2011 JC1 H2 Chemistry Promotional Examination Paper 2 Corrections

SECTION A
1
In car accidents, the activation of an airbag is often able to save a life when it cushions impact on the
passengers head. The expansion of the airbag is caused by the electronic detonation ofasodium
compound,NaNx, that triggersa decomposition reaction, producing only sodium metal and nitrogen
gas.
A student was given 1.00 g of the sodium compound. He heated the solid on a weighing balance until
a constant mass reading of 0.354 g was obtained. The gas produced was collected in a container
under roomconditions.
(a)

Find the empirical formula of the sodium compound, NaNx.

(Assume that all products formed do not take part in further reactions.)

Comment [LHYC1]: Question is poorly

done in general.
Students show a lack of understanding of
mole concept and ideal gas theories.

[2]

Mass / g
Amount / mol

.
.

Na
0.354
= 1.539 10-2

Simplest mole ratio

1
The empirical formula of the compound is NaN3.

(b)

N
0.646
.
= 4.614 10-2
.

Write a balanced chemical equation for the decomposition and hence calculate the volume (in
cm3) of nitrogen gas collected.
(Assume that molar volume under room conditions is 24.0 dm3.)
[2]
2NaN3 (s) 2Na (s) + 3N2 (g)

Amount of N2 = 1.539 10-2 = 2.309 10-2mol

Volume of N2 = 2.309 10-2 24.0 = 0.554 dm3 = 554 cm3

(c)

The nitrogen gas collected is compressed to halfthe volume calculated in (b) and heated from
20 oCto 40oC. Calculate the pressure exerted by the gas on the container.
[2]

=

Comment [LHYC2]: A common

mistake made was to find the amount of N2,
compare it to the amount of Na and obtain
a mole ratio of 2:3, and using that mole
ratio for the empirical formula.
Some students simply wrote an equation
assuming one mole of N2 is formed, then
balanced the equation.

Comment [LHYC3]: Students

commonly wrote the Na (s) as Na+ (s)
instead.
Comment [LHYC4]: Students found
the amount of N atoms instead of the
amount of N2.
Comment [LHYC5]: A very common
mistake was to leave the answer in dm3.
Question asks for answer in cm3.

=
p2 = 216000 Pa

(d)

In reality, the pressure exerted by the gas on the container was measured to be lower than the
calculated value in (c).State two reasons why this discrepancy was observed.
[2]
The particles of nitrogen gas, a non-ideal gas, have significant volume compared to that of the
container
and there are significant intermolecular forces of attractions between the particlesand between
the particles and the wall of the container.
Total 8 marks

Comment [LHYC6]: Students gave a

wide range of irrelevant answers including
heat loss to surroundings, average values
used, not a pure ionic compound, gas
leaked from container, LCP, etc.
Many students stated that the assumption
for the calculations above is that the gas is
ideal, but did not proceed to elaborate on
how it is non-ideal.
Students who caught on to the correct
concepts commonly left out the key word,
particles (gas has significant volume
compared to container not acceptable),
and the key phrase, and between particles
and the walls of the container.

The table below shows some thermochemical data:

H / kJ mol-1
Ca (s) Ca2+(aq) + 2e-

+347

Ca(s) + S(s) + 2O2(g) CaSO4(s)

-1435

S(s) +2O2(g) + 2e- SO42-(aq)

-907

(a)

Use the data in the table above to construct an energy cycle and hence calculate the standard
enthalpy change of the following reaction:
Ca(NO3)2 (aq) + H2SO4 (aq) CaSO4 (s) + 2HNO3 (aq)
[3]
Hrxn
Ca(NO3)2 (aq) + H2SO4 (aq)

CaSO4 (s) + 2HNO3 (aq)

-907

-1435

Ca2+(aq) + 2e- + S (s) + 2O2 (g) + 2HNO3 (aq)

+347
Ca(s) + S(s) + 2O2(g) + 2HNO3 (aq)
Comment [LHYC8]: Students are
unable to form an energy cycle that is
balanced. HNO3 and number of electrons
are stumbling blocks.
A common careless mistake is the leaving
out of state symbols.

By Hess Law,
Hrxn = -(-907) (+347)+ (- 1435) = 875 kJmol-1
(b)

(i)

Explainwhat is meant by the lattice energy of calcium sulfate.

Lattice energy is the energy evolved when 1 mol of solid CaSO4 is formed from its
constituent gaseous ionsOR
Ca2+ (g) + SO42- (g) CaSO4 (s)

(ii)

Comment [LHYC7]: Students who

attempted this question with memory of
definitions and explanations for solubility
managed to obtain the latter 2 marks.
Overall, surprisingly better done than
expected.

Calcium sulfate is sparingly soluble in water while magnesium sulfate is soluble. Explain,
in terms of bonding and structure whymagnesiumsulfate is soluble in water.
[2]
Magnesiumsulfate is soluble in water as favourable ion-dipole interactions can be
formed, which releases energy to break the giant ionic lattice structure.
Total 5 marks

Comment [LHYC9]: energy change

was accepted in place of energy evolved,
but students should be told to use the
latter in future.
Students commonly left out the word
solid and other parts of the definition.

Comment [LHYC10]: Second marking

point commonly left out.
Some students cited magnesium sulphate
as having intermolecular forces of
attraction, a major misconception.

Ethene reacts with bromine in tetrachloromethane to form 1,2-dibromoethane (CH2BrCH2Br)as shown

by the equation:
CH2=CH2 + Br2 CH2BrCH2Br
To determine the orders of reaction with respect to ethene and bromine, ethene and bromine were
first dissolved separately in tetrachloromethane. Various volumes of these solutions and
tetrachloromethane were then mixed and the time taken for the brown colour of bromine to
disappear was recorded. The results are shown in the table below:

Volume of
ethene
solution/ cm3
20

Volume of
bromine
solution/ cm3
20

12

20

25

20

10

10

25

Experiment

(a)

Volume of
Time taken for
tetrachloromethane/ colour of bromine
cm3
to disappear/ s
0
15

4
40
20
20
t4
With reference to Experiments 1 to 3, explain why varying volumes of tetrachloromethane
were used.
[1]
To keep the total volume constant so that the concentration of ethene or bromine used is
directly proportional to the volume used.
Alternatively:
[ethene] volume of ethene and [bromine] volume of bromine.

(b)

The relationship between the rate of reaction with the time taken for the colour of bromine to
V
disappearandthe volume of bromine used is given as shown:Rate Br2
t
Using the experimental data, deduce the order of reaction with respect to ethane and bromine.
[2]
Comparing Experiments 1 and 3,
[] []

= [] []

[] []

= [] []

y2

Order of reaction w.r.t. bromine is 2.

Comparing Experiments 1 and 2,

[] []
[] []

[] []

= [] []

x=1

Order of reaction w.r.t. ethene is 1.

Comment [KSH11]: Question is very

badly done. Students did not understand
that tetrachloromethane is a solvent and
that its role is to keep the total volume
constant such that concentration is
proportional to volume and mentioned
that it was to determine the order of
reaction wrt tetrachloromethane. In
addition, many students mentioned that
the total volume was constant but did not
elaborate on why total volume was
constant.

Comment [KSH12]: Many students

who attempted the question were unable
to use the given relationship to determine
the order of reaction wrt ethane and
bromine. Students used 1/t to calculate the
rate instead. Some students concluded the
order of reaction without relevant working
and marks were not awarded.

(c)

Suggest a value for t4, the time taken for the brown colour of bromine to disappear in
Experiment 4.
[2]
Comparing Experiments 1 and 4,

=
=

[] []
[] []

Comment [KSH13]: Students did not

recognise that [ethene] and [Br2] is
affected by total volume and that they
need to make use of the given relationship
of rate VBr/t to determine the time taken.

t4= 30s
(d)

The following graph shows the second ionisation energy trend of successive elements from
Period 3.

(i)

With the aid of the Data Booklet , account for the decrease in 2nd ionisation energy from
element B to element C.
Element B is Al, electronic configuration: 1s22s22p63s23p1;
Element C is Si, electronic configuration: 1s22s22p63s23p2
For 2nd IE: Al+ Al2++e ;
Si+ Si2+ +e
+
electronic configuration of Al : 1s22s22p63s2electronic configuration of Si+: 1s22s22p63s23p1

Comment [KSH14]: Students need to

identify the elements or electronic
configuration correctly in order to explain
the decrease in 2nd IE. Many students
identified the wrong elements or gave the
wrong electronic configuration and
mentioned inter-electron repulsion
between electrons in the same orbitals led
to the decrease in 2nd IE.

The 3p electron in Si or Si+ (C or C+) is further away from the nucleus.

(or the 3p1 electron experience a weaker electrostatic force of attraction from the nucleus.)
Less energy is required to remove the electron resulting in the decrease of 2nd IE from B to C
(ii)

Sketch the trend of electrical conductivity for element A to D.

Electrical Conductivity

[3]

element
A

D
Total 8 marks

Comment [KSH15]: Most students

were unable to sketch the correct trend of
electrical conductivity. This may be
because they did not identify the elements
A to D and thus unable to know the
electrical conductivity of the elements.

Nitrates are commonly used in the making of pyrotechnics. Hydroxylamine nitrate, NH3OHNO3, is one
of them and it can also be used as a rocket propellant. Hydroxylamine nitrate undergoes catalytic
decomposition according to the following equation:
4NH3OHNO3 (s) 3N2O (g) + 7H2O (l) + 2HNO3 (l)
The standard enthalpy change of reaction, Hrxn, is -526.6 kJ mol-1 and the standard entropy change,
S, is +180 J mol 1K-1.
(a)

Explain the significance of the sign of S. [1]

Comment [ECH(C16]: Most students

give the definition of S instead of
explaining the sign in reference to the
chemical reaction in the question.

The positive sign for S implies that there is an increase in the number of gaseous
molecules/particles, ie. n = +3.
Or A change in state from solid reactants to liquid and gaseous products.
(b)

Determine the value of the standard Gibbs free energy, G, for the reaction.

[1]

G = (-526.6) 298 (180/1000)= -580 kJ mol1

(c)

Comment on the effect of high temperatures on the feasibility of the reaction. [2]
The reaction will be feasible at all temperatures./ Temperature has no effect on feasibility of
reaction.
G = H - TS = -ve (+ve)( +ve) = -ve
Gwill be negative at all temperatures and the reaction will be spontaneous.

(d)

Draw the dot-and cross diagram of N2O.[1]

Comment [ECH(C17]: Most students

forget to convert Sto kJ mol-1 K-1 and
substitute temperature as 293 K and 273
K instead.
Comment [ECH(C18]: Some students
interpret as kinetic feasibility instead
of thermal feasibility, hence use Ea to
explain. The above reaction is not
reversible so do not cite LCP! Most
students compare the magnitude of
Hvs.TS when it is not necessary.

Comment [ECH(C19]: Do not draw

circles to represent electron shelves, use
other shapes (besides dots and crosses) to
represent electrons and to represent
dative bond.

(e)

The plots of pV/RT against p for one mole of an ideal gas at 300K is given below.
pV/RT

Ideal Gas
1.0

p
(i)

Show on the same axes how one mole of N2O gaswill behave at the same temperature
of 300K.

(ii)

On the same axes, draw a curve to representN2O gas when it is cooled to 50K.

(iii)

On the same axes show how one mole of N2 gaswill behave at the same temperature
of 300K. Explain your answer.
[4]
pV/RT

(ii) N2O (50 K)

(i)N2O (300 K)

(iii) N2 (300 K)

1.0

Ideal Gas
(300K)

Or
(ii) N2O (50 K)
pV/RT
(i)N2O (300 K)

(iii) N2 (300 K)

1.0

p
(iii)

N2O and N2 both have simple molecular structure.

N2 has weaker temporary dipole-dipole interaction as compared to the permanent
dipole-dipole interaction in N2O
Or
N2O has more electrons/ higher Mr than N2 hence experiences more extensive Van
der Waals forces of attractions.
N2moleculeswill tend towards ideal gas behaviour.
Total 9 marks

Comment [ECH(C20]: Many students

compare N2 at 300 K with N2O at 50 K. They
should compare with N2O at 300 K since
both gases are at the same temperature!
N2O cannot formed hydrogen bonds. Do
not compare the size of N2 and N2O in
relation to the size of the container as the
focus of the questions is about changes in
temperature and not pressure.

(a)

Formic acid, also known as methanoic acid, is the simplest carboxylic acid. It occurs
naturally in the venom of bee and ant stings. Formic acid dissociates in water as shown:
HCOOH (aq)
HCOO- (aq) + H+ (aq)
In an experiment, 25.0 cm3 of 0.1 mol dm-3 formic acid was titrated against 0.05 mol dm3
of aqueous sodium hydroxide.
[Ka of formic acid = 1.8 x 10-4 mol dm-3]
(i)

At a certain point in the titration, a solution of maximum buffering capacity can be

obtained. Calculate the pH of this point.
At half-equivalence point,
pH = pKa
pH = -log10(1.8 x 10-4)= 3.74

(ii)

Calculate the concentration of the formic acid when 15.00 cm3 of aqueous sodium
hydroxide has been added. Hence, calculate the pH of the mixture. [4]
HCOOH (aq)
HCOO(aq) + H+ (aq)

+
HCOO Na (aq) HCOO(aq) + Na+(aq)

Amount of HCOOH before mixing = 0.1 = 2.5 x 10-3 mol

Comment [TEY21]: This part is well

done. Most students are able to recognise
that at maximum buffering capacity, pH =
pKa. However, there are some students
who think that at this point, the solution is
that of a weak acid.

Comment [TEY22]: Many students do

notknow that the mixture is a buffer. The
weak acid is in the conical flask and as it
has only been partially neutralised, some
weak acid remains and some salt would
have been formed.
A number of students mistook the mixture
to be a salt solution or a solution of weak
acid.

Amount of NaOH added = 0.05 = 7.5 x 10-4 mol

HCOOH (aq) + NaOH (aq) HCOO-Na+ (aq) + H2O (l)
Amount of HCOOH reacted = 7.5 x 10-4 mol
Amount of HCOO-Na+ formed = 7.5 x 10-4 mol
New volume after mixing = 25 + 15 = 40 cm3
New [HCOOH] =

. .
.

Comment [TEY23]: Some students did

not realise that some of the formic acid has
reacted with the sodium hydroxide added
and used the original amount of acid /
amount of acid reacted to find its
concentration.

= 0.0438mol dm-3

.
= 0.01875 mol dm-3
.

[ ]
.
= pKa + log10[]= log10(1.8 10-4) + log10. =

New [HCOO-Na+] =
pH

3.38

Comment [TEY24]: Note that since the

question asked for boththe concentration
of the weak acid and the pH of the mixture,
both answers have to be calculated and
left to 3 sig. fig.
Comment [TEY25]: Note the formula!
Some students remembered the buffer
formula wrongly.

(b)

A saturated solution of iron(II) hydroxide has a pH of 8.76 at 25C.

(i)
Write an expression for the solubility product of iron(II) hydroxide.

Comment [TEY26]: This is a very easy

question. However, some students do not
know that solubility product refers to Ksp
and wrote the dissociation equation
instead! Some students included the solid
in the expression!

Fe2+ (aq) + 2OH- (aq)

Fe(OH)2(s)
Ksp = [Fe2+][OH-]2
(ii)

Calculate the value of the Ksp of iron(II) hydroxide, stating its units.
pOH = 14 8.76 = 5.24
pOH = -lg [OH-]
[OH-] = 10-5.24 =5.754 x 10-6 mol dm-3
Let the solubility of Fe(OH)2 be x mol dm3.
Fe(OH)2(s)
in [ ] :

Fe2+ (aq) + 2OH- (aq)

-x
+x
+2x

Ksp = [Fe2+][OH-]2
=(5.754 x 10-62)(5.754 x 10-6)2
= 9.53 x10-17 mol3 dm-9
(iii)

Explain, with the aid of an equation, the decrease in solubility of iron(II)hydroxide in the
presence of 0.10 mol dm-3 of aqueous iron(II) sulphate.
[5]
Fe(OH)2 (s)
Fe2+ (aq) + 2OH (aq) ----- (1)
2+
FeSO4 (aq) Fe (aq)+SO42 (aq) ----- (2)
Due to thecommon ion effect, by Le Chateliers Principle, the position of equilibrium in (1)
will shift left to reduce [Fe2+].
Hence, solubility of Fe(OH)2 will be reduced.
Total 10 marks

TOTAL for SECTION A: 40 Marks

Comment [TEY27]: Most students

know that they need to find [OH-] from the
pH given. However, many students do not
know that they need to divide by 2 in order
to find the [Fe2+] at saturation.
Comment [TEY28]: Some students
forgot to write down the units which can
easily earn them one mark!
Comment [TEY29]: This question does
not require a quantitative explanation.
Students who attempted to give a
quantitative explanation failed to fully
understand what is happening and to
correctly prove that the solubility of
Fe(OH)2 is decreased in the presence of
FeSO4.
Comment [TEY30]: Many students did
not get the mark. This was due to the
following reasons: (i) no/wrong state
symbols (ii) wrong type of arrow (iii) wrong
/no equation.
Comment [TEY31]: For the
explanation, it is important for students to
include that the reason the position of
equilibrium will shift left is to decrease
[Fe2+]. Many answers omitted this point
and was hence, not awarded the mark. A
number of students also missed out the
word position despite numerous
reminders.
Some students used Ksp to explain. Students
need to take note that Ksp will not change
as temperature did not change!
For this examination, the explanation mark
was awarded as long as the equation is
written in parts (i) (iii). However, it should
be noted that in the future, the correct
equation should be written together with
the explanation before the explanation can
be awarded any marks.

Mark Scheme for SECTION B

6

(a)

Brass is a mixture of copper and zinc. It dissolves in nitric acid to give a mixture of Cu2+ (aq) and
Zn2+ (aq) ions.
3Cu (s) + 2NO3- (aq) + 8H+ (aq) 3Cu2+ (aq) + 2NO (g) + 4H2O (l)
The copper ions, Cu2+, may be analysed by means of iodide and sodium thiosulfate. The zinc
ions do not react during this analysis.
1.00 g of brass was dissolved in nitric acid and after boiling off oxides of nitrogen and
neutralisation, excess potassium iodide, KI, was added to the Cu2+(aq) ions and white
precipitate of copper(I) iodide was formed in iodine solution, I2 (aq).
The iodine formed then reacted with 0.0100 mol of sodium thiosulfate.
I2 (aq) + 2S2O32- (aq) 2I- (aq) + S4O62- (aq)
Construct an equation between the copper(II) ions and iodide. Hence, calculate the percentage
by mass of copper in the brass.
[2]
2Cu2+ (aq) + 4I- (aq) 2CuI (s) + I2 (aq)
Amt of I2 produced = 0.0100 2 = 0.00500 mol
Amt of Cu2+ = 0.005 x 2 = 0.0100 mol
Amt of Cu = 0.0100 mol

Comment [GXYS32]: Most students

were not able to provide the correct
equation (i.e. to form Cu+ (aq), instead of
CuI (s)). However, it should not be the case
since a similar question is found in Redox
tutorial Q5.
Some students also placed Cu2+ and I- as
the products formed. This shows poor
understanding of the question.

Mass of Cu in sample = 0.0100 x 63.5 = 0.635 g

% by mass of Cu in brass = (0.635 1) x 100% = 63.5%
(b)

The sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide mixture was subsequently passed through an industrial
scrubber to separate the two gases. The sulfur dioxide gas obtained was then passed through
excess oxygen, using vanadium(V) oxide as the catalyst at a temperature of 500C in a reactor
of 2 dm3. This is the key stage in the Contact process to produce sulfuric acid.
2SO2 (g) + O2 (g)
(i)

2SO3(g)

Comment [GXYS33]: No e.c.f. was

given as long as overall redox equation was
not justifiable.

H = 197 kJ mol-1

Explain the considerations which lead to the temperature of 500oC being used.

At low temperature, according to Le Chateliers Principle, the position of equilibrium

shifts to the right to release heat, favouring the exothermic reaction. Hence, a high yield
of SO3 is obtained.
However, too low a temperature will cause the reaction to be too slow, which makes the
process uneconomical.
Thus a moderate temperature of 500oC is adopted.

Comment [ec34]: A lot of students did

not take into consideration the rate of
reaction. They only wrote down
equilibrium considerations.

(ii)

Write an expression for Kc for this reaction.

[ ]

] [ ]

Kc = [
(iii)

Assuming a 95% conversion of SO2 (g) into SO3 (g) was achieved, use your expression in
(b)(i) to calculate the value for Kc when 4 mol of SO2 and 3 mol of O2 were allowed to
reach equilibrium at 500C.
2SO2 (g)

+ O2 (g)

2SO3 (g)

-3.8

(3.8/2)
= -1.9

+3.8

0.2

1.1

3.8

Initial amount
/mol
Change in
amount/mol
Equilibrium
amount / mol
Kc =

(iv)

. .

= 656.4 656 mol-1 dm3

Some of the SO3 (g) formed was immediately removed from the reactor once equilibrium
was established. Calculate the newequilibrium amount of SO3 (g) at 500C if the amount
of O2 (g) at the new equilibrium was 1.01 mol.
2SO2 (g)
+ O2 (g)
2SO3 (g)
Initial amount
3.8-y
0.2
1.1
/mol
Change in
-(2 x 0.09)
-0.09
+0.18
amount/mol
= -0.18
Equilibrium
0.02
1.01
3.98-y
amount / mol
Since temperature remains constant, Kc = 656.4 mol-1 dm3.
2

3.98 y

Kc =
2
0.02 1.01
2 2

3.98 y

656.4 = 2
( 0.01) ( 0.505)
0.3641 = 3.98 y
y = 3.6159
SO3 at equilibrium = 3.98 3.6159 = 0.364 mol

Comment [ec35]: Some students

cannot differentiate between initial and
final amount. Therefore, they are unable to
draw the correct ICE table.
A lot of students did not substitute
concentrations in Kc expression. Instead
they substitute amount (mol). DO
REMEMBER to divide amount by volume
before calculating Kc.

Comment [ec36]: A lot of students

cannot draw the correct ICE table. They did
not minus y from the initial amount.

(v)

(vi)

(c)

State and explain the impact on the equilibrium yield of SO3 (g) if more vanadium(V)
oxide was added to the reacting system.
No change on the equilibrium yield of SO3(g).
Catalyst merely speeds up the rate at which equilibrium is achieved.

Comment [ec37]: Some students has

the misconception that when rate increase,
yield must increase which is wrong. Rate
change but equilibrium yield is the same.

State and explain the impact on the equilibrium yield of SO3 (g) if the process was carried
out
at
the
temperature
of
800oC.
[11]
The equilibrium yield of SO3(g) will decrease.
When temperature is increased, the endothermic reaction is favoured so as to absorb the
excess heat and position of equilibrium shifts left in order reduce the temperature.

Sulfuric acid, H2SO4,can behave as an acid, as an oxidising agent and as a dehydrating agent and
is a central substance in the chemical industry. Its principal uses include lead-acid batteries for
cars and other vehicles, ore processing, fertiliser manufacturing, oil refining, wastewater
processing, and chemical synthesis.
(i)
50 cm3 of 1 mol dm-3 of ethanoic acid, CH3COOH (aq), was mixed together with 25 cm3
of 1 mol dm-3 of sodium hydroxide, NaOH (aq).
A small amount of sulfuric acid was then added to the mixture. With an aid of an
equation, comment if there is any pH change.
With 50 cm3 of 1 mol dm-3 of ethanoic acid, CH3COOH (aq) and 25 cm3 of 1 mol dm-3 of
sodium hydroxide, NaOH (aq)
Presence of Buffer Solution.
The small amount of H2SO4 will be removed by the buffer system

(ii)

(d)

H+ + CH3COO- CH3COOH
Thus, pH will remain fairly constant.
The boiling point of pure sulfuric acid, at 270oC, is higher than that of SCl2. Explain, in
terms of structure and bonding, why the boiling point of sulfuric acid is higher than that
of SCl2.
[5]
Both have simple molecular structure.
H2SO4 has intermolecular hydrogen bonds and SCl2 has intermolecular van der
Waalsforces of attractions.
More energyis required to overcome the stronger hydrogen bonds in H2SO4 than the
weaker van der Waals forces of attraction in SCl2.
Hence H2SO4 has a higher boiling point.
Give the symbols (showing the proton number, nucleon number and charges) of the
following two particles
particle
Q
R

protons
17
18

neutrons
17
17

electrons
20
17
[2]

34
17

35
18

Total 20 marks

Comment [GXYS38]: Students were

generally able to identify SCl2 as a simple
molecule. However, many students
identified H2SO4 as a giant ionic compound
due to the conception of H+ and SO42- ions
present during dissociation. Students
should be able to identify that H2SO4 is in
fact a simple molecule since it consists of
non-metal atoms only.
Comment [GXYS39]: Most students
were not able to identify intermolecular
H-bonds present in H2SO4. Most
mentioned about the greater
extensiveness of VDW forces due to
polarity, or greater number of electrons.
Comment [GXYS40]: Some students
identified SCl2 to consist of temporary
dipole-dipole interactions, which is not
true. This is because they failed to identify
that SCl2 is a polar molecule.
Comment [GXYS41]: Phrasing for
intermolecular forces needs to be
improved. Many students failed to include
keywords: intermolecular, or between
molecules. Some students also had
misconceptions about IMF between
atoms was mentioned.
Comment [GXYS42]: Most students
were able to identify the accurate nucleon
and proton number, and charges. However,
some failed to read the question carefully
to express the answer in symbols.

Tea light candles are a popular form of decoration during the Christmas season and are
commonly made from alkanes. A student performed an experiment using tea light candles
purchased from IKEA and The Body Shop.
The calorimeter used in the experiment involving the IKEA candle was calibrated using the
following formula:
Q = C T
where Q is the heat energy transferred, C is the heat capacity of the calorimeter and T is the
temperature change.
The student used the calibrated calorimeter to determine the standard enthalpy change of
combustion,Hc,of The Body Shop candle.
The information below shows the results of the experiment.
Calibration of calorimeter using IKEA candle:
-12 x 106 J mol-1
Hc
Formula
Initial mass of candle
Final mass of candle
Temperature change

C20H42
3.000 g
2.500 g
5 oC

Determination of Hc of The Body Shop candle:

?
Hc
Formula
C22H46
Initial mass of candle
3.000 g
Final mass of candle
2.400 g
Temperature change
6 oC
After the experiment, the student realised that he had forgotten to record the standard enthalpy
change of combustion of The Body Shop candle.
standard
enthalpy
change
of
combustion.
(a) Define
[1]
The standard enthalpy change of combustion is the heat evolved when 1 mol of the
substance is completely combusted under standard conditions.

Comment [YWC43]: Students wrote

heat required which is wrong.
Comment [YWC44]: Students left out
the standard condition in their answer.

(b)

Using your practical knowledge, illustrate,with a clearly labelled diagram, the set-up for this
experiment. You should include in your diagram the apparatus mentioned in this experiment
and those commonly found in a school laboratory.
[2]

Comment [YWC45]: Students did not

mentioned or draw the water in the
calorimeter.
Students used Styrofoam cup to contain
the water, not allowed as it will burn.

Thermometer

Thermometer is not included in the

diagram.

Calorimeter
with water

Tea Light Candle

(c)

(i)

Using the instructions and the data collected from the experiment with the IKEA candle,
calculate the heat capacity of the calorimeter. Leave your answer to 3 significant
figures.
Hc =

Q
n

-12 x 106 =

Comment [YWC46]: Students got this

formula wrong.

Q
3 2.5
282

Comment [YWC47]: Students did not

subtract the mass.

Q = 2.1277 x 104 J
Using Q = C T
2.1277 x 104= C (5)
C = 4255.3 J K-1= 4260 J K-1

Comment [YWC48]: Students added

273 to the temperature change factor.
Comment [YWC49]: Unit is wrong.

(ii)

Hence, calculate the standard enthalpy change of combustion of The Body Shop candle.
State one assumption you made in your calculations in c(i) and c(ii).
[5]
Q =C T= 4255.32 x 6 = 25531.91 J

Hc =

25531.91
= -13.2 x 106 J mol-1
0.60
12(22) + 46

Assumption: 100% efficiency / no heat lost to surrounding.

(d)

Iron(III) oxide, Fe2O3, is produced from the oxidation of iron metal. It is one of the three main
oxides of iron, the other two being FeO, which is rare and Fe3O4 which occurs naturally as the
mineral magnetite.
Standard enthalpy change of atomisation of iron = +414 kJ mol-1
First and second electron affinity of oxygen = +650 kJ mol-1
Standard enthalpy change of formation of iron(III) oxide = -823 kJ mol-1
(i)

With reference to the Data Booklet and given information, construct and label a BornHabercycle for the formation of iron(III) oxide from its elements.
Comment [YWC50]:
Energy and zero label is not present

Energy
2Fe3+ (g) + 3 O2- (g)
st

3x 1 & 2
EA O

Electrons not balanced.

nd

Equations not balanced.

2Fe3+ (g) + 3 O (g) + 6e

2x 3rd IE Fe

If 1st EA and 2nd EA is used, students

represented it wrongly on the Born Haber
cycle.

2+

2Fe (g) + 3 O (g) +4e

2x 2nd IE Fe

2Fe+ (g) + 3 O (g) +2e

2x 1st IE Fe

2Fe (g) + 3 O (g)

3/2 x BE O

State symbols not included.

3rd IE of Iron not mentioned in the Born

Haber cycle.

Hlatt

2Fe (g) + 3/2 O2 (g)

2xHat (Fe)
2Fe (s) + 3/2 O2 (g)
0
Hf
Fe2O3 (s)

(ii)

Hence, use the cycle in d(i) to calculate the lattice energy of Fe2O3(s).
[3]
By Hess Law,
[2x Hat (Fe)] + [3/2 BE of O] + [2 x 1st IE Fe] + [2 x 2nd IE Fe]+ [2 x 3rd IE Fe] + [3 x 1st&2nd
BE of O] + [Hlatt (Fe2O3)] = Hf (Fe2O3)
(2x414) + (3/2 x496) + (2x762) + (2x1560) + (2x2960) + (3x650) + Hlatt (Fe2O3)
= - 823
Hlatt(Fe2O3) = -14909 kJ mol-1 = - 1.48 x 107 J mol-1

(e)

The following mechanism illustrates a reaction between reactants A and B.

Step 1: A + B C
fast
Step 2: C + B D + F slow
Prove that the overall order of this reaction is three. [2]
From Reaction 1:
[]

Kc = [][]
[C] = Kc[A][B] ----- (1)
From reaction 2:
Rate = k[C][B] ----- (2)
Since C is an intermediate, it should not appear in the rate law.
Substituting (1) into (2):
Rate = k{Kc[A][B]} [B]
Rate = k[A][B]2
Therefore, the overall order of reaction is three.

Comment [S51]:
Some serious misconceptions shown by
majority of the students resulting in zero
mark awarded:
1) deduce overall order from the overall
equation instead of the rate determining
step (slowest step);
2)express (totally meaningless) rate
equation in term of products, D/F which
cannot be controlled.

(f)

With the aid of an energy profile diagram,explain the following statement:

Diamond is energetically unstable but kinetically stable.[2]
Energy

HighEa
Diamond

H = -ve
Graphite

Reaction Pathway
The process of converting diamond to graphite is an exothermic reaction/diamond has
higher energy level, hence diamond is energetically unstable, but the process required
high activation energy resulting in kinetic stability.

Comment [S52]:
This question deals with two concepts of
energetics and kinetics. 1 mark is only
awarded for correct explanation per
concept if clearly supported by relevant
labels on the energy profile diagram.
No marks were given at all for any
contradiction in concepts shown and when
diamond was not indicated in the diagram
and explanation.
1 mark is also deducted for wrong labels of
energy profile diagram: common mistake is
to label x-axis as time/s.

(g)

Iodination of propanone is done in aqueous acidic solution according to the equation:

CH3COCH3 (aq) + I2 (aq) CH3COCH2I (aq) + H+ (aq) + I- (aq)
The rate of reaction was studied via a colorimetric method, in which the colour intensity of
iodine was measured at regular time intervals.
Three separate experiments were performed, in which the initial concentrations of iodine,
propanone and acid were varied in turn, the other two being kept constant. The results are
shown below in graphical form:
Graph 1
[I2]/mol dm-3
0.004

0.002
[CH3COCH3] = 0.4 mol dm-3
[CH3COCH3]
= 0.8 mol dm-3

[CH3COCH3]
= 1.2 mol dm-3

Time/min
1

Graph 2
[I2]/mol dm-3
0.004

[H+]
= 0.4 mol dm-3
0.002

[H+]
= 0.8 mol dm-3

[H+] = 1.2 mol dm-3

Time/min
1

(i)

Using the graphs above, deduce the orders of reaction with respect to propanone,
iodine and acid, respectively. Show all working clearly.
Order of reaction with respect to:
appropriate working
Propanone = 1
Acid = 1
Iodine = 0

(ii)

Hence,
[5]

write

down

the

rate

equation

for

this

reaction.

Rate = k[H+][CH3COCH3]

Total 20 marks

END OF CORRECTIONS

Comment [S53]:
It is unfortunate that many students do not
have the time to attempt this standard
question.
Among the answers given, few students
could explain why it is zero order wrt
iodine by simply stating that a straight line
for concentration-time graph indicates
constant rate which is independent of [I2].
Missing/wrong units for rate which is
moldm-3min-1.
Reminder that the correct concluding
statement is zero or first order with respect
to a particular reactant, NOT [reactant].