PAG 2 Chemistry Questions

OCR A Level Chemistry A (H432) Chemistry B (H433)
PAG 2: Acid-base titration

Practice Exam Questions and Mark Scheme
This resource includes exam questions from both Chemistry A and Chemistry B. It is not designed as a
topic test but is instead intended as a document to support the teaching and learning of Module 1 –
Development of practical skills in chemistry.
1. The equation for the reaction of aqueous phosphoric(V) acid, H3PO4, with aqueous sodium
hydroxide, NaOH(aq) is shown below.
H3PO4(aq) + 3NaOH(aq) → Na3PO4(aq) + 3H2O(l)
25.0 cm3 of a 0.200 mol dm−3 H3PO4(aq) is titrated with 0.600 mol dm−3 NaOH(aq).
Which statement is correct?
A. The end point occurs when 25.00 cm3 of NaOH(aq) has been added.
B. The end point occurs when 75.00 cm3 of NaOH(aq) has been added.
C. After titration the final solution contains 0.0150 mol of Na3PO4.
D. After titration the final solution contains 0.0150 mol of H2O.
Your answer
[1]
2. A student carries out a titration. Sodium hydroxide solution is transferred to a conical flask using a
pipette. Methyl orange indicator is added to the flask. Hydrochloric acid is added from a burette
until the indicator changes colour.
Which of the following would lead to the titre being larger than it should be?
A. Rinsing the conical flask with water before adding the sodium hydroxide solution.
B. Rinsing the burette with water before filling it with hydrochloric acid.
C. Rinsing the pipette with water before filling it with sodium hydroxide solution.
D. Adding extra drops of indicator.
Your answer
[1]
3. A student prepares a standard solution and carries out a titration.
Which of the following would result in a titre that is larger than it should be?
1: Water is added to completely fill the volumetric flask, rather than to the graduation line.
2: The conical flask is washed out with water before carrying out each titration.
3: The pipette is washed out with water before carrying out each titration.
A. 1, 2 and 3
B. Only 1 and 2
C. Only 2 and 3
D. Only 1
Your answer
[1]
Created in ExamBuilder 1 © OCR 2020

4. A student carries out a titration to determine the molar mass of an unknown acid, A.
 The student dissolves 2.24 g of acid A in distilled water and makes the solution up to 250.0 cm3.
 The student titrates a 25.0 cm3 portion of this solution with 0.120 mol dm−3 NaOH.
 25.25 cm3 of 0.120 mol dm−3 NaOH are required to reach the end point.
Name the apparatus that the student should use to
 make up the acid solution to 250.0 cm3

 measure the 25.0 cm3 portion of acid solution.
make up the acid solution to 250 cm3:

measure the 25.0 cm3 portion:
[1]
5. A student carries out a titration to determine the molar mass and structure of a weak acid A.
The student follows the method below.

Dissolve a weighed mass of A in 100 cm3 of distilled water and make the solution up to 250
•
cm3 in a beaker.
• Add the solution of A to a burette.
• Titrate the solution of A with a standard solution of sodium hydroxide, NaOH.
What is meant by the term standard solution?

[1]
6. A student carries out an experiment to identify an unknown carbonate.

 The student weighs a sample of the solid carbonate in a weighing bottle.

 The student tips the carbonate into a beaker and weighs the empty weighing bottle.
 The student prepares a 250.0 cm3 solution of the carbonate.
 The student carries out a titration using 25.0 cm3 of this solution measured using a pipette
with 0.100 mol dm−3 hydrochloric acid in the burette.
The sample of carbonate is dissolved in approximately 100 cm3 of distilled water in a beaker and
the solution transferred to a volumetric flask. The volume of the solution is made up to 250.0 cm 3
with distilled water.
Another student suggests two possible sources of error:
 A small amount of solid remained in the weighing bottle.

 A small amount of solution remained in the beaker.
State whether the other student’s statements are correct.
How could the procedure be improved?
[2]
7(a). A student carries out a titration to determine the molar mass and structure of a weak acid A.
The student follows the method below.

• Dissolve a weighed mass of A in 100 cm3 of distilled water and make the solution up to 250

cm3 in a beaker.
• Add the solution of A to a burette.
• Titrate the solution of A with a standard solution of sodium hydroxide, NaOH.
The student carries out a trial, followed by three further titrations.

The diagram shows the initial and final burette readings for the three further titrations.
The student measures all burette readings to the nearest 0.05 cm3.
Titration 1 Titration 2 Titration 3

Initial reading Final reading Initial reading Final reading Initial reading Final reading
i. Record the student’s readings and the titres in the table below.
Calculate the mean titre, to the nearest 0.05 cm3, that the student should use for analysing the
results.
Titration 1 Titration 2 Titration 3

3
Final reading/cm
Initial reading/cm3
Titre/cm3
cm3 [4]
mean titre =
ii. The uncertainty in each burette reading is ± 0.05 cm3.
Calculate the percentage uncertainty for the titre in Titration 1.
percentage uncertainty = % [1]
iii. The student realised that the solution of A had not been prepared correctly.
How should the student have made up the solution?

[1]
(b). A student repeats the titration to determine the molar mass and structure of A.
• The student prepares a 250.0 cm3 solution from 1.513 g of A.
The solution of A is added to the burette and titrated with 25.0 cm3 volumes of 0.112 mol dm−3
•
NaOH(aq).
• 1 mol of A reacts with 2 mol of NaOH.
• The student obtains a mean titre of 27.30 cm3.
i. Calculate the molar mass of A from these results.
Give your answer to the nearest whole number.
Show your working.
molar mass of A = g mol−1 [4]

ii. A is an organic acid, containing C, H and O only.
One molecule of A contains two COOH groups.
Suggest the structure of A.
[1]
8(a). A student carries out a titration to determine the concentration of some hydrochloric acid.
The student titrates the hydrochloric acid against a standard solution of sodium carbonate, Na 2CO3.
The equation is shown below.
Na2CO3(aq) + 2HCl (aq) → 2NaCl (aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
• The student prepares 0.150 mol dm−3 Na2CO3 in a 250.0 cm3 volumetric flask.
• The hydrochloric acid is added to a 50.0 cm3 burette.
• The student pipettes the Na2CO3(aq) using a 25.0 cm3 pipette.
The student’s burette readings are shown in the table.

The rough titre has been omitted.
i. Complete the table by adding the titres to the table.
Final reading / cm3 24.60 48.45 34.30
Initial reading / cm3 0.40 24.60 10.00
Titre / cm3
................... ................... ...................
[1]
3
ii. Calculate the mean titre of HCl , to the nearest 0.05 cm , that the student should use for
analysing the results.
mean titre = .................................................. cm 3 [1]
(b). Calculate the concentration, in mol dm−3, of the hydrochloric acid.
Give your answer to 3 significant figures.
concentration of HCl = .......................................... mol dm −3 [3]
(c). In the titrations, the student measured volumes with a pipette and a burette.
• The pipette had an uncertainty of ± 0.04 cm3 in the volume measured.

• The burette had an uncertainty of ± 0.05 cm3 in the volume measured.
Determine whether the volume measured by the pipette or the volume measured by the burette has
the greater percentage uncertainty.

[2]
9. Some students are given a drain cleaner that is described as ‘50% NaOH solution’. They are told
that this means that roughly 50 g NaOH are dissolved in 100 cm3 solution.
The students have a standard 0.300 mol dm−3 solution of HCl and they wish to use this to find the
accurate concentration of the drain cleaner.
The students accurately dilute a certain volume of the drain cleaner to 1000 cm3.
i. Calculate the volume of drain cleaner the students need to dilute to get a suitable solution
for titration with the acid.
volume = .......................................... cm3 [3]
ii. Suggest the apparatus used by the students to dilute the drain cleaner.
[1]
10. Concrete contains calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2, and is alkaline when damp. The steel reinforcements in
concrete do not corrode in an alkaline environment. When the calcium hydroxide reacts with carbon
dioxide from the air to form calcium carbonate, ‘carbonatation’ occurs and the pH falls. The increased
acidity can cause the steel to corrode.
The indicator phenolphthalein can be used to detect carbonatation in concrete.

Phenolphthalein has a variety of related structures, depending on the pH.

i. Give the colours of phenolphthalein for normal concrete and for concrete that has undergone
carbonatation.
normal:
carbonatation:
[1]
ii. An acid is titrated with a strong alkali using phenolphthalein until the pink colour just persists.
If the solution is then allowed to stand in the titration flask it slowly goes colourless.
Explain what is happening.
[2]
11. Describe the techniques and procedures used to prepare a standard solution of a specific
concentration from a solid.

[6]
Mark scheme
Questio
Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance
n
1 A 1

Total 1
2 B 1
Total 1
3 D 1
Total 1
volumetric flask allow graduated flask

4 AND 1
(graduated) pipette ignore burette
Total 1
ALLOW description of concentration
Examiner’s Comments
5 A solution of known concentration ✓ 1
Many candidates gave a good description
of standard conditions or stated 1 mol
dm−3, but that did not answer the question
so no marks could be credited.
Total 1
Not correct about the solid remaining in

the weighing bottle (weighed by
difference) AND
Correct about the solution in the beaker
(1)
6 2
Rinse out the beaker with distilled water
and transfer to the volumetric flask before
making up to 250 cm3 (1)
Total 2
7 a i Final 4 ANNOTATE ANSWER WITH TICKS

reading/ 27.30 27.00 27.75 AND CROSSES ETC
cm3
Initial
reading/ 0.45 0.60 1.25
cm3 ALLOW missing zeroes for burette
readings
Titre/cm3 26.85 26.40 26.50 i.e. 0.6 for 0.60
27 OR 27.0 for 27.00
Initial and final readings ALLOW ECF from incorrect burette

All burette readings (×6) correct ✓ readings
Titres recorded to two decimal places

IF MEAN IS CALCULATED FROM ECF,
IT MUST BE FROM CLOSEST TITRES
with the last figure either 0 or 5 ALLOW ecf from incorrect mean
Correct subtractions to obtain final DO NOT ALLOW 26.5 cm3
Question asks for nearest 0.05 cm3
titre values ✓
Mean titre calculated from concordant
results
Most candidates were able to accurately
Correct mean titre = 26.45 (cm3) ✓
record the burette readings and made the
correct subtractions. Despite the
Mean titre recorded to accuracy of
examination question requesting the
burette
mean titre to be recorded to the accuracy
Final answer recorded to two
of the burette, many candidates did not
decimal places with
do this. A common error was taking a
the last figure either 0 or 5 ✓ mean of all three readings instead of only
the concordant results; this led the
candidates to give an answer of 26.58
which lost them 2 marks.
ALLOW 0.4 up to full calculation display

of 0.372439478
ALLOW ECF FOR CORRECT
CALCULATION FROM 1 (c) (i) OR USE
OF ANY TITRE
ii 1
A good attempt by many candidates but

some did not know how to calculate this
or did not multiply by 2.
IGNORE graduated flask
Use a (250 cm3) volumetric flask (instead Although there were some excellent
iii 1
of a beaker)✓ descriptions of the correct processes,
such as inverting the apparatus to ensure
mixing and then making the solution up to
the mark, many candidates could not
name a volumetric flask.
b i FIRST CHECK ANSWER ON ANSWER 4 ANNOTATE ANSWER WITH TICKS

LINE AND CROSSES ETC
If answer = 118 (g mol−1) award 4 marks Throughout: IGNORE trailing zeroes in
If answer = 108 (g mol−1) award 3 marks intermediate working,
__________________________________ e.g. For n(NaOH) ALLOW 0.0028 for
_ 0.00280
n(NaOH)

ALLOW ECF from incorrect n(NaOH)
ALLOW ECF from incorrect n(A) OR

n(NaOH)
ALLOW 3 sig fig up to full calculator
display correctly rounded (0.012820512)
ALLOW ECF from incorrect n(NaOH)

_________________________________
n(A) in 25.0 cm3 ____
Possible ECFs for 3 marks
1.513 ÷ (0.00140 × 250/25) = 108
n(A) in 250 cm3 1.513 ÷ 0.00140 = 1081
No ÷2 for n(A)
• Molar mass A = 59 (g mol−1)
Using mean titre of 26.45 cm3 from
1c(i)
Molar mass, M(A) to nearest whole • Molar mass A = 114 (g mol−1)
number. Using 27.3 × 0.112 in M1 and then
25.0 in M3
• Molar mass A = 99 (g mol−1)
Although there were some excellent

descriptions of the correct processes,
such as inverting the apparatus to ensure
mixing and then making the solution up to
the mark, many candidates could not
name a volumetric flask.
ii Structure of dicarboxylic acid 1 ALLOW correct structural OR skeletal

HOOCCH2CH2COOH OR OR displayed formulae OR a combination
HOOCCH(CH3)COOH ✓
ALLOW incorrect connectivity e.g −HO
STRUCTURE MUST MATCH Mr from
answer to 1 d) i) (within 10 AMU) ALLOW ECF from incorrect molar mass
in (d)(i) but only if 2 × COOH possible
and Mr is a close match to (d) (i) within
10 AMU
Most candidates that obtained a sensible

value for the previous question managed
to draw a creditable structure. Allowing
error carried forward meant that feasibly
derived structures could be credited a

mark.
Total 11
DO NOT ALLOW 24.2 OR 24.3
Titre/cm3 24.20 23.85 24.30 ✓ Most candidates added correct titres for
the three titrations. However, an error
8 a i 1 made by a quarter of candidates was to
Correct subtractions to obtain titres to 2 omit the zero as the second decimal
DP place in the first and third titres. This
should have been usual practice from
candidate experience of practical work
and has also been highlighted as a
common error in previous exam series.
DO NOT ALLOW mean of all three titres,
ALLOW ECF from incorrect concordant

titres from 22a(i)
Most candidates identified that the first

and third titres were concordant and
calculated the mean titre that should be
used as 24.25 cm3. About a third of
candidates calculated the mean of all 3
titres as 24.10 or 24.12 cm3. Normal
ii 1 practice in titrations would be to select the
i.e. using concordant (consistent) titres closest titres.
OCR support
The Practical Skills handbook contains

guidance on correct practice for recording
titration results and calculating average
titre values in Appendix 4:
Measurements, which can be shared with
students:
https:/www.ocr.org.uk/Images/208932-
chemistry-practical-skills-handbook.pdf.
b FIRST CHECK THE ANSWER ON 3 ALLOW 3SF or more throughout

ANSWER IGNORE trailing zeroes,
LINE IF answer = 0.309 (mol dm−3) e.g. ALLOW 0.075 for 0.00750
award 3 marks -------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------- --

ALLOW ECF from 2 × incorrect

n(Na2CO3)
ALLOW ECF from incorrect n(HCl),

OR from n(Na2CO3) if n(HCl) stage
omitted
ALLOW ECF from incorrect mean titre in

b(ii)
-------------------------------------------------------
n(Na2CO3) --
= 3.75 × 10−3 (mol) ✓
COMMON ERROR for 3 marks
n(HCl) From 24.10 cm3 (mean of all 3 titres in
b(ii)),
= 2 × n(Na2CO3) = 7.50 × 10−3 (mol) ✓
[HCl] = 0.311 (mol dm−3)
[HCl] to 3 SF Many candidates were able to calculate
the amount of Na2CO3 in the titration as
0.00375 mol although a common error
was to calculate the amount of Na2CO3 in
the 250 cm3 volumetric flask as 0.0375
mol. Most candidates were credited for
the amount of HCl: twice their calculated
amount of Na2CO3. Candidates then need
to scale up this value by 1000/mean titre
to obtain the concentration as 0.309 mol
dm−3, and to quote the answer to 3
significant figures. Many candidates
scaled up using 50.0, the burette volume,
rather than their mean titre, resulting in a
concentration 0.15 or 1.5 mol dm−3. A
significant number also rounded their
value to 2 rather than 3 significant figures.
Candidates are advised to show clear

working so that credit can be given for
such responses by applying error carried
forward. Many candidates’ working was
more jumbled, with unreferenced
numbers common.

c Pipette: 2 ALLOW % uncertainties to 1 SF or more,
rounded correctly
100 = 0.16 OR 0.2 (%) ✓ -------------------------------------------------------
-
Burette: (using any of 3 titres or mean
titre), e.g. Other burette volumes:
100 = 0.42 OR 0.4 (%)
100 = 0.41 OR 0.4 (%) ✓
100 = 0.41 OR 0.4 (%)

Response does NOT need a statement of
whether pipette or burette has greater %
uncertainty. 100 = 0.41 OR 0.4 (%)
ALLOW burette volume of 50 cm3, i.e.

100 = 0.2%
ALLOW ECF from incorrect titre in 22(a)
IF BOTH calculations are ‘correct’ but

×100 is omitted BOTH times, ALLOW 1
mark
The calculations here should have

reflected practical work carried out by
candidates. Candidates were expected to
realise that the pipette volume involves
one measurement requiring the
uncertainty of ±0.04 provided being used.
As the volume measured by a burette
uses two measurements, the uncertainty
of ±0.05 must then be doubled to obtain
the percentage uncertainty. It was very
common for the burette value to be
obtained using 0.05 rather than the
doubled 0.10; some candidates doubled
both uncertainties. Another common error
was to use the volume of the burette of
50 cm3 rather than the volume of solution
measured in the burette.
OCR support
The Practical Skills handbook contains

guidance on calculating uncertainties in
Appendix 4: Measurements, which can be

shared with students:
https:/www.ocr.org.uk/Images/208932-
chemistry-practical-skills-handbook.pdf.
Total 7
[NaOH] = 50 × 10/40 = 12.5 (mol dm−3) ✔

(To create solution of similar concentration
to HCl solution) dilution needed 12.5/0.3 =
9 i 3
41.67 ✔
(1000/41.67) Volume = 24.0 cm3 ✔
ALLOW ECF from previous question

burette (if 24.0 cm3 in (i)) or pipette (if 25
can use 25.0 cm3 (pipette) if justified by
ii cm3 in (i)) AND (1000 cm3) volumetric 1
saying that
flask
titre does not have to be exactly 1 : 1
Total 4
(normal) pink; (after carbonatation)

1
i 1 both answers required for mark
0 colourless ✔
CO2 from air is reacting with water to form
H+ ✔
ii 2
turning (the structure of phenolphthalein)
from E to D ✔
Total 3
1 Level 3 (5 – 6 marks) 6 indicative scientific points may

1 Describes main points of the technique include:
and most of fine detail under all three
headings Main points
There is a well-developed line of reasoning  weigh the (approximate) mass of

which is clear and logically structured. The the solute / thiosulfate required to
information presented is relevant and make up a known volume of
substantiated. standard solution
 dissolve in water in a beaker
Level 2 (3 – 4 marks)  Transfer the solution to a clean,
Describes the main points of the technique rinsed volumetric / graduated
and some of the fine details under all three flask,make up to mark
headings OR most of fine detail under two
of headings
Fine detail
General

There is a line of reasoning presented with  weighed out on an minimum 2dp

some structure. The information presented balance
is relevant and supported by some  deionized / distilled water used
evidence.
Level 1 (1 – 2 marks)
A limited treatment using main points +
some fine detail under any of the headings
There is an attempt at a logical structure Solid transfer

with a line of reasoning. The information is
in the most part relevant.  mass of solute is the difference
between the mass of the weighing
0 marks bottle and solute and the weighing
No response or no response worthy of bottle once emptied
credit.  stir the mixture in the beaker to
dissolve the solute.
 using a (filter) funnel to transfer to
volumetric flask
 Rinse the beaker and stirring rod
well with deionised water, making
sure that all the washings go into
the volumetric flask.
Technique to make up solution.
 Add deionised water to the

solution, swirling at intervals to
mix the contents, and use a
dropping pipette, near mark until
 bottom of the meniscus is level
with the mark on the neck of the
flask – when you are looking at it
at eye level.
 Insert the stopper in the flask and
invert it several times to
thoroughly mix the contents.
Lower-attaining candidates found this
extended writing question more difficult
that the one in Question1(c).
Answers sometimes drifted away from the

making of a standard solution from a solid
into serial dilution, or even reactions in
acid, nevertheless there were still a
significant number of excellent answers.
Total 6

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OCR A Level Chemistry A (H432) Chemistry B (H433)

PAG 2: Acid-base titration

3. A student prepares a standard solution and carries out a titration.

Created in ExamBuilder 1 © OCR 2020

Name the apparatus that the student should use to

 make up the acid solution to 250.0 cm3

make up the acid solution to 250 cm3:

The student follows the method below.

What is meant by the term standard solution?

6. A student carries out an experiment to identify an unknown carbonate.

Created in ExamBuilder 2 © OCR 2020

 The student weighs a sample of the solid carbonate in a weighing bottle.

Another student suggests two possible sources of error:

 A small amount of solid remained in the weighing bottle.

State whether the other student’s statements are correct.

How could the procedure be improved?

The student follows the method below.

Created in ExamBuilder 3 © OCR 2020

The student carries out a trial, followed by three further titrations.

Titration 1 Titration 2 Titration 3

Titration 1 Titration 2 Titration 3

Calculate the percentage uncertainty for the titre in Titration 1.

percentage uncertainty = % [1]

How should the student have made up the solution?

Created in ExamBuilder 4 © OCR 2020

Give your answer to the nearest whole number.

Show your working.

molar mass of A = g mol−1 [4]

Suggest the structure of A.

Na2CO3(aq) + 2HCl (aq) → 2NaCl (aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)

The student’s burette readings are shown in the table.

i. Complete the table by adding the titres to the table.

Final reading / cm3 24.60 48.45 34.30

Initial reading / cm3 0.40 24.60 10.00

mean titre = .................................................. cm 3 [1]

(b). Calculate the concentration, in mol dm−3, of the hydrochloric acid.

Give your answer to 3 significant figures.

concentration of HCl = .......................................... mol dm −3 [3]

• The pipette had an uncertainty of ± 0.04 cm3 in the volume measured.

Created in ExamBuilder 6 © OCR 2020

volume = .......................................... cm3 [3]

The indicator phenolphthalein can be used to detect carbonatation in concrete.

Created in ExamBuilder 7 © OCR 2020

Explain what is happening.

Created in ExamBuilder 8 © OCR 2020

Created in ExamBuilder 9 © OCR 2020

volumetric flask allow graduated flask

ALLOW description of concentration

Not correct about the solid remaining in

7 a i Final 4 ANNOTATE ANSWER WITH TICKS

Initial and final readings ALLOW ECF from incorrect burette

Titres recorded to two decimal places

ALLOW 0.4 up to full calculation display

A good attempt by many candidates but

IGNORE graduated flask

b i FIRST CHECK ANSWER ON ANSWER 4 ANNOTATE ANSWER WITH TICKS

Created in ExamBuilder 11 © OCR 2020

ALLOW ECF from incorrect n(NaOH)