Topic 9 Past Papers Questions with Mark Scheme

Q1.

Hydromagnesite is a mineral containing magnesium carbonate.

A student crushed some hydromagnesite and added a sample of mass 0.936 g to excess dilute hydrochloric
acid.
(a) Give a reason why the mineral was crushed before being added to the acid.
(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) Write the equation for the reaction between magnesium carbonate and dilute hydrochloric acid. Include
state symbols in your equation.
(2)

(c) The gas formed in the reaction was collected in a gas syringe.
The volume of gas was measured at regular intervals for 6 minutes.
A graph of the student's results is shown.

Describe the changes in the rate of reaction during the experiment.

Explain these changes in terms of collisions.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Page 1 of 60
(d) (i) Use information from the graph to calculate the number of moles of magnesium carbonate that reacted
with the dilute hydrochloric acid.
[The molar volume of a gas = 24 000 cm3 mol–1 under the conditions of the experiment.]
(2)

(ii) Calculate the mass of magnesium carbonate that reacted and hence the percentage by mass of
magnesium carbonate in the hydromagnesite.
(2)

Mass of magnesium carbonate = ........................................................... g

Percentage by mass of magnesium carbonate = ........................................................... %

(e) Another student decided to carry out a similar experiment. This student did not have a gas syringe and
therefore collected the carbon dioxide over water in an inverted measuring cylinder, as shown in the diagram.

Page 2 of 60
Explain the effect that collecting the carbon dioxide over water would have on the volume of gas collected and
hence on the percentage of magnesium carbonate in hydromagnesite. Assume that the gas syringe and the
measuring cylinder can be read to the same accuracy.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

(Total for question = 12 marks)

Q2.

(a) (i) Explain, in terms of the oxidation numbers of nitrogen and chlorine, why the reaction between ammonia
and sodium chlorate(I) is a redox reaction.
2NH3(g) + 3NaClO(aq) → N2(g) + 3NaCl(aq) + 3H2O(l)
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Page 3 of 60
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Calculate the minimum volume of 0.20 mol dm−3 sodium chlorate(I) solution needed to react with 120 cm3
of ammonia gas at room temperature and pressure.
2NH3(g) + 3NaClO(aq) → N2(g) + 3NaCl(aq) + 3H2O(l)
[Molar volume of gas at room temperature and pressure = 24 000 cm3 mol−1]
(3)

Page 4 of 60
(b) Ammonia is formed in the Haber Process.

(i) Explain the effect, if any, on the position of equilibrium when the temperature increases from 350 °C to
450 °C at constant pressure.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Use the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution to explain why the addition of a catalyst increases the rate of this
reaction.
(2)

.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Page 5 of 60
(iii) Complete the reaction profile of the catalysed reaction for the formation of ammonia. Label the activation
energy of the forward reaction, and the enthalpy change.
(3)

(c) Ammonium chloride reacts with chlorine to form nitrogen trichloride and hydrogen chloride.
(i) Write the equation for this reaction.
Include state symbols.
(2)

Page 6 of 60
(ii) Predict the shape of a nitrogen trichloride molecule.
Justify your answer.
(3)
Shape ............................................................................................
Justification
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(iii) Explain, in terms of intermolecular forces, why nitrogen trichloride has a similar boiling temperature to
ethanol.

(4)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

(Total for question = 22 marks)

Page 7 of 60
Q3.

In a reaction, the change in concentration of a product with time is shown by the dashed line X on the graph
below.

Which of the lines, A to D, shows the effect of adding a catalyst to this reaction?
A
B
C
D

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Q4.

Consider the following reaction carried out with 0.10 g of magnesium ribbon and excess hydrochloric acid.

Which method should be used to follow the rate of this reaction?

A Measure the pH of the solution, using a pH meter.
B Measure the colour of the solution, using a colorimeter.
C Measure the volume of gas being formed, using a gas syringe.
D Measure the mass of the mixture, using a balance which weighs to two decimal places.

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Page 8 of 60
Q5.

Answer the question with a cross in the box you think is correct ( ). If you change your mind about
an answer, put a line through the box ( ) and then mark your new answer with a cross ( ).
How does the addition of a catalyst to a reaction affect the shape of the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution curve?
A There is no change.
B The peak moves to the left and is higher.
C The peak moves to the right and is lower.
D The total area under the curve increases.

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Q6.

Answer the question with a cross in the box you think is correct ( ). If you change your mind about
an answer, put a line through the box ( ) and then mark your new answer with a cross ( ).
Marble chips react with dilute hydrochloric acid.
CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l) ΔH is negative
An experiment was carried out to measure the initial rate of this reaction at 20 °C.
The experiment was repeated keeping the mass of marble chips and the volume and concentration of the
hydrochloric acid constant.
Which set of changes will result in the fastest initial rate of reaction?

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Page 9 of 60
Q7.

The diagram below shows the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution for the molecular energies of a gaseous system
at two temperatures, and the activation energy for both uncatalysed, Ea , and catalysed, Ea(cat), reactions.

(a) The main reason why an increase in temperature increases the rate of a chemical reaction is because
(1)
A the activation energy increases.
B the activation energy decreases.
C collisions occur with greater energy.
D collisions occur more frequently.

(b) Consider only the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution at the higher temperature.

Which area of the graph shows the additional number of particles with energy greater than the activation
energy, due to the presence of the catalyst?
(1)
A Area X
B Area W + X
C Area X + Z
D Area W + X + Y + Z

(Total for question = 2 marks)

Page 10 of 60
Q8.

This question is about the Maxwell-Boltzmann energy distribution.

The diagram for an increase in temperature from T1 to T2 is

(1)

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Q9.

This question is about nitrogen monoxide, NO.

(a) Nitrogen monoxide is formed in internal combustion engines.

Explain how, if at all, an increase in temperature and an increase in pressure affect this equilibrium. Justify
your answers.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Page 11 of 60
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) In industry, nitrogen monoxide is produced by the oxidation of ammonia at high temperature, with a
platinum catalyst.

(i) Identify the two elements which change their oxidation number in this reaction. State the relevant oxidation
numbers.
(2)
First element .......................................... from ....................... to .......................
Second element .......................................... from ....................... to .......................
(ii) Use the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution to explain why increasing the temperature will result in a higher
rate for this reaction.
A diagram is not required.
(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(iii) Use the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution to explain why the platinum catalyst produces a higher rate for this
reaction.
A diagram is not required.
(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) Nitrogen monoxide is a major pollutant. High in the atmosphere, it is a greenhouse gas and it depletes the
ozone layer.
(i) Explain why nitrogen monoxide is a greenhouse gas and how the presence of nitrogen monoxide in the
atmosphere leads to global warming.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Page 12 of 60
(ii) Write two equations to show how the free radical, nitrogen monoxide, depletes the ozone layer. Indicate
free radicals in the usual way.
Hence write the equation which shows the overall change taking place.
State symbols are not required.
(3)

(Total for question = 13 marks)

Q10.

This is a question about catalysis.

A spectacular demonstration of catalytic oxidation is the addition of chromium(III) oxide to ammonia gas in the
presence of oxygen. This produces flashes, sometimes described as 'fireflies'.
Some concentrated ammonia solution is allowed to vaporise in a very large flask.
Heated chromium(III) oxide catalyst is added.
The equation below shows one possible reaction.

4NH3(g) + 5O2(g) → 4NO(g) + 6H2O(g)

(a) The nitrogen atoms in ammonia are oxidized. Give the oxidation numbers of the nitrogen atoms in
ammonia and nitrogen monoxide.
(2)
NH3........................................................... NO...........................................................
(b) Nitrogen monoxide is an example of a free radical.

(i) Explain why nitrogen monoxide is classed as a free radical.

(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Page 13 of 60
(ii) Draw the dot and cross diagram of nitrogen monoxide, using dots ( ) for the nitrogen electrons and
crosses (×) for the oxygen electrons. Show outer shell electrons only.
(2)

(c) Suggest one suitable safety precaution for this demonstration. Justify your choice.
You can assume that the demonstrator is wearing a lab coat and safety goggles.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

(d) (i) Draw a Maxwell-Boltzmann diagram on the axes below, labelling the activation energy of the reaction
and the vertical axis.
(2)

*(ii) Use your diagram to explain how the presence of a catalyst such as chromium(III) oxide affects the rate of
a chemical reaction.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Page 14 of 60
(e) Suggest how solid catalysts work in gaseous reactions.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(f) The chromium(III) oxide catalyst can be produced from a remarkable demonstration commonly called the
'dichromate volcano'.
One experimental apparatus that could be used is shown below.

(i) The substance used is ammonium dichromate(VI). Give the formula of ammonium dichromate(VI).
(1)

(ii) This thermal decomposition reaction is also a redox reaction involving the oxidation of nitrogen atoms.
However, it does not require oxygen gas.
Suggest how the procedure could be modified to confirm that oxygen gas is not necessary for this oxidation.
(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Page 15 of 60
(iii) From your knowledge of other dichromate(VI) compounds, suggest the colour change that is observed in
this demonstration.
(1)

.............................................................................................................................................

(Total for question = 16 marks)

Q11.

Poly(propenenitrile) is used in the manufacture of acrylic fibres for clothes.

Poly(propenenitrile) is an addition polymer made from propenenitrile.
The structure of propenenitrile is shown.

(a) Give a balanced equation, using displayed formulae, to show the formation of poly(propenenitrile) from
propenenitrile.
(3)

(b) Why does the reaction in (a) have an atom economy of 100%?
(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Page 16 of 60
∗(c) Propenenitrile is manufactured from propene, C3H6, as shown in the following equation.
C3H6(g) + NH3(g) + 1½O2(g) CH2CHCN(g) + 3H2O(g) ΔH = –550 kJ mol–1
The process is carried out at a temperature of 450°C and a pressure of 2.5 atm, in the presence of a suitable
catalyst.
State and explain the effect on the position of equilibrium when each of the following changes is made to these
reaction conditions.
(i) The temperature is increased.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) The pressure is increased.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
∗(d) Chemical manufacturers also use reaction conditions to control the rates of chemical reactions.
(i) The curves in (d)(ii) and (d)(iii) show the distribution of molecular energies at a temperature, T1.
Label the axes on the diagrams in (d)(ii) and (d)(iii).
(1)
(ii) On the diagram below, draw a curve to show the distribution of molecular energies at a higher temperature,
T2.
Use your diagram, with further labelling as necessary, to explain why the rate of a chemical reaction increases
when the temperature is increased.
(3)

.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Page 17 of 60
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(iii) Use the diagram below, with further labelling as necessary, to explain why the rate of a chemical reaction
increases when a catalyst is added at temperature T1.
(2)

.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

(Total for question = 14 marks)

Page 18 of 60
Q12.

Boron nitride, BN, is a compound first made commercially in the 1940s from boric acid and ammonia, in an
atmosphere of nitrogen.
It forms structures analogous to graphite and diamond because it is isoelectronic with these corresponding
carbon structures. Boron nitride has also been used to form nanotube structures in a similar way to carbon.
Just as synthetic diamonds are produced from graphite by using high temperatures and high pressures, the
diamond-like cubic boron nitride can also be made from heating the graphite-like hexagonal boron nitride under
high pressure.
Boron nitride forms ceramic materials with very high thermal and chemical stability and, a wide range of uses.
For example, they are stable in air up to 1000°C, which is an advantage over similar graphite materials. The
hexagonal form of boron nitride is a very effective lubricant and is also used in cosmetics. However, it is an
electrical insulator, in contrast to graphite, which is a good electrical conductor.
(a) (i) Write the equation for the formation of boron nitride from boric acid, H3BO3, and ammonia.
State symbols are not required.
(1)

(ii) Suggest why this reaction is carried out in an atmosphere of nitrogen.

(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The structure of the cubic boron nitride corresponds to the diamond structure. The boron and nitrogen
atoms alternate throughout the structure.
(i) In the left hand box, the diagram shows a section of the diamond structure, where each black circle
represents a carbon atom.
In the right hand box label all the nitrogen and boron atoms in the diagram of cubic boron nitride.
(1)

Page 19 of 60
(ii) State the bond angle and shape around the carbon atoms in diamond and fully justify your answer.
(4)
Bond angle ....................................................... Shape .......................................................
Justification
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) The equilibrium between graphite and diamond is

The density of graphite is 2.27 g cm–3 and the density of diamond is 3.51 g cm–3.
*(i) Suggest why a very high temperature and high pressure are needed to convert graphite to diamond.
(4)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) The use of a catalyst in the conversion of graphite to diamond has been reported. Describe how the
addition of a catalyst can lower the temperature required for a reaction.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Page 20 of 60
(d) Diamond and graphite are stable in air up to approximately 800°C. Identify one of the products if diamond
or graphite is heated in air above this temperature.
(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
(e) The structure of hexagonal boron nitride corresponds to that of graphite.
(i) The simplified diagram in the left hand box shows the bonding in hexagonal boron nitride.
In the right hand box, complete the dot and cross diagram showing only the electrons around the nitrogen atom
which is labelled with an asterisk (*). Use ( ) for the nitrogen electrons and ( ) for the boron electrons.
(1)

*(ii) Describe how each carbon atom is bonded in the graphite structure and hence explain why graphite is a
good conductor of electricity. Suggest why hexagonal boron nitride is an electrical insulator.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(iii) Graphite and the hexagonal boron nitride are both used as lubricants because of the weak intermolecular
forces between the layers of hexagonal rings. Identify these intermolecular forces and describe how they arise.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(Total for question = 22 marks)

Page 21 of 60
Q13.

The rate of the reaction between calcium carbonate and acid increases when
(1)
A the particle size of the calcium carbonate decreases.
B 1 mol dm–3 nitric acid is used instead of 1 mol dm–3 hydrochloric acid.
C 0.5 mol dm–3 sulfuric acid is used instead of 1 mol dm–3 hydrochloric acid.
D the pressure is increased.

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Q14.

A lump of malachite, CuCO3.Cu(OH)2, reacts with 40 cm3 of 0.50 mol dm–3 hydrochloric acid. The rate of
reaction can be increased significantly by
A increasing the pressure.
B crushing the malachite lump.
C replacing the acid with 80 cm3 of 0.25 mol dm–3 hydrochloric acid.
D using a magnetic stirrer to agitate the mixture.

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Q15.

Consider the following reaction:

Increasing the pressure increases the reaction rate because it

A increases molecular energies.
B shifts the position of equilibrium to the right.
C increases the collision frequency.
D decreases the activation energy.

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Page 22 of 60
Q16.

An energy level diagram for a reaction with an intermediate can be drawn as shown.

Which arrow indicates the enthalpy change for this reaction?

A
B
C
D

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Page 23 of 60
Q17.

Which graph correctly shows the Maxwell-Boltzmann energy distribution?

A
B
C
D
(Total for question = 1 mark)
Q18.

Hydrogen peroxide decomposes forming water and oxygen.

H2O2(aq) → H2O(l) + ½O2(g)
Which change does not increase the reaction rate?
A Adding the powdered catalyst, MnO2
B Increasing the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide from 2 mol dm–3 to 4 mol dm–3
C Increasing the pressure from 2 atm to 4 atm
D Increasing the temperature from 20°C to 40°C

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Page 24 of 60
Q19.

Answer the question with a cross in the box you think is correct ( ). If you change your mind about
an answer, put a line through the box ( ) and then mark your new answer with a cross ( ).
Which trend is correct for the Group 2 metals as the atomic number increases?
A The atomic radius decreases.
B The electronegativity increases.
C The first ionisation energy decreases.
D The thermal stability of their nitrates decreases.

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Q20.

A Maxwell-Boltzmann curve shows the distribution of molecular energies in a reaction system. When the
temperature in this system is decreased, the peak is
A higher and further to the right.
B higher and further to the left.
C lower and further to the right.
D lower and further to the left.

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Page 25 of 60
Q21.

A Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution graph can be used to illustrate the effect of increasing temperature on the
rate of a chemical reaction.
Which area on the graph below indicates the increase in the number of molecules that have sufficient energy
to react, when the temperature changes from 400 K to 420 K?

A Area B + C
B Area C + D
C Area C
D Area D

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Page 26 of 60
Mark Scheme
Q1.

Page 27 of 60
Page 28 of 60
Page 29 of 60
Q2.

Page 30 of 60
Page 31 of 60
Page 32 of 60
Page 33 of 60
Page 34 of 60
Page 35 of 60
Page 36 of 60
Q3.

Q4.

Q5.

Q6.

Page 37 of 60
Q7.

Q8.

Page 38 of 60
Q9.

Page 39 of 60
Page 40 of 60
Page 41 of 60
Page 42 of 60
Q10.

Page 43 of 60
Page 44 of 60
Page 45 of 60
Page 46 of 60
Q11.

Page 47 of 60
Page 48 of 60
Page 49 of 60
Page 50 of 60
Page 51 of 60
Page 52 of 60
Page 53 of 60
Q12.

Page 54 of 60
Page 55 of 60
Page 56 of 60
Page 57 of 60
Q13.

Q14.

Q15.

Page 58 of 60
Q16.

Q17.

Q18.

Q19.

Page 59 of 60
Q20.

Q21.

Page 60 of 60