DSE CHEM MASTERY

By Topic Past Paper

2. Microscopic World I

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 Table of Content

Atomic Structure................................................................................. 3
1.1 Multiple Choice Question ........................................................................................................3
1.2 Long Questions ....................................................................................................................... 16

Structure & Bonding ....................................................................... 28

2.1 Multiple Choice Question ..................................................................................................... 28
2.2 Long Questions ....................................................................................................................... 37

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 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

1.1 Multiple Choice Question

Question 1

The atomic number of an element X is 18. An atom of X has a mass number of 40.

A. The atom has 18 protons, 22 neutrons and 18 electrons.

B. 18 protons, 22 neutrons and 22 electrons.
C. 18 protons, 40 neutrons and 18 electrons.
D. 22 protons, 22 neutrons and 18 electrons.

Question 2

The electronic structure of a compound formed between an element X and chlorine is shown below.

(Only electrons in the outermost shells are shown.)

What would be the formula of the compound formed between X and magnesium?

A. 𝑀𝑔𝑋
B. 𝑀𝑔𝑋!
C. 𝑀𝑔! 𝑋"
D. 𝑀𝑔" 𝑋!

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Question 3

Boron consists of two isotopes. The table below lists the relative abundance of these two isotopes.

Isotope Relative abundance

10 19.7%
𝐵
5
11 80.3%
𝐵
5
The relative atomic mass of boron (correct to 1 decimal place) is

A. 10.4
B. 10.6
C. 10.8
D. 11.0

Question 4

Elements X and Y form a compound having the following electronic structure:

(Only outermost shell electrons are shown.)

Which of the following combinations is correct?

X Y

A. Na S

B. Mg Br

C. Al Cl

D. Si O

Question 5

Which of the following statements concerning the elements in the third period of the Periodic Table is correct?

A. Both sulphur and chlorine can be reduced by aqueous sodium sulphite.

B. Magnesium is a stronger reducing agent than sodium.
C. Phosphorus and chlorine form a covalent compound.
D. Magnesium burns in oxygen to form an acidic oxide.

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Question 6

Which of the following combinations in INCORRECT?

Chemical Method of storage

A. calcium under water
B. potassium under paraffin oil
C. ethanol in a cool place
D. potassium permanganate solution in a brown bottle

Question 7

Consider the following chemical equation:

𝑍𝑛 + 𝑝𝑀𝑛𝑂! + 𝑞𝑁𝐻#$ → 𝑍𝑛!$ + 𝑥𝑀𝑛! 𝑂" + 𝑦𝑁𝐻" + 𝑧𝐻! 𝑂

Which of the following combinations is correct?

x y z
A. 1 2 1
B. 1 3 2
C. 2 3 2
D. 2 2 3

Question 8

Upon heating, a mixture of iron and sulphur gives a black substance. Which of the following statements concerning
the black substance are correct?

(1) It is insoluble in water.

(2) It can be attracted by a bar magnet.
(3) It reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to give a gas with a pungent smell.

A. (1) and (2) only

B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

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Question 9

One mole of calcium bromide contains

A. 1 mole of molecules.
B. 2 moles of cations.
C. 2 moles of anions.
D. 3 moles of atoms.

Question 10

Element X and element Y belong to the first three periods of the Periodic Table. The compound formed between
these two elements has the following electronic structure:

(Only outermost shell electrons are shown.)

How many electrons are there in the outermost shell of an atom of X and that of Y?

X Y

A. 1 3

B. 1 5

C. 2 8

D. 3 5

Question 11

Which of the following statements concerning bromine and chlorine is INCORRECT?

A. They exist as diatomic molecules.

B. Their atoms have the same number of outermost shell electrons.
C. They formed ions with a single negative charge.
D. Bromine is a stronger oxidizing agent than chlorine.

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Question 12

Ionic compound X has the formula 𝐴𝐵! , where A and B represent the cation and anion respectively. If both A and
B have the same electronic arrangement, X may be

A. potassium sulphide.
B. magnesium fluoride.
C. silicon dioxide.
D. calcium bromide.

Question 13

Consider the following chemical equation:

2𝐻𝑁𝑂" + 𝑥𝐹𝑒𝑆𝑂# + 𝑦𝐻! 𝑆𝑂# → 𝑧𝐹𝑒! (𝑆𝑂# )" + 4𝐻! 𝑂 + 2𝑁𝑂

Which of the following combinations is correct?

x y z
A. 2 1 1
B. 4 3 2
C. 6 2 3
D. 6 3 3

Question 14

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Element X has an isotope 𝑋. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
15

(1) X belongs to Group V of the Periodic Table.

(2) X can react with oxygen to form an ionic compound.
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(3) 𝑋 has 16 neutrons.
15

A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

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Question 15

Consider the following equation:

3𝑍𝑛(𝑠) + 2𝑁𝑂"% (𝑎𝑞) + 8𝐻$ (𝑎𝑞) → 3𝑍𝑛!$ (𝑥) + 2𝑁𝑂(𝑦) + 4𝐻2𝑂(𝑧)

Which of the following combinations is correct?

x y z

A. aq g aq

B. aq g l

C. aq aq l

D. l g aq

Question 16

Which of the following statement concerning helium is/are correct?

(1) The outermost electron shell of a helium atom has an octet structure.
(2) Helium is used to fill weather balloons.
(3) Helium exists as monatomic molecules.

A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

Question 17

Which of the following substances can conduct electricity in both solid and liquid states?

A. sulphur
B. mercury
C. quartz
D. lead(II) bromide

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Question 18

The table below lists some information about two elements, X and Y:

Element Atomic number Relative atomic mass

X 12 24.0

Y 9 19.0

The compound formed from X and Y has a formula mass of

A. 43.0
B. 62.0
C. 67.0
D. 81.0

Question 19

Consider the half equation:

𝐼𝑂"% (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑥𝐻2𝑂(𝑙) + 𝑦𝑒 % 𝐼% (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑧𝑂𝐻% (𝑎𝑞)

Which of the following combinations is correct?

x y z
A. 1 2 2
B. 2 4 4
C. 3 6 6
D. 4 8 8

Question 20

Which of the following ions have the same number of electrons as a neon atom?

(1) 𝑀𝑔!$
(2) 𝑂!%
(3) 𝐶𝑙–

A. (1) and (2) only

B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

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Question 21

Element X has three isotopes 206X, 207X, and 208X. The graph below shows the relative abundances of the
isotopes.

What is the relative atomic mass of X?

A. 206.8
B. 207.0
C. 207.3
D. 207.5

Question 22

The atomic number of element X is 15. It has only one isotope with a mass number of 31. Which of the following
statements concerning X is correct?

A. X forms an oxide which dissolves in water to give an alkaline solution.

B. In the compound formed from X and sodium, X has an oxidation number of -3
C. X is a gas at room temperature and pressure.
D. There are 15 neutrons in the nucleus of an atom of X.

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Question 23

Consider the information given in the table below:

Element Atomic number

w 6

x 17

y 18

z 20

Which of the following pairs of element would react with each other most readily?

A. w and y
B. w and z
C. x and y
D. x and z

Question 24

Consider the information given in the table below:

Particle

X Y Z W

No. of protons 8 8 8 10

No. of electrons 10 10 8 10

No. of neutrons 8 10 10 10

Which of the following statements about the particles is correct?

A. W and Z are isotopes.

B. X and Z have the same mass.
C. Y and Z have the same charge.
D. X and W have the same electronic arrangement.

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Question 25

Which of the following statements about the Periodic Table is correct?

A. The elements are arranged in order of increasing relative atomic mass.

B. The reactivity of the elements in Group II decreases down the group.
C. The boiling point of the elements in Group VII decreases down the group.
D. All elements in Group 0 exist in gaseous state at room temperature and pressure.

Question 26

56
𝐹𝑒 is an isotope of iron. Which of the following correctly describes the number of subatomic particles in an 𝐹𝑒 "$
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ion formed from this isotope?

No. of electrons No. of neutrons

A. 23 26
B. 23 30
C. 24 26
D. 26 30

Question 27

X is an element in the Periodic Table and 𝑿$ ion has an electronic arrangement of 2, 8, 8. Which of the following
statements concerning 𝑿 is correct?

A. 𝑋 is a halogen.
B. 𝑋 is a transition element.
C. 𝑋 is a group 0 element.
D. 𝑋 is a period 4 element.

Question 28

𝑴 is an element in the Periodic Table. 𝑴𝟐% ion possesses 45 neutrons and 36 electrons. What is 𝑴?

A. Se
B. Kr
C. Sr
D. Rh

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Question 29

𝑱 and 𝑸 are two alkaline earth metals in the Periodic Table. If the atomic number of J is x, then the atomic number
of 𝑸 could be

A. 𝑥– 2
B. 𝑥 + 6
C. 𝑥 − 10
D. 𝑥 + 18

Question 30

The table below shows the colour of the aqueous solutions of three ionic compounds.

Compound Colour of aqueous solution

𝑄𝑇 green

𝑋𝑍 yellow

𝑋𝑇 colourless

Which of the following combinations about the colour of the ions involved is most likely to be correct?

𝑄2+ (𝑎𝑞) 𝑋 2+ (𝑎𝑞) 𝑇 2− (𝑎𝑞) 𝑍 2− (𝑎𝑞)

A. colourless colourless colourless colourless
B. green yellow green yellow
C. colourless yellow green colourless
D. green colourless colourless yellow

Question 31

Which of the following statements concerning a water molecule is / are correct?

(1) The number of bonding electrons contributed by each hydrogen atom in the molecule is 2.
(2) The number of bonding electrons contributed by the oxygen atom in the molecule is 2.
(3) The total number of electrons in the molecule is 8.

A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

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Question 32

Comparing the elements in the second period of the Periodic Table, from lithium to fluorine, which of the following
statements is / are correct?

(1) They show a gradual change from having metallic property to having non-metallic property.
(2) They show a gradual increase in the number of electron shells in their atoms.
(3) They show a gradual decrease in melting point.

A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

Question 33

The electronic arrangements of three chemical species are shown below.

𝑊 : 2, 1

𝑋 !$ : 2, 8

𝑌% : 2, 8, 7

Which of the elements 𝑾, 𝑿 and 𝒀 are in the same period of the Periodic Table?

A. 𝑾 and 𝑿 only
B. 𝑾 and 𝒀 only
C. 𝑿 and 𝒀 only
D. 𝑾, 𝑿 and 𝒀

Question 34

Which of the following statements concerning the Periodic Table is / are correct?

(1) Ni is an example of transition elements.

(2) The elements are arranged in increasing order of neutron number.
(3) The lower the element located in each group, the more reactive the element is.

A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

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Question 35

55
How many electrons and neutrons are there in a doubly charged cation formed from 𝑀𝑛 ?
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Number of electrons Number of neutrons
A. 23 30
B. 23 32
C. 25 28
D. 25 30

Question 36

Naturally occurring magnesium has three isotopes, Mg, Mg and Mg. The relative abundance of the Mg isotope is
10%. What is the relative abundance of the Mg isotope?

(Relative atomic mass: 𝑀𝑔 = 24.3)

A. 10%
B. 15%
C. 23%
D. 85%

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1.2 Long Questions

Question 37

The table below lists some physical properties of lead, bromine and lead(II) bromide.
Lead Bromine Lead(II) bromide

Melting point 328°C -7°C 370°C

Electrical conductivity in Conducting Non-conducting Non-conducting

the solid state

Electrical conductivity in Conducting Non-conducting -

the liquid state

a) Explain the difference in melting points between bromine and lead (II) bromide.

b) Explain the difference in electrical conductivity between lead and lead (II) bromide in the solid state.

c) Will lead (II) bromide conduct electricity in the liquid state? Explain your answer.

(5 marks)

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Question 38

Rubidium (Rb) and potassium belong to the same group rubidium is larger then that of potassium.
a) Explain whether rubidium is more reactive than potassium.

b) Write a chemical equation for the reaction between rubidium and water. (State symbols should be given.)

c) Suggest how rubidium can be stored safely in the laboratory.

d) Suggest ONE safety precaution for handling rubidium in the laboratory.

(5 marks)

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Question 39

A student used the following experimental set-up to study the migration of ions.

The student placed a drop of potassium dichromate solution at 𝐴 and a drop of a deep blue solution at 𝐶. It is known
that the two solutions do not react and the deep blue colour of the solution at 𝐶 is due to the cation present.

a) Write the formula of the ion responsible for the orange colour of potassium dichromate.

b) Why was the filter paper moistened with sodium sulphate solution?

c) An electric current was passed through the circuit for some time.

i) What would be the colour change at 𝐴?

ii) What would be the colour changes at 𝐵? Explain your answer.

d) Using the same apparatus and materials, suggest how you could show that the colour changes in (iii) are NOT
due to diffusion.

(8 marks)

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Question 40

With the help of electronic diagrams, describe the formation of magnesium chloride and tetrachloromethane from
atoms of relevant elements. State, with explanation, which of the two compounds has a higher melting point.

(9 marks)

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Question 41

State whether each of the following statement is true or false. Explain your answer in each case.
a) The melting point of sodium chloride is much higher than that of methane because the ionic bonding in
sodium chloride is much stronger than the covalent bonding in methane.

(2 marks)

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Question 42

Six compounds are classified into two groups as shown in the table below:

Gas Solid

ammonia iron(III) oxide

carbon dioxide magnesium oxide

nitrogen dioxide potassium oxide

Reclassify these compounds into two groups according to

a) one of their physical properties, and

b) one of their chemical properties.

(4 marks)

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Question 43

A part of the Periodic Table is shown below:

a) Across a period, the elements demonstrate a gradual change in some of their physical properties. State ONE
such property.

b) For each of the following pairs of elements, suggest ONE reaction in which both elements behave similarity.
In each case, write a chemical equation for the reaction involving either one of the elements.

i) magnesium and calcium

ii) chlorine and bromine.

c) Lithium metal is used in making dry cells. State, with explanation, whether lithium acts as the anode or
cathode in these cells.

d) Xenon (Xe) is a Group 0 element. State, with explanation, what will happen if a balloon filled with xenon is
released from the top of a tower.

(Relative atomic masses: N = 14.0, O = 16.0, Xe = 131.3)

(9 marks)

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Question 44

Magnesium occurs naturally in three isotopic forms. The relative abundance of each isotope is shown in the table
below:

Isotope 24Mg 25Mg 26Mg

Relative abundance (%) 78.6 10.1 11.3

a) State the meaning of the term ‘isotope of an element’.

b) Calculate the relative atomic mass of magnesium.

c) Is it possible to separate the isotopes of magnesium by chemical means? Explain your answer.

(4 marks)

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Question 45

Consider the substances listed below:

carbon dioxide hydrogen chloride neon

nitrogen silicon dioxide sodium chloride

a) Diagram (i), (ii) and (iii) below show the arrangements of particles, which can be atoms, ions or molecules, in
some substances. For each diagram, choose ONE substance from the above list, which particles as shown
under room temperature and pressure.

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

b) From the above list, identify ONE substance which gives an acidic solution when dissolved in water. Write
the chemical equation for the reaction involved.

(5 marks)

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Question 46

𝑁𝑎! 𝑂, 𝑀𝑔𝑂, 𝑆𝑖𝑂! and 𝑆𝑂! are oxides of Period 3 elements in the Periodic Table. Discuss how the melting points of
these oxides are related to their bonding and structure.

(9 marks)

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Question 47

Silicon occurs in nature as silicon dioxide in sand and quartz. The extraction of silicon from silicon dioxide involves
the following three stages:
#(%)
Stage 1: 𝑆𝑖𝑂! (𝑠) /⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯1 𝑆𝑖(𝑠)
heat

#'! (()
Stage 2 𝑆𝑖(𝑠) /⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯1 𝑆𝑖𝐶𝑙) (𝑙)
heat

*!(()
Stags 3: 𝑆𝑖𝐶𝐼) (𝑙) /⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯1 𝑆𝑖(𝑠)
heat

a) What type of structure does quartz have?

(1 mark)
b) The purpose of Stage 1 is to convert silicon dioxide to silicon. The silicon obtained contains silicon carbide,
𝑆𝑖𝐶, as an impurity.

The structure of silicon carbide is similar to that of diamond. Draw the three-dimensional structure of silicon
carbide.

(1 mark)
c) The purpose of Stage 2 and Stage 3 is to purify the silicon obtained in Stage 1.

i) Is silicon oxidised or reduced in the reaction in Stage 2? Explain your answer.

ii) Draw the electronic diagram for 𝑆𝑖𝐶𝑙# , showing electrons in the outermost shells only.

iii) The reaction in Stage 3 produces silicon and hydrogen chloride. Suggest why the silicon obtained after
Stage 3 is of high purity.

(3 marks)
d) Calculate the theoretical mass of silicon that can be obtained from 950 g of silicon dioxide.

(2 marks)

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Question 48

𝑇, 𝑋 and 𝑍 are three elements in the Periodic Table, with the sum of their atomic numbers equals to 38. Moreover,
both 𝑇 and 𝑋 are Group VII elements, while the atomic number of 𝑇 is smaller than that of 𝑋.

a) What are elements 𝑇, 𝑋 and 𝑍?

T : ____________________________________________________

X : ____________________________________________________

Z : ____________________________________________________

(1 mark)

b) Draw the electronic diagram of the compound formed from T and X, showing electrons in the outermost
shells only.

(1 mark)

c) Discuss, with explanation, the electrical conductivity of the compound formed from X and Z with reference
to the type and property of the particles in it.

(2 marks)

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 STRUCTURE & BONDING

2.1 Multiple Choice Question

Question 49

Which of the following correctly describes the structure of quartz?

A. giant covalent structure

B. giant ionic structure
C. giant metallic structure
D. simple molecular structure

Question 50

Argon exists as a gas at room temperature and pressure because

A. argon molecules are monoatomic.

B. argon is chemically inert.
C. the outermost electron shell of an argon atom has an octet structure.
D. the attractive force between argon atoms is weak.

Question 51

Which of the following diagrams best represents a part of the giant lattice of sodium chloride crystal?

(In these diagram, • represent 𝑁𝑎$ ion and o represent 𝐶𝑙– ion.)

A. C.

B. D.

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Question 52

Consider the following information :

Substance Melting point / oC Electrical conductivity at Solubility in water

room temperature

W –34 poor slightly soluble

X 44 poor insoluble

Y 232 good insoluble

Z 782 poor very soluble

Which of the above substances exists as a simple molecules solid at room temperature?

A. W
B. X
C. Y
D. Z

Question 53

Which of the following substances has the lowest boiling point?

A. ethanol
B. propan-1-ol
C. propane
D. butane

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Question 54

The table below shows the ability of four substances W, X, Y and Z to conduct electricity.

(In the table, and respectively represent ‘can conduct electricity’ and ‘cannot conduct electricity’.)

Substance Solid State Liquid State Aqueous Solution

W û ü ü

X û û ü

Y û û û

Z ü ü (insoluble in water)

Which of the substances is likely to be zinc chloride?

A. W
B. X
C. Y
D. Z

Question 55

Iodine is a solid at room temperature and pressure. Which of the following statements concerning the structure of
iodine is/are correct?

(1) Iodine has a gaint covalent structure.

(2) Iodine molecules are held together by van der Waals’ forces.
(3) Iodine atoms are held together in pairs by covalent bonds.

A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

Question 56

The melting point and boiling point of substance X and 321 oC and 765oC respectively. In its molten state, X
conducts electricity without decomposition. X probably has

A. an ionic structure
B. a metallic structure.
C. a simple molecular structure.
D. a covalent network structure.

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Question 57

Consider the following information about four substances, W, X, Y and Z:

Substance Melting Point/ oC Electrical conductivity at room

temperature

W –23 poor

X 56 poor

Y 232 good

Z 750 poor

Which substance has a simple molecular structure and is a solid at room temperature?
A. W
B. X
C. Y
D. Z

Question 58

Consider the information listed below:

Substance Attraction between particles in substance

(1) helium van der Waal’s forces

(2) diamond covalent bond
(3) magnesium oxide ionic bond

Which of the following combinations are correct?

A. (1) and (2) only

B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

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Question 59

Directions: Questions 76 and 77 refer to the melting points and boiling points of four substances at 1 atm pressure
as listed in the table below:

Substance Melting point oC Boiling point oC

Argon -189 -186

Bromine -7 59

Chlorine -101 -35

Sulphur dioxide -75 -10

Which substance exists as a liquid at -90oC and 1 atm pressure?

A. argon
B. bromine
C. chlorine
D. sulphur dioxide

Question 60

Which of the following chemical bonds/attractive forces exist(s) in all four substances at 25oC and 1 atm pressure?

(1) van der Waals’ forces

(2) ionic bond
(3) covalent bond

A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

Question 61

Which of the following statements concerning van der Waals’ forces is correct?

A. They exist in quartz.

B. They exist in limestone.
C. They exist in solid iodine.
D. They exist in solid ammonium nitrate.

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Question 62

Which of the following chlorides has the highest melting point?

A. 𝐻𝐶𝑙
B. 𝐿𝑖𝐶𝑙
C. 𝑆𝐶𝑙!
D. 𝐶𝐶𝑙#

Question 63

Which of the following properties of sodium chloride is/are evidence(s) to support that ionic bonds are strong?

(1) It is soluble in water.

(2) It has a high melting point.
(3) It can conduct electricity in molten state.

A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

Question 64

The electronic diagram of a compound formed between element X and element Y is shown below:

(Only electrons in the outermost shells are shown.)

Which of the following combinations concerning X and Y is correct?

X Y
A. carbon oxygen
B. silicon oxygen
C. oxygen sodium
D. oxygen chlorine

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Question 65

Which of the following pairs of elements would form a covalent compound?

A. mercury and neon

B. neon and nitrogen
C. mercury and fluorine
D. fluorine and nitrogen

Question 66

Consider the information below:

Solid Melting point Electrical conductivity Solubility in water

W high good insoluble

X high non-conducting soluble

Y low non-conducting soluble

Z very high non-conducting insoluble

Which of the following solids is likely to be an ionic compound?

A. W
B. X
C. Y
D. Z

Question 67

Which of the following bonds or attractive forces exist in ammonium nitrate?

(1) ionic bond

(2) covalent bond
(3) van der Waals’ forces

A. (1) and (2) only

B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

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Question 68

In which of the following groups of substances there exists a difference in bonding type among the substances?

A. iodine, oxygen, nitrogen

B. chromium, mercury, aluminium
C. methane, ethyl ethanoate, sulphur dioxide
D. potassium chloride, hydrogen chloride, silver chloride

Question 69

Which of the following properties is NOT possessed by both carbon and nitrogen?

A. They can form multiple bonds.

B. They can exist in giant covalent structures.
C. They are chemically stable at room temperature and pressure.
D. They react with oxygen under suitable conditions to form acidic oxides.

Question 70

Which of the following substances can exist in the form of simple molecules?

(1) iodine
(2) nylon
(3) dry ice

A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

Question 71

A substance has a high melting point and does not conduct electricity when in solid state.

It may be

(1) a compound with giant molecules.

(2) an element with giant covalent structure.
(3) a compound with giant ionic structure.

A. (1) and (2) only

B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

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Question 72

Which of the following combinations shows a correct matching of a molecule and its structural formula?

molecule structural formula

A. nitrogen 𝑁=𝑁
B. helium 𝐻𝑒 − 𝐻𝑒
C. carbon dioxide 𝑂−𝐶−𝑂
D. hydrogen peroxide 𝐻−𝑂−𝑂−𝐻

Question 73

The structure of a sulphur molecule in sulphur powder is shown below:

Which of the following statements is correct ?

(Relative atomic mass: 𝑆 = 32.1)

A. The relative molecular mass of sulphur is 32.1.

B. The oxidation number of sulphur in the molecule is 0.
C. The attraction between sulphur molecules is covalent bond.
D. Double bonds are present between adjacent atoms in sulphur molecule.

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2.2 Long Questions

Question 74

“When atoms combine, they tend to attain noble gas electronic structures.”

Discuss how atoms can attain the noble gas electronic structure. In your answer, you should give suitable examples
and the electronic structures of the products formed.

(8 marks)

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Question 75

The boxes below show some information about two atoms, hydrogen (H) and deuterium (D):

a) Suggest a term to indicate the relationship between a hydrogen atom and a deuterium atom.

b) State the number of neutrons in a deuterium atom.

c) Deuterium reacts with oxygen in the same way as hydrogen.

2𝐷!(,) + 𝑂!(,) → 2𝐷! 𝑂(.)

The product of the reaction is known as ‘heavy water’.

i) Explain why deuterium reacts with oxygen in the same way as hydrogen.

ii) Draw the electronic structure of ‘heavy water’, showing electrons in the outermost shells

iii) What is meant by ‘∆H is negative’?

iv) What is the formula mass of ‘heavy water’?

v) 100 cm3 of deuterium and 100 cm3 of oxygen, both measured at room temperature and pressure, are
allowed to react. Calculate the mass of ‘heavy water’ produced.

(Relative atomic mass: 𝑂 = 16.0; Molar volume of gas at room temperature and pressure = 24.0 dm3)

(9 marks)

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Question 76

The relative molecular mass of an alkanol 𝑋 is 60.0. 𝑋 contains 60% of carbon by mass.

a) Calculate the number of moles of carbon in one mole of 𝑋 and hence deduce the molecular formula of 𝑋.

b) Draw ONE possible structure of 𝑋 and give its systematic name.

(Relative atomic mass: 𝐶 = 12.0)

(5 marks)

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Question 77

Lithium is a Group I element in the Periodic Table. It occurs naturally in two isotopic forms. The relative abundance
of the each of these isotopes is shown in the table below:

Isotope 6Li 7Li

Relative abundance (%) 7.4 92.6

a) What is the meaning of the term ‘isotope’?

b) Calculate the relative atomic mass of lithium.

c) A piece of freshly cut lithium metal is placed in air.

i) What would be observed on the surface on the metal after some time? Write the relevant chemical
question.

ii) Draw the electronic diagram of the product in (i), showing electrons in the outermost shells only.

(6 marks)

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Question 78

Nitrogen constitutes about 78% of the atmosphere. The flow diagram below shows the conversion of atmospheric
nitrogen to plant proteins.

a) Draw the electronic diagram for a molecule of nitrogen, showing electrons in the outermost shells only.

b) Describe ONE process by which atmospheric nitrogen can be converted to nitrates in soil.

c) When plants are eaten by animals, the plant proteins are transformed into animal proteins. State ONE way
by which the nitrogen in animal proteins can return to soil.

(4 marks)

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Question 79

The table below lists some information about four elements, 𝑊, 𝑋, 𝑌 and 𝑍:

Element Atomic number Relative atomic mass

W 16 32.1

X 18 39.9

Y 19 39.1

Z 20 40.1

a) What is the meaning of the term ‘relative atomic mass’?

b) State, with explanation, which of the above elements

i) should be stored under paraffin oil.

ii) is used to fill a light bulb

iii) forms an oxide which dissolves in water to give a solution with pH less than 7.

(8 marks)

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Question 80

a) The atomic numbers of sulphur and chlorine are 16 and 17 respectively. Draw the electronic diagrams of the
following atoms:

i) sulphur atom

ii) chlorine atom

b) Chlorine reacts with sulphur to form a compound with relative molecular mass of 135.2. The compound
contains 52.5% of chlorine by mass.

i) Deduce the molecular formula of the compound.

ii) Draw the electronic diagram of the compound, showing electrons in the outermost shells only.

(Relative atomic masses: S = 32.1, Cl = 35.5)

(6 marks)

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Question 81

A portion of the Periodic Table is shown below:

a) Identify ONE semi-metal in the above table.

b) Suggest why Group O elements seldom form compounds.

c) Using aluminium as an example, describe the bonding in metals. Hence, explain why metals are ductile.

d) Which metal and non-metal in the above table would react most vigorously with each other?

e)

i) The atomic number of bromine is 35. The electronic arrangement of a bromine atom can be
represented as 2, 8, x, y. What are the values of x and y?

ii) At 5oC, the reaction of bromine with sodium hydroxide solution is similar to that of chlorine with
sodium hydroxide solution.

iii) Write a chemical equation for the reaction of bromine with sodium hydroxide solution at this
temperature.

(8 marks)

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Question 82

a) Calcium is an element in Group II of the Periodic Table.

i) Calcium reacts with nitrogen to form calcium nitride, which is an ionic compound. Draw the electronic
diagram of calcium nitride, showing electrons in the outermost shells only.

ii) Suggest a test to show that marble is a calcium-containing substance.

(3 marks)
b) Strontium (Sr) is another Group II element. It exists in several isotopic forms.

i) What is the meaning of the term ‘isotope’?

ii) Strontium-90 (90Sr) is a radioactive isotope of strontium, and is one of the dangerous by-products of
nuclear fission.

Complete the table below by providing the relevant information for a "Sr atom.

Number of protons Number of neutrons

90
Sr

(2 marks)
c)

i) State the similarity between a calcium atom and a strontium atom in terms of electronic arrangement.

ii) Children's teeth require a large amount of calcium to grow. Scientists found that in areas where nuclear
weapon tests were conducted above the ground, children's teeth contained a higher level of 90Sr.

Suggest a reason for the findings of the scientists.

(2 marks)

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Question 83

Boron occurs naturally in two isotopes, 10B and 11B.

a) What is meant by the term ‘isotopes’?

(1 mark)

b) With reference to the Periodic Table on page 20, calculate the percentage abundance of 11B in nature.

(2 mark)
10
c) 𝐵𝐶𝑙" and 3 11𝐵𝐶𝑙" are compound formed respectively from the two isotopes of boron with chlorine.
10
𝐵𝐶𝑙" reacts with water to give white fumes. State, with explanation, the expected observation when 11𝐵𝐶𝑙"
is added to water.

(1 mark)

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Question 84

Discuss respectively why electrical conductivity and melting point differ among sodium chloride (𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙), sodium (𝑁𝑎)
and chlorine (𝐶𝑙! ).

(9 marks)

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