NAME : …………………………………………………

Form 4
2|Page Chemistry SPM – Quick Review F4

Frequently Asked Questions in SPM Standard Answers

1) What is melting point? • the constant temperature when a substance changes from solid
state to become liquid at a specific pressure.
2) What is freezing point? • the constant temperature when a substance changes from liquid
state to become solid at a specific pressure.
3) State the meaning of isotopes. • … atoms with the same number of protons but different
numbers of neutrons (or with the same proton number but
different nucleon numbers).
R: An atom/atom,
R: Neutrons number
4) Explain why the temperature • Heat energy absorbed by the particles is used to overcome the
remains unchanged during the forces of attraction between the particles so that the solid can
melting process. turn into liquid.
5) Explain why the temperature • Heat energy that is lost to the surroundings is balanced by the
remains unchanged during the heat energy released when the particles attract each other to
freezing process. form solid
6) State the main subatomic particles • An atom contains three types of subatomic particles; proton,
of an atom. neutron and electron.
Compare and contrast the relative Subatomic particle Symbol Relative mass Relative charge
atomic mass and the relative charge Proton P 1 +1
of the subatomic particles of the Electron E 1/1840 -1
atom. Neutron n 1 Neutral

Frequently Asked Questions in SPM Standard Answers

7) State the meaning of empirical … is the chemical formula that shows the simplest ratio of the number
formula. of atoms of each element in a compound
8) State the meaning of molecular … is the chemical formula that shows the actual number of atoms of
formula. each element found in a molecule of a compound..
9) Why does the method to determine • Magnesium is more reactive than hydrogen.
the empirical formula of copper(Il) Hydrogen gas cannot reduce magnesium oxide to magnesium.
oxide cannot be used to determine
the empirical formula for magnesium
oxide?
10) Why does the method to determine • Because copper is less reactive than hydrogen
the empirical formula of magnesium It reacts slowly with oxygen. Therefore, it is difficult to convert
oxide cannot be used to determine copper to copper(II) oxide completely.
the empirical formula of copper(Il)
oxide?

Frequently Asked Questions in SPM Standard Answers

11) State the physical properties of • Alkali metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
Group 1. • They are soft and can be cut easily with a knife.
• All alkali metals are grey in colour with silvery and shiny surfaces
when freshly cut.
• They have relatively low melting and boiling points compare to
other metals such as iron (MP : 1540°C).
• There have low densities and float on surface of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
3|Page Chemistry SPM – Quick Review F4

12) State the changes of the physical • The physical state of halogens at room temperature changes
properties of Group 17 when going from gas to liquid, then to solid.
down the group. • The colour of halogen becomes darker.
13) State three special properties of • Transition elements form coloured solutions or compounds.
transition elements. • Transition elements show various oxidation numbers in their
compounds.
• Transition elements act as catalyst in certain chemical reactions.
• Transition elements can form complex ions.
14) State the position of element ,31𝑋 in • Electron arrangement of X atom is 2.8.5
15
Periodic table of Elements. Explain • X atom has 5 valence electrons. Therefore, it is in Group 15.
your answer • X atom has 3 shells occupied with electrons. Therefore, it is in
Period 3.
15) When across Period 3 from sodium When across Period 3 from left to right;
to argon, the atomic size decreases. • The number of protons in the nucleus increases. This increases
Explain why. the positive charge of the nucleus.
• As a result, the nucleus attraction force towards the (valence)
electrons becomes stronger.
• (Valence) Electrons are pulled closer to the nucleus, causing the
atomic size to decrease.
16) When across Period 3 from sodium • When across Period 3 from left to right.
to argon, the electronegativity • The atomic size decreases
increases. Explain why. • The proton numbers of elements increases. This increase the
positive charge of the nucleus
• As a result the attraction forces between the nucleus and the
(valence) electrons in the outermost shell becomes stronger.
• The tendency to attract electrons becomes lower.
• Therefore, electronegativity increases.
17) The reactivity of Group 1 increases • When going down Group 1, the number of shell occupied by
when going down the group. Explain electrons increases.
why. (Why potassium is more • The atomic size increases.
reactive than sodium and sodium is • The single valence electron becomes further away from the
more reactive than lithium?) nucleus.
• Hence, the force of nucleus attraction towards valence electron
becomes weaker.
• As a result, it is easier for the atom to lose the single valence
electron to achieve the octet or duplet electron arrangement.
18) The reactivity of Group 17 decreases When going down Group 17,
when going down the group. Explain • The atomic size increases.
why. • The outermost occupied shell of each halogen atom becomes
further away from the nucleus.
• Thus, the force of attraction between the nucleus and electrons
become weaker.
• As a result it is more difficult to attract one electron into the
outermost occupied shell.
19) Why helium gas is not reactive • Atom Helium has 2 valence electrons. This is stable duplet
chemically? electron arrangement. It does not need to gain, lose or share
electrons with other atom of elements.
20) Sodium burnt in oxygen and the • The solution is an alkaline solution.
product is dissolved in water. What • Sodium burns in oxygen to produce sodium oxide. Sodium oxide
is the property of the solution dissolves in water to produce sodium hydroxide solution.
formed? Explain why.

Frequently Asked Questions

4|Page Chemistry SPM – Quick Review F4

21) Chlorine gas is dissolved in water. • Blue litmus paper turns red and then bleached.
What can you observe if a piece of • When chlorine gas dissolves in cold water, it forms hydrochloric
blue litmus paper is immersed into acid, HCI and hypochlorous acid, HOCl.
the solution formed? Explain why. • Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid which turns blue litmus paper
red while hypochlorous acid is a strong bleaching agent which
decolourise the litmus paper.

Frequently Asked Questions in SPM Standard Answers

22) State some physical properties of • High melting point and boiling point
ionic compounds. • Conduct electricity in liquid - aqueous solution molten state.
• Generally soluble in water but do not dissolve in organic solvent.
23) State the physical properties of • Low melting point and boiling point.
covalent compounds. • Insulators of electricity in all state.
• Usually dissolves in organic solvents such as benzene but do not
dissolve in water.
24) Explain why sodium chloride can • Sodium chloride is an ionic compound.
conduct electricity in aqueous state • In solid state, sodium ions and chloride ions are held by strong
but cannot conduct electricity in electrostatic forces of attraction in the lattice structure.
solid state. • Ions are in fixed positions and do not move freely. Hence, ionic
compounds in the solid state do not conduct electricity.
• In aqueous or molten state, ions are freely moved. Therefore
the compound can conduct electricity.
25) Magnesium chloride and hydrogen • Magnesium chloride is an ionic compound whereas hydrogen
chloride are two compounds of chloride is a covalent compound.
chlorine. At room condition, • Magnesium ion and chloride ions are held together by strong
magnesium chloride exists as a solid electrostatic forces of attraction. Therefore, it has very high
but hydrogen chloride exists in melting point and boiling point and exists as solid at room
gaseous state. Explain why. condition.
• Hydrogen chloride consists of molecules.
• The intermolecular forces (van der Waals forces) between the
molecules is weak. Therefore, it has low melting point and
boiling point and exist as gas at room condition.
26) Explain the formation of ionic bond • Magnesium atom has electron arrangement of 2.8.2
between magnesium atom, 12 24𝑀𝑔
• It donates 2 valence electrons to achieve the stable octet
and oxygen atom, 𝑂 16
electron arrangement, 2.8.
8
• A positive ion, Mg2+ is formed.
• Oxygen atom has electron arrangement of 2.6
• It receives 2 electrons from magnesium atom to achieve stable
octet electron arrangement, 2.8.
• A negative ion, O2- is formed
• Positive ion, Mg2+, and negative ion, O2-, are attracted together
by strong electrostatic forces to form an ionic compound with
the formula MgO.
27) Explain the formation of covalent • Carbon atom has electron arrangement of 2.4
bond between carbon atom, 12𝐶 and • Chlorine atom has electron arrangement of 2.8.7
6
chlorine atom, 35𝐶𝑙. • 1 carbon atom contributes 4 valence electrons to 4 Chlorine
17
atoms.
• 4 chlorine atoms, contribute 1 valence electron each to C atom.
• 1 C atom shares 4 pairs of electrons with 4 Chlorine atoms to
form 4 single covalent bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
 5|Page Chemistry SPM – Quick Review F4

• All of C and Cl atoms achieve stable octet electron arrangement.

• A covalent compound with formula CCI4 is formed.

CHAPTER 06:ASID, BASE & SALT

Frequently Asked Questions in SPM Standard Answers
28) What is the meaning of strong acid • A strong acid is an acid that ionizes / dissociates completely in
and weak alkali. water to form high concentration of hydrogen ions, H+
• A weak alkali is an alkali that ionises / dissociates partially in
water to form low concentration of hydroxide ions, OH-
29) What is neutralisation? • Neutralisation is a reaction between an acid and a base to
produce salt and water only
30) The pH value of glacial ethanoic acid • Glacial ethanoic acid, CH3COOH is a dry acid (without water)
is 7 but the pH value of dilute which is consists of neutral molecules only. There is no
ethanoic acid is 5. Explain why the hydrogen ions, H+. Therefore, it does not show acidic property.
pH values of the two substances are • In dilute ethanoic acid, the molecules of ethanoic acid ionise to
different produce hydrogen ions, H+.
• The presence of hydrogen ions, H+ will cause the aqueous
solution of ethanoic acid, show its acidic property.
31) The pH value of solution ammonia in • Dry ammonia gas (or ammonia gas) dissolved in
water is 9 but the pH value of trichloromethane consists of neutral molecules, NH3 only.
solution of ammonia in • There is no hydroxide ions, OH-. Therefore, it does not show
trichloromethane is 7. Explain why alkaline property.
does the pH values of the two • In water, the NH3 molecules will ionise to produce hydroxide
substances are different. ions, OH-.
• The presence of hydroxide ions, OH- will cause the aqueous
ammonia solution to show alkaline properties.
32) The pH values of 1.0 mol dm-3 of • Ethanoic acid is a weak acid.
ethanoic acid and 1.0 mol dm-3 • It ionizes partially in water, to produce hydrogen ions with low
hydrochloric acid is 4 and 1 concentration.
respectively. Explain the differences. • Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid.
• It ionizes completely in water to produce hydrogen ions with
high concentration.
33) Given dilute nitric acid and dilute • Nitric acid, HNO3 is a monoprotic acid whereas sulphuric acid,
sulphuric acid have the same H2SO4 is a diprotic acid.
concentration of 0.5 mol dm-3. In a • The concentration of hydrogen ions in sulphuric acid is double
neutralisation experiment, 20 cm3 of than that in nitric acid.
nitric acid is required to neutralise • As a result, the volume of sulphuric acid required (to neutralise
20 cm3 of sodium hydroxide solution NaOH(aq)) is half compared to nitric acid.
but only 10 cm3 of sulphuric acid is
required to neutralise 20 cm3 of
sodium hydroxide solution. Explain
why.
34) What is salt? • A salt is a compound formed when the hydrogen ion, H+ from an
acid is replaced by a metal ion or an ammonium ion, NH4+.

Frequently Asked Questions

 6|Page Chemistry SPM – Quick Review F4

35) Describe a chemical test to identify • 2 cm3 of the solution is poured into a test tube.
the presence of carbonate ions, • 2 cm3 of dilute hydrochloric acid is added into the test tube
CO32- in a solution. • The gas liberated is immediately bubbled / flown through lime
water.
• The lime water turns milky / cloudy / chalky.
36) Describe a chemical test to identify • 2 cm3 of the solution is poured into a test tube.
the presence of chloride ions, CI- in a • 2 cm3 of dilute nitric acid is added into the test tube follow by
solution. about 2 cm3 of silver nitrate solution.
• A white precipitate is formed.

37) Describe a chemical test to identify • 2 cm3 of the solution is poured into a test tube.
the presence of sulphate ions, SO42- • 2 cm3 of dilute hydrochloric acid is added into the test tube
in a solution. followed by about 2 cm3 of barium chloride solution.
• A white precipitate is formed.

38) Describe a chemical test to identify • 2 cm3 of the solution is poured into a test tube.
-
the presence of nitrate ions, NO3 , in • 2 cm3 of dilute sulphuric acid is added into the test tube followed
a solution. by 2 cm3 of iron(II) sulphate solution. The mixture is shaken
well.
• The test tube is slanted slightly. A few drops of concentrated
sulphuric acid are dropped carefully and slowly along the side of
slanting test tube into the mixture.
• A brown ring is formed.
39) Describe a chemical test to identity (a) Copper(Il) ion
the following ions • Sodium hydroxide solution is added drop by drop until in excess.
a) Copper(ll) ion, Cu2+ A blue precipitate is formed and insoluble in excess sodium
b) Magnesium ion, Mg2+ hydroxide solution.
Zinc ion, Zn2+ • Ammonia solution is added drop by drop until in excess. A blue
precipitate is formed and dissolves in excess ammonia solution
to produce a dark blue solution.
(b) Magnesium ion
• Sodium hydroxide solution is added drop by drop until in excess.
A white precipitate is formed and insoluble in excess sodium
hydroxide solution.
• Ammonia solution is added drop by drop until in excess. A white
precipitate is formed and insoluble in excess ammonia solution.
(c) Zinc ion
• Sodium hydroxide solution is added drop by drop until in excess.
A white precipitate is formed and dissolves in excess sodium
hydroxide solution to form a colourless solution.
• Ammonia solution is added drop by drop until in excess. A white
• precipitate is formed and dissolves in excess ammonia solutionto
form a colourless solution.
40) Describe a chemical test to identify (a) Iron(II) ion
the following ions; • 2 cm3 of X solution is poured into a test tube.
(i) iron(ll) ion, Fe2+ • Potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) solution is added into the test
(ii) iron(Ill) ion, Fe3+ tube.
• A dark blue precipitate is formed.

Frequently Asked Questions

 7|Page Chemistry SPM – Quick Review F4

(b) Iron (Ill) ion

• 2 cm3 of Y solution is poured into a test tube.
• Potassium thiocynate solution is added into the test tube.
A blood red colouration is formed
41) Describe a chemical test to • 5 cm3 of each solution is poured into two separated test tubes.
differentiate the lead(Il) ion, Pb2+ • Add 2 cm3 potassium iodide solution, KI into each of test tube.
and aluminium ion, Al3+. • The solution in the test tube produce yellow precipitate consists
of lead(Il) ion – lead(II) iodide, PbI2.
42) Describe a chemical test to identify • 2 cm3 ammonia solution is poured into a test tube.
the presence of ammonium ions, Sodium hydroxide solution is added into the test tube

CHAPTER 07 RATE OF REACTION

Frequently Asked Question in SPM Standard Answers

43) What is the rate of reaction? • … is the change in the quantity of the reactant or product per
unit time (general definition)
• E.g. … is the volume of carbon dioxide gas released per second
(specific)
44) State 2 different ways to measure • Type of determination in the rate of reaction;
the rate of reactions of a chemical 1. Average rate of reaction (rate in a certain period of time)
reaction. 2. Rate of reaction at a given time (instantaneous rate of
reaction)
45) What is stated in the collision • According to the collision theory, for a reaction to be occurred,
theory? the particles of the reactants must;
✓ collide each other with the correct orientation (elastic),
✓ achieve total energy that equals to activation energy.
46) What is activation energy? • The minimum energy in the system of reaction that the reacting
particles must achieved to start a chemical reaction.
47) What is effective collision? • Collisions with the correct orientation and able to overcome the
activation energy of the reaction system.
48) State the factors that affect the rate • Factors that affect the rate of reaction;
of a chemical reaction. 1. Size of solid reactant
2. Concentration of solution reactant
3. Temperature of reactant
4. Presence & amount of catalyst
5. Pressure of gas reactant
49) Explain how total surface area (size • When the size of solid reactant becomes smaller.
of reactant) can increase the rate of • The total surface area exposed to collision increase.
reaction based on collision theory. • The frequency of collision between calcium carbonate particles
(Specific : reaction between calcium and hydrogen ions (the reacting particles) increase.
carbonate and hydrochloric acid • This increases the frequency of effective collision between
solution) particles.
• Hence the rate of reaction increases.

Frequently Asked Questions

8|Page Chemistry SPM – Quick Review F4

50) Explain how concentration can • When the concentration of solution increases, the number of
increase the rate of reaction based particles per unit volume increases.
on collision theory. • Particles have more chances to collide more often.
(Specific : reaction between zinc chip • The frequency of collision between zinc atoms and hydrogen
and concentrated sulphuric acid ions (the reacting particles) increase.
solution) • This increases the frequency of effective collision between
particles.
• Hence, the rate of reaction increases.
51) Explain how temperature can • When the temperature of reactant increases, the kinetic energy
increase the rate of reaction based of the particles increases.
on collision theory. • Particles move faster and collide more often.
(Specific : reaction between sodium • The frequency of collision between thiosulpahte ions and
thiosulphate solution and sulphuric hydrogen ions (the reacting particles) increase.
acid solution) • This increases the frequency of effective collision between
particles.
• Hence, the rate of reaction increases.
52) Define the term catalyst • … is the substance which can alter the rate of a chemical
reaction while it remains chemically unchanged at the end of
the reaction.
53) Explain how catalyst can increase the • When a (positive) catalyst is used, it provides an alternative path
rate of reaction based on collision with lower activation energy.
theory. • More collided hydrogen peroxide molecules are able to
(Specific : reaction in the decomposition of overcome the lower activation energy.
hydrogen peroxide by using • This increases the frequency of effective collision between the
manganese(IV) oxide powder) reacting particles.
• Hence, the rate of reaction increases.
Catalyst does not increase the frequency of collision between reacting
• particles and does not increase the quantity of product.
54) If a graph of a reaction between
magnesium ribbon and sulphuric
acid solution 0.1 mol dm-3 is
obtained as follow (labelled as X),
• Graph Y can be obtained by;
suggest how to get graph Y with a
1. change with / use magnesium powder (smaller size of solid
higher gradient?
reactant)
Volume of H2 (cm3)
2. use sulphuric acid 2.0 mol dm-3 (more concentrate solution)
3. heat the mixture of reactant (higher temperature)
4. add copper(II) sulphate solution (presence of catalyst)
Y
X

Time (s)
55) State briefly, how the knowledge • Application of the rate of reaction;
about the factors that affect the rate of 1. Keep food in fridge
reaction is applied in human daily life. 2. Cook food in smaller sizes
3. Use iron filling in Haber process
• Use vanadium(V) oxide in Contact process

Frequently Asked Questions

9|Page Chemistry SPM – Quick Review F4

Frequently Asked Questions in SPM Standard Answers

55) What is the meaning of alloy? • Alloy is a mixture of two or more elements with a certain fixed
composition in which the major component is a metal.
56) State the aims of making alloys • Improve the appearance of the pure metal
• Improve the strength and hardness of the pure metal
• Increase the resistance to corrosion of the pure metal
57) Bronze is an alloy consists of copper • Copper atoms in copper block are of the same sizes and
and tin. Explain why bronze is harder arranged in an orderly arrangement.
than copper. • The layers of copper atoms slide easily if force is applied.
• The copper atoms and the tin atoms are in different sizes.
• The presence of tin atoms disrupts the orderly arrangement of
copper atoms to bronze block.
• This reduces the layers of copper atoms from sliding over one
another easily.
58) Explain the industrial process • Molten sulphur is burnt in excess air to produce sulphur dioxide
involved in the manufacture of gas.
sulphuric acid Write all the chemical S + O2 ⎯→ SO2
equations involved. • Sulphur dioxide and excess oxygen gas are passed over
vanadium(V) oxide catalyst at 450°C and pressure of 1 atm.
2 SO2 + O2 ⎯→ 2 SO3
• Sulphur trioxide is dissolved in concentrated sulphuric acid to
form oleum
SO3 + H2SO4 ⎯→ H2S2O7
• The oleum is then diluted in water to produce dilute sulphuric
acid
H2S2O7 + H2O ⎯→ 2 H2SO4
59) State the optimum conditions for • Catalyst - Vanadium(V) oxide, V2O5
the Contact process • Temperature - 450°C
• Pressure - 1 atm.
60) State the optimum conditions for • Catalyst - Iron filling
the Haber process • Temperature - 450°C - 550°C
• Pressure - 200 atm
61) What is the meaning of polymer? • Polymer is a long chain molecules made up of many identical &
Name the monomer of polythene repeating units called as monomers.
and polyvinyl chloride. • Ethene and chloroethene respectively.
62) What is the difference in terms of Major component;
major component between glass and glass – silica / silicone dioxide
ceramic? ceramic – aluminosilicate
63) What does it means by composite .. is a new and advance structural materials with a superior
materials? properties that formed by combining two or more different
materials or components.

Frequently Asked Questions