HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)

Part II Microscopic world I

Chemistry: Chapter 9 Structure and properties of substances

Combined Science (Chemistry Part): Chapter 9 Structure and properties of substances

Multiple-choice questions

Sections 9.19.2
|!|CMEMF0020900001|!| |!|CSEMF0020900001|!|
Chlorine exists as a gas at room temperature and pressure because
A. chlorine is reactive.
B. the intermolecular forces among chlorine molecules are weak.
C. the intermolecular forces between chlorine atoms are weak.
D. chlorine molecules are diatomic.

##B##

|!|CMEMF0020900002|!| |!|CSEMF0020900002|!|
Helium has a low boiling point because
A. a helium atom has a duplet structure.
B. helium molecules are monoatomic.
C. the van der Waals’ forces between helium atoms are weak.
D. helium is a noble gas.

##C##

|!|CMEMF0020900003|!| |!|CSEMF0020900003|!|
Which of the following statements concerning the structure of solid carbon dioxide
is/are correct?
(1) It has a simple molecular structure.
(2) Carbon atom and oxygen atom within the molecule are held by ionic bond.
(3) Carbon dioxide molecules are held together by intermolecular forces.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

##C Carbon dioxide is a covalent molecule. There are two C=O bonds joining the
carbon and oxygen atoms together in the molecule.##

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

150
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

|!|CMEMF0020900004|!| |!|CSEMF0020900004|!|
Which of the following statements about substances with simple molecular structure
are correct?
(1) They have low melting points and boiling points.
(2) Most of them are insoluble in water but soluble in non-aqueous solvents.
(3) They must be gases at room temperature.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

##A Substances with simple molecular structure could be solids (e.g. iodine), liquids
(e.g. water) or gases (e.g. carbon dioxide) at room temperature.##

|!|CMEMF0020900005|!| |!|CSEMF0020900005|!|
Which of the following statements about iodine is INCORRECT?
A. It is a halogen.
B. It is a solid at room conditions.
C. It reacts with sodium to form an ionic compound.
D. It has a giant covalent structure.

##D Iodine has a simple molecular structure.##

|!|CMEMH0020900006|!| |!|CSEMH0020900006|!|
The atomic numbers of elements X and Y are 15 and 17 respectively. They combine to
form compound Z. Which of the following statements about compound Z are correct?
(1) Z has a giant covalent structure.
(2) Z has a chemical formula of XY3.
(3) Z cannot conduct electricity.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

##C Z has a simple molecular structure. The electronic arrangement of X is 2, 8, 5. It
shares electrons with three other atoms of Y to form a covalent compound with a
molecular formula of XY3.##

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

151
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

|!|CMEMF0020900007|!| |!|CSEMF0020900007|!|
The atomic numbers of elements X and Y are 6 and 8 respectively. The compound
formed between X and Y
(1) has a simple molecular structure.
(2) is a gas at room conditions.
(3) is a non-conductor of electricity.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

##D X and Y are carbon and oxygen respectively. The compound formed between
them is carbon dioxide.##

Section 9.3
|!|CMEMF0020900008|!| |!|CSEMF0020900008|!|
Which of the following statements about diamond is INCORRECT?
A. It has giant covalent structure.
B. It has a high melting point.
C. It dissolves in water.
D. It does not dissolve in hexane.

##C Diamond is insoluble in water as the carbon atoms are held together by strong
covalent bonds.##

|!|CMEMF0020900009|!| |!|CSEMF0020900009|!|
Which of the following statements about covalent compounds is/are correct?
(1) The atoms in covalent compounds are held together by covalent bonds.
(2) All covalent compounds consist of discrete molecules.
(3) All covalent compounds have a low boiling point.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

##A Covalent compounds with giant covalent structure have a network of strong
covalent bonds. They have high boiling points.##

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

152
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

|!|CMEMF0020900010|!| |!|CSEMF0020900010|!|
Which of the following can show that covalent bond is a strong bond?
A. Iodine is a solid at room temperature and pressure.
B. Iodine has a higher boiling point than helium.
C. Diamond has a high melting point.
D. Diamond cannot conduct electricity.

##C In melting diamond, carbon-carbon covalent bonds are broken.##

|!|CMEMF0020900011|!| |!|CSEMF0020900011|!|
Which of the following statements about dry ice and silicon dioxide is correct?
A. Both of them have simple molecular structures.
B. Both of them have high melting points.
C. Both of them are covalent compounds.
D. Both of them are soluble in water.

##C Carbon dioxide has a simple molecular structure while silicon dioxide has a
giant covalent structure. Carbon dioxide has a low melting point. Carbon dioxide is
only slightly soluble in water while silicon dioxide is insoluble in water.##

|!|CMEMF0020900012|!| |!|CSEMF0020900012|!|
Which of the following statements about silicon is correct?
A. It consists of delocalized electrons around the silicon cations in the
structure.
B. It exists as discrete molecules.
C. It is a semi-conductor.
D. It consists of cations and anions in solid lattice.

##C Silicon is a semi-metal with giant covalent structure. It conducts electricity
when it is heated or slightly impure.##

|!|CMEMF0020900013|!| |!|CSEMF0020900013|!|
Which of the following statements about graphite is correct?
A. It is a covalent compound.
B. Intermolecular forces are present within graphite layers.
C. It is hard.
D. It is a good conductor of electricity.


© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

153
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

##D Graphite consists of only one element. The carbon atoms are held together by
strong covalent bonds within graphite layers. Graphite is soft because the graphite
layers are held together by weak van der Waals’ forces. Graphite is a good conductor
because it contains delocalized electrons which can move along the layers.##

|!|CMEMF0020900014|!| |!|CSEMF0020900014|!|
Which of the following statements about silicon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are
correct?
(1) Both of their constituent elements are joined together by covalent bonds.
(2) Both of them are insoluble in methylbenzene.
(3) Both of them do not conduct electricity under any conditions.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

##B Nitrogen dioxide has a simple molecular structure. It is soluble in
methylbenzene (a non-aqueous solvent).##

|!|CMEMF0020900015|!| |!|CSEMF0020900015|!|
Which of the following statements about graphite and diamond is correct?
A. They have the same relative atomic mass.
B. They have the same hardness.
C. Both of them can conduct electricity.
D. They have the same boiling and melting points.

##A Diamond is hard as it has a network of strong covalent bonds in its structure.
However, graphite is soft as the van der Waals’ forces between the graphite layers are
weak. Diamond cannot conduct electricity as there are no delocalized electrons in its
structure. However, each carbon atom is bonded to three carbon atoms only and there
is one delocalized electron per carbon atom in the structure of graphite.##

|!|CMEMF0020900016|!| |!|CSEMF0020900016|!|
Which of the following statements about substances with giant covalent structures are
correct?
(1) All of them have similar physical properties.
(2) All of them are insoluble in any solvents.
(3) All of them have high melting points and boiling points.

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

154
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

A. (1) and (2) only

B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

##C Diamond and graphite have very different physical properties. Diamond is hard
but graphite is soft.##

Section 9.4
|!|CMEMF0020900017|!| |!|CSEMF0020900017|!|
Consider the following information:
Substance Attraction that exists between the particles
in the substance
(1) Iodine Intermolecular forces
(2) Silicon dioxide Ionic bond
(3) Calcium chloride Covalent bond
Which of the above information is/are correct?
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

##A Silicon and oxygen atoms are joined together by covalent bonds throughout the
structure of silicon dioxide. Calcium ions and chloride ions are held together by ionic
bonds in calcium chloride.##

|!|CMEMF0020900018|!| |!|CSEMF0020900018|!|
Which of the following substances is an electrolyte?
A. Magnesium sulphate
B. Copper
C. Distilled water
D. Sugar

##A Electrolyte is a non-conductor in the solid state, but is a conductor when molten
or in aqueous solution. Magnesium ions and sulphate ions are not mobile in solid
state, but become mobile when molten or in aqueous solution.##

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

155
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

|!|CMEMF0020900019|!| |!|CSEMF0020900019|!|
Molten sodium chloride conducts electricity because
A. it contains metallic sodium.
B. it contains mobile ions.
C. it contains free chlorine.
D. it contains free electrons.

##B Sodium chloride contains sodium ion but not metallic sodium. There is no free
chlorine or free electrons in molten sodium chloride.##

|!|CMEMF0020900020|!| |!|CSEMF0020900020|!|
Which of the following diagrams represents the structure of sodium chloride (only the
cross section is shown) at room conditions?
A. B.

C. D.


##A At room conditions, sodium chloride is a solid with a regular packing.##

|!|CMEMH0020900021|!| |!|CSEMH0020900021|!|
Which of the following statements about the structure of sodium chloride are correct?
(1) Sodium ions are smaller than chloride ions.
(2) Each sodium ion is surrounded by four chloride ions.
(3) Each chloride ion is surrounded by six sodium ions.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

##B Sodium ion has two occupied electron shells while chloride ion has three

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

156
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

occupied electron shells. Hence, sodium ion has a smaller size than chloride ion. Each
sodium ion should be surrounded by six chloride ions.##

|!|CMEMF0020900022|!| |!|CSEMF0020900022|!|
Which of the following statements about ionic compounds is/are correct?
(1) They are solids which conduct electricity.
(2) They are usually soluble in water but insoluble in non-aqueous solvents.
(3) They are malleable and ductile.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

##B Ionic compounds only conduct electricity when molten or in aqueous solution.
They are not malleable and ductile.##

|!|CMEMF0020900023|!| |!|CSEMF0020900023|!|
Which of the following statements about potassium iodide is INCORRECT?
A. It is a solid at room temperature.
B. It has different chemical properties from iodine.
C. It is insoluble in methylbenzene.
D. It conducts electricity in solid state.

##D It conducts electricity when molten or in aqueous solution.##

|!|CMEMF0020900024|!| |!|CSEMF0020900024|!|
Which of the following combinations is INCORRECT?
Substance Attraction that exists between the particles in
the substance
A. Diamond Giant covalent bond
B. Quartz Covalent bond
C. Potassium chloride Ionic bond
D. Carbon dioxide Intermolecular forces between its molecules

##A The attractive force between carbon atoms in diamond is covalent bond. There is
no giant covalent bond, although diamond has a giant covalent structure.##

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

157
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

|!|CMEMF0020900025|!| |!|CSEMF0020900025|!|
Which of the following combinations indicates the correct type of constituent particles
which exists in that substance at room conditions?
Substance Constituent particles
A. Hydrogen Atoms
B. Magnesium oxide Ions
C. Silicon dioxide Molecules
D. Iron Ions

2+ 2
##B Magnesium oxide consists of Mg and O ions. Hydrogen exists as H2
molecules. Silicon dioxide has a giant covalent structure. No molecules can be found.
Iron exists as iron atoms.##

|!|CMEMF0020900026|!| |!|CSEMF0020900026|!|
A compound forms from element X (with atomic number = 20) and element Y (with
atomic number = 35). Which of the following statements concerning the compound
is/are correct?
(1) It is soluble in water.
(2) It conducts electricity in all states.
(3) It is yellowish brown in colour.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

##A The compound is calcium bromide. It only conducts electricity when molten or
in aqueous solution. It is white in colour.##

|!|CMEMF0020900027|!| |!|CSEMF0020900027|!|
Consider the information listed below:
Substance Attraction between particles
(1) Silicon Covalent bond
(2) Lithium oxide Metallic bond
(3) Argon van der Waals’ forces
Which of the above combinations are correct?
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

158
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

C. (2) and (3) only

D. (1), (2) and (3)

##B The ions in lithium oxide are held by ionic bonds.##

|!|CMEMF0020900028|!| |!|CSEMF0020900028|!|
Which of the following substances contains mobile ions?
A. Pt(l)
B. Br2(l)
C. NaBr(l)
D. CH3CH2OH(l)

##C##

|!|CMEMF0020900029|!| |!|CSEMF0020900029|!|
Rubidium and iodine react to form rubidium iodide. The crystal structure of rubidium
iodide is similar to that of sodium chloride. Rubidium iodide has a high melting point
because
A. it is very hard.
B. rubidium ions and iodide ions form strong ionic bonds with each other.
C. rubidium is a Group I metal.
D. rubidium and iodine are of the same Period.

##B##

Section 9.5
|!|CMEMF0020900030|!| |!|CSEMF0020900030|!|
Which of the following statements about the thermal conductivity of metal is correct?
A. Heat causes metal atoms to collide with each other and the collisions
produce heat.
B. Free electrons near the energy source gain energy. They run throughout the
metal and transfer energy to all parts of the metal.
C. The free electrons move faster when they have gained energy and collide
with other electrons. Heat is transferred along the metal.
D. The metal ions near the energy source gain energy. They move and carry
heat energy throughout the metal.

##C Metals do not produce heat itself and the heat is transferred by the collisions of

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

159
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

free electrons. Metal ions do not move in the metal lattice.##

|!|CMEMF0020900031|!| |!|CSEMF0020900031|!|
Which of the following statements about metallic bond are correct?
(1) The lower position of the metal in the Periodic Table, the weaker is the metallic
bond.
(2) The strength of metallic bond increases with increasing number of outermost
shell electrons of the metal atoms.
(3) Metal is ductile and malleable because metallic bond is weak.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

##A The lower position of the metal in the Periodic Table, the greater is its atomic
size. The distances between metal ions and the ‘sea’ of electrons are greater, thus the
metal has a weaker metallic bond. As the number of electrons participating in metallic
bond formation increases, the strength of metallic bonds increases. Metal is ductile
and malleable because atoms in metal are packed in layers which can slip over each
other when a force is applied to them.##

|!|CMEMF0020900032|!| |!|CSEMF0020900032|!|
Metals are good electrical conductors because
A. the metal ions in the metal lattice are free to move.
B. the metal atoms in the metal lattice are free to move.
C. the outermost shell electrons of metal atoms are free to move.
D. all the electrons in the metal lattice are free to move.

##C Only the outermost shell electron of metal atoms can leave easily to form a ‘sea’
of electrons, and the delocalized electrons help to conduct electricity. The metal atoms
or ions are unable to move in the lattice.##

|!|CMEMF0020900033|!| |!|CSEMF0020900033|!|
Which of the following statements about iron and iron(III) oxide is correct?
A. They have giant metallic structure.
B. They conduct electricity in liquid state.
C. They are electrolytes.
D. They are malleable.

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

160
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I


##B Liquid iron has delocalized electrons for conducting electricity while liquid
iron(III) oxide has mobile ions for conducting electricity. Iron has a giant metallic
structure while iron(III) oxide has a giant ionic structure. Iron is not an electrolyte but
iron(III) oxide is. Iron is a metal and is malleable but iron(III) oxide is not.##

|!|CMEMF0020900034|!| |!|CSEMF0020900034|!|
Which of the following metals has the highest melting point?
A. Sodium
B. Magnesium
C. Aluminium
D. Potassium

##C The strength of metallic bonds is greater if more outermost shell electrons
participate in the formation of bonds. Each aluminium atom contributes three
electrons to form metallic bonds and so it has the highest melting point among the
four metals.##

|!|CMEMF0020900035|!| |!|CSEMF0020900035|!|
Which of the following statements about giant metallic structures are correct?
(1) Metallic bonds in giant metallic structures are non-directional.
(2) A giant metallic structure consists of positive and negative ions bonded together.
(3) Delocalized electrons can move freely within a giant metallic structure.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

##B A giant metallic structure consists of positive ions and delocalized electrons.##

|!|CMEMF0020900036|!| |!|CSEMF0020900036|!|
Most metals have high melting points and boiling points because
A. metals are good conductors of heat.
B. most of them are solids at room temperature.
C. metallic bonds are usually strong and not easily broken.
D. metallic bonds are non-directional.

##C##

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

161
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

|!|CMEMF0020900037|!| |!|CSEMF0020900037|!|
A current passes through a piece of sodium. Which of the following statements are
INCORRECT?
(1) Sodium atoms lose electrons to form sodium compounds.
(2) The sodium sample cannot conduct electricity in molten state.
(3) The sodium sample conducts electricity when its delocalized electrons collide
with neighbouring electrons.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

##D##

|!|CMEMF0020900038|!| |!|CSEMF0020900038|!|
Which of the following statements are INCORRECT?
(1) Molten ionic compounds conduct electricity because there are delocalized
electrons.
(2) There are chemical changes in the metal when it conducts electricity.
(3) If a metal piece is connected to a battery, the atoms in the metal lose electrons.
A (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

##D Molten ionic compounds conduct electricity as there are mobile ions. There is no
chemical change in the metal when it conducts electricity. The number of electrons in
metal atoms remains unchanged at any moment.##

|!|CMEMF0020900039|!| |!|CSEMF0020900039|!|
The table below lists the melting points and boiling points of five metals.

Metal Melting point (C) Boiling point (C)

Aluminium 660 2470
Copper 1083 2595
Iron 1535 3000
Lead 327 1744

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

162
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

Platinum 1769 4530

At 2500C, which of the following combinations about the states of metals is correct?
Aluminium Copper Iron Lead Platinum
A. Gas Liquid Liquid Gas Liquid
B. Gas Gas Gas Liquid Liquid
C. Liquid Gas Gas Liquid Gas
D. Liquid Liquid Liquid Gas Gas

##A##

|!|CMEMF0020900040|!| |!|CSEMF0020900040|!|
Mercury is a liquid at room temperature and pressure. Which of the following
statements concerning mercury is/are correct?
(1) Mercury ions and delocalized electrons are held together by metallic bonds.
(2) Mercury is composed of discrete molecules.
(3) Mercury is the only metal in liquid state at room temperature and pressure.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

##C##

Section 9.6
|!|CMEMF0020900041|!| |!|CSEMF0020900041|!|
The table below shows properties of three substances.

Substance Electrical conductivity

X Conducts electricity only in aqueous state.
Y Conducts electricity when molten and in aqueous solution.
Z Conducts electricity when molten and in solid state.

Which of the following combinations is correct?

X Y Z
A. H2SO4 NaBr P
B. NaBr P H2SO4
C. H2SO4 NaBr Pb

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

163
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

D. NaBr Pb P

##C H2SO4 is a covalent compound. When it dissolves in water, it ionizes to give
mobile ions which conduct electricity. NaBr is an ionic compound. Its ions become
mobile when molten or in aqueous solution. Pb is a metal.##

|!|CMEMF0020900042|!| |!|CSEMF0020900042|!|
Which of the following solids consists of discrete molecules?
A. Dry ice
B. Diamond
C. Sodium chloride
D. Iron

##A Dry ice (carbon dioxide) has a simple molecular structure. Diamond has a giant
covalent structure. Sodium chloride has a giant ionic structure. Iron has a giant
metallic structure.##

|!|CMEMF0020900043|!| |!|CSEMF0020900043|!|
Which of the following substances CANNOT conduct electricity?
(1) An aqueous solution of calcium chloride
(2) An aqueous solution of sugar
(3) Molten sodium bromide
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

##B Sugar has a simple molecular structure. It does not contain mobile ions in
aqueous solution.##

|!|CMEMF0020900044|!| |!|CSEMF0020900044|!|
Which of the following substances can conduct electricity in the molten state?
(1) Sulphur
(2) Ammonium dichromate
(3) Gold
A. (1) only
B. (2) only

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

164
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

C. (1) and (3) only

D. (2) and (3) only

##D##

|!|CMEMF0020900045|!| |!|CSEMF0020900045|!|
Which of the following substances has the lowest electrical conductivity?
A. C(graphite)
B. HNO3(aq)
C. Mn(s)
D. CH3OH(l)

##D CH3OH has a simple molecular structure. It does not contain any mobile ions or
electrons to conduct electricity. HNO3(l) ionizes in water to form hydrogen ions and
nitrate ions.##

|!|CMEMF0020900046|!| |!|CSEMF0020900046|!|
All of the following groups include substances with the same types of structure except
A. nitrogen, oxygen and neon.
B. chromium, manganese and iron.
C. carbon dioxide, silicon dioxide and chlorine dioxide.
D. propanoic acid, methanol and methyl propanoate.

##C Carbon dioxide and chlorine dioxide have simple molecular structures. Silicon
dioxide has a giant covalent structure.##

|!|CMEMF0020900047|!| |!|CSEMF0020900047|!|
In which of the following substances are the particles the furthest apart from each
other at room conditions?
A. Bromine
B. Sodium
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Alcohol

##C Only carbon dioxide is a gas at room conditions.##

|!|CMEMH0020900048|!| |!|CSEMH0020900048|!|
Which of the following sequences indicates the correct ascending order of melting

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

165
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

points of the substances  hydrogen chloride, sodium chloride and

tetrachloromethane?
A. HCl < NaCl < CCl4
B. NaCl < CCl4 < HCl
C. HCl < CCl4 < NaCl
D. CCl4 < HCl < NaCl

##C Both HCl and CCl4 have simple molecular structure. As CCl4 has a larger
molecular size than HCl, its melting point is higher. NaCl has a giant ionic structure.
The ions are held together by strong ionic bonds and so it has the highest melting
point.##

Section 9.7
|!|CMEMF0020900049|!| |!|CSEMF0020900049|!|
Which of the following substances could have a giant covalent structure?
Substance State at room temperature Solubility in water
A. Solid Soluble
B. Solid Insoluble
C. Gas Insoluble
D. Liquid Insoluble

##B Substances with a giant covalent structure are all solids at room temperature and
are insoluble in water.##

|!|CMEMF0020900050|!| |!|CSEMF0020900050|!|
Substance X melts at 3C and boils at 44C. Which of the following statements about
X is/are correct?
(1) X is a solid at room temperature.
(2) X has weak intermolecular forces between molecules.
(3) X has a giant covalent structure.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

##B X is a covalent compound and has a simple molecular structure.##

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

166
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

|!|CMEMF0020900051|!| |!|CSEMF0020900051|!|
Substance Y has a high melting point and a high boiling point. It conducts electricity
when molten or in aqueous solution and at the same time decomposed by electricity.
Substance Y is likely to be
A. silicon dioxide.
B. graphite.
C. gold.
D. magnesium bromide.

##D Magnesium bromide is an ionic compound. It has a high melting point and a
high boiling point. It conducts electricity when molten or in aqueous solution. When
conducting electricity, magnesium ions are changed to magnesium metal and bromide
ions are changed to bromine gas.##

|!|CMEMF0020900052|!| |!|CSEMF0020900052|!|
Consider the information listed in the table below:

Substance Melting point (C) Electrical conductivity at room temperature

W 1610 Poor
X 872 Good when in aqueous solution
Y 45 Poor
Z 1769 Good

Which of the above substances would probably have a giant covalent structure?
A. W
B. X
C. Y
D. Z

##A Substances with a giant covalent structure have very high melting points and
cannot conduct electricity (except graphite).##

|!|CMEMF0020900053|!| |!|CSEMF0020900053|!|
Which of the following substances has a giant ionic structure?
State at room Does it conduct electricity?
Substance
conditions Solid state Molten state
A. Solid No Yes
B. Solid Yes Yes

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

167
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

C. Solid Yes No
D. Liquid  Yes

##A Ionic compounds only conduct electricity when molten or in aqueous solution.##

|!|CMEMF0020900054|!| |!|CSEMF0020900054|!|
X, Y and Z are three elements and the properties of their chlorides are given below:

Melting point(C) Electrical conductivity in molten state

Chloride of X 4 Poor
Chloride of Y 873 Good
Chloride of Z 677 Poor

Which of the following statements are INCORRECT?

(1) The chlorides of Y and Z have giant ionic structures.
(2) The chloride of X is a solid at room temperature.
(3) X is probably a metal.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

##D As the chloride of Z is a poor conductor of electricity in molten state, it may
have a giant covalent structure or simple molecular structure.##

|!|CMEMF0020900055|!| |!|CSEMF0020900055|!|
If Y has a very high melting point and conducts electricity when molten or in aqueous
solution, Y most probably has a
A. giant covalent structure.
B. simple molecular structure.
C. giant ionic structure.
D. giant metallic structure.

##C Only ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or in aqueous
solution.##

|!|CMEMH0020900056|!| |!|CSEMH0020900056|!|
The melting points of some chlorides are given below:

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

168
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

Chloride NaCl SiCl4 PCl3

Melting point (C) 808C 70C 92C

What can be deduced from the above data?

(1) NaCl cannot conduct electricity at 800C.

(2) SiCl4 is a covalent compound with a simple molecular structure.
(3) PCl3 is a covalent compound with a giant covalent structure.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

##A NaCl is a solid at 800C. It cannot conduct electricity in solid state. PCl3 should
have a simple molecular structure as it has a low melting point.##

|!|CMEMH0020900057|!| |!|CSEMH0020900057|!|
The table below shows the melting points of two chlorides.

Melting point (C)

Chloride of X 50
Chloride of Y 1000

Which of the following statements about these two chlorides is correct?

A. Both X and Y are metals.
B. The chloride of X can conduct electricity in molten state.
C. The chloride of X has a giant covalent structure.
D. The chloride of Y can conduct electricity at 1000C.

##D The low melting point of chloride of X indicates that it has a simple molecular
structure. X should be a non-metal forming a covalent compound with chlorine. No
ions or delocalized electrons are present in the chloride of X. Chloride of Y should be
an ionic compound and the ions are mobile when it melts.##

|!|CMEMF0020900058|!| |!|CSEMF0020900058|!|
The melting point and boiling point of P are 801C and 1465C respectively. In
molten state, P conducts electricity with decomposition. P probably has
A. a giant covalent structure.
B. a giant ionic structure.

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

169
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

C. a simple molecular structure.

D. a giant metallic structure.

##B P has a high melting point and boiling point. It is not a molecule. It conducts
electricity in its molten state and so it must contain ions or free electrons. It
decomposes in its molten state under electricity. Hence, it is not a metal but an ionic
compound.##

|!|CMEMF0020900059|!| |!|CSEMF0020900059|!|
A substance is soluble in water and does not conduct electricity in solid state. The
substance could be
(1) an element with giant covalent structure.
(2) a compound with simple molecular structure.
(3) a compound with giant ionic structure.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

##D Substances with giant covalent structure are insoluble in any solvents.##

|!|CMEMH0020900060|!| |!|CSEMH0020900060|!|
Consider the following information about four substances P, Q, R and S.

Substance Melting point (C) Electrical conductivity at room temperature

P 7 Poor
Q 39 Good
R 801 Poor
S 660 Good

Which of the above substances has a giant metallic structure and is a solid at room
temperature?
A. P
B. Q
C. R
D. S

##D Substances with a giant metallic structure have high melting points and are

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

170
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

electrical conductors.##

|!|CMEMF0020900061|!| |!|CSEMF0020900061|!|
The table below shows the electrical conductivities of four substances W, X, Y and Z
at different states. In the table, ‘’ and ‘’ represent ‘can conduct electricity’ and
‘cannot conduct electricity’ respectively.

Substance Solid state Liquid state Aqueous solution

W   Insoluble in water
X   Insoluble in water
Y   
Z   

Which of the above substances is likely to be wax?

A. W
B. X
C. Y
D. Z

##B Wax has a simple molecular structure. It does not contain mobile ions in neither
solid nor liquid states and it is insoluble in water.##

|!|CMEMF0020900062|!| |!|CSEMF0020900062|!|
Which of the following substances conducts electricity in its solid and liquid states?
A. Wax
B. Silver
C. Sulphur
D. Magnesium oxide

##B Silver is a metal which conducts electricity in its solid and liquid states.##

Sections 9.89.9
|!|CMEMF0020900063|!| |!|CSEMF0020900063|!|
The atomic numbers of two elements A and B are 11 and 16 respectively. The
compound formed between A and B
A. is a gas at room temperature.
B. is a not an electrolyte.
C. has a chemical formula of A2B.

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

171
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

D. is insoluble in water.

##C The compound formed is an ionic compound. It should have a high melting
point and boiling point. Ionic compound is an electrolyte and usually soluble in
water.##

|!|CMEMF0020900064|!| |!|CSEMF0020900064|!|
Two elements X and Y have 4 and 7 outermost shell electrons respectively. Which of
the following statements about the compound formed between X and Y is correct?
A. It is an ionic compound.
B. It has a very high melting point.
C. It has a chemical formula of XY4.
D. It can conduct electricity.

##C X and Y are non-metals. They form covalent bonds by sharing electrons.
Covalent compounds usually do not have a high melting point. Covalent compounds
have no ions present. They cannot conduct electricity under all conditions.##

|!|CMEMF0020900065|!| |!|CSEMF0020900065|!|
The electronic arrangement of atoms X and Y are 2, 8, 1 and 2, 8, 7 respectively.
Which of the following statements about the compound formed between X and Y is
INCORRECT?
A. It has a giant structure.
B. It has a high melting point.
C. It is insoluble in water.
D. It conducts electricity in molten state.

##C Ionic compounds are usually soluble in water.##

|!|CMEMF0020900066|!| |!|CSEMF0020900066|!|
Strontium is just below calcium in the Periodic Table. It reacts with chlorine to form a
compound. Which of the following statements about the chloride of strontium is
INCORRECT?
A. It has a giant structure.
B. It has a high melting point.
C. It is a white solid.
D. It is a good electrical conductor at room temperature.


© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

172
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part II Microscopic world I

##D Strontium chloride is an ionic compound with a giant ionic structure. Group II
metal ions and chloride ion are colourless and so strontium chloride formed is a white
solid. The ions in strontium chloride solid are not mobile. It cannot conduct electricity
at room temperature.##

|!|CMEMH0020900067|!| |!|CSEMH0020900067|!|
The atomic numbers of two elements X and Y are 19 and 16 respectively. The
compound formed between X and Y
A. has a formula of X2Y.
B. conducts electricity at room conditions.
C. is a liquid at room conditions.
D. is insoluble in water.

##A X and Y are potassium and sulphur respectively. The compound formed is
potassium sulphide, which is an ionic compound.##

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2014 Chapter 9

173