) than
Ca.

(c)(i) Describe the difference in the reactions of the chlorides of elements Na, Mg and Al with
water [2 marks]

NaCl dissolves in water to form a neutral solution, MgCl 2 forms a faintly acidic solution and AlCl3
forms a strongly acidic solution

(ii) With reference to the ionic radius and electropositivity of the elements, explain the
differences in (c)(i) and deduce the type of bonding present in the chlorides [5 marks]

The ionic radius decreases from Na to Al. This is because although the number of shells is the
same, the number of protons increases and attraction between nucleus and valence shell
increases. The valence shell is pulled in closer to the nucleus. Ionic radius decreases.

Electropositivity is a numerical measure of an atom’s ability to lose electrons. Electropositivity

decreases from Na to Al. Since metals are known to lose electrons to become stable, Na has the
 most metallic character, and Al the least. Since chlorine is a non metal, the bonding between Na
(metal) and Cl (non metal) will be ionic. Since Mg and Al are less metallic than Na, their chlorides
will have ionic bonding to a lesser extent.

(d)(i) State how calcium oxide is used in agriculture [1 mark]

To counteract the acidity in soil/ to neutralize acidic soils

(ii) Write an ionic equation to represent the process involved in the use stated in (d)(i) [1 mark]

CaO (s) + 2 HCl (aq)  CaCl2 (aq) + H2O (l)

CaO (s) + 2H+ (aq)  Ca2+ (aq) + H2O (l)

No matter how many mistakes you have made, this paper was ONLY 40%.
You still have a fighting chance to get that distinction. CAPE accepts many
answers, and I have only given a few of them here. And marks CAN be given
for different things than I have suggested… Keep believing in yourself… Yes,
you can still do it!