Structured questions

The table below shows information about four different metals A, B, C and D.
Metal

Cost

Corrosion
resistance

Heat
conductivity

Mechanical
strength

Density

Low

Low

Medium

Medium

Low

High

High

Good

High

High

Low

Medium

Medium

High

Medium

Medium

Medium

Good

Medium

Medium

Which metal is the most suitable for making

a) medal;
b) a gate; and
c) the metal base of a hot pot?
State TWO reasons for your choice in each case.
(9 marks)
2

Consider the following metals:

Aluminium, tin, copper, lead, zinc and titanium
For each of the tasks listed below, choose ONE metal which is best for accomplishing the
task. Explain your choice in each case.
a) Making space shuttles
b) Protecting food cans from rusting
c) Making soft drink cans
(6 marks)

The figure shows a piece of electrical wire.

a)
b)

Which metal is the most suitable for making electrical wires?

Suggest TWO essential properties of that metal which make it suitable for making
electrical wires.
c) Account for the properties mentioned in (b) in terms of metallic bond.
d) Explain with equations, if any, what will happen if this wire is put into

i)
ii)

dilute hydrochloric acid; and

silver nitrate solution.
(8 marks)

The table below lists some information about three metals A, B and C.
Metal

Atomic number

12

20

Heating in air

Burns with bright

light

Burns with a brick-red flame

No observable
change

Reaction with
water

No observable
change

Gas bubbles are given off,

slowly at first but becomes
faster after some time

No observable
change

a)
b)

c)

d)

To which group in the periodic table do A and B belong?

Metal A does not react with water but reacts with steam readily.
i) Write a chemical equation for the reaction between A and steam.
ii) Draw an electron diagram for the solid product formed in (i), showing electrons
in the outermost shells only.
i) Write an equation for the reaction between B and water.
(An ionic equation will NOT be accepted for this question.)
ii) Draw an electron diagram for the gaseous product formed in the reaction.
iii) Suggest an explanation for the observation made when B reacts with water.
iv) Draw a labelled diagram of the set-up for carrying out the reaction between B
and water, with the collection of the gaseous product.
Suggest what C might be.
e) Explain, in terms of electronic structure, why B is more reactive than A.
(12 marks)

Results of some reactions of four metals A, B, C and D are shown below:

Reaction

Result

(i) A(s) + HCl(aq)

No reaction

(ii) B(s) + HCl(aq)

Reacts steadily to give hydrogen

(iii) A(s) + O2 (g)

An oxide is formed when heated

(iv) D(s) + O2 (g)

No reaction when heated

(v) B(s) + H2O (g)

Reacts slowly with steam

(vi) C(s) + H2O (g)

Reacts vigorously with steam

a)
b)

Arrange the four metals in descending order of reactivity. Explain briefly.

Another metal E reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to give hydrogen.
The solution of a compound of E also shows the following reaction:
B(s) + E2+(aq) B2+(aq) + E(s)
Where would you place E in the reactivity series among A, B, C and D?
Explain briefly.
(7 marks)

a)

For each of the following experiments, state ONE observable change and write a
chemical equation for the reaction involved.
i) Magnesium is put into dilute hydrochloric acid.
ii) Sodium is heated in a Bunsen flame.
iii) Lead(II) oxide is heated with carbon powder.
iv) Zinc is put into copper(II) sulphate solution.
b) Explain why there is NO reaction in the following experiments.
i) Lead is put into dilute sulphuric acid.
ii) Calcium oxide is heated with carbon powder.
iii) Copper is put into magnesium nitrate solution.
(14 marks)

Sodium can be used as a drying agent to remove trace of water in organic solvents. Sodium
is first drawn into a wire and placed in a bottle of organic solvent.

a)

Explain, with the help of a chemical equation, why sodium can be used as a

drying
b)

agent.
Explain why sodium can be drawn into wire in terms of its structure.
c) When sodium was drawn into a wire, it appears shiny at first but turns grey after
exposed to air. Explain this observation with a relevant equation.
d) Suggest ONE potential hazard of using this method in drying organic solvents.

(7 marks)
8
The reactivity of metals can be determined by the reaction between metal and acid.
Five different metals, calcium, tin, zinc, copper and nickel are added to dilute hydrochloric
acid respectively. The gas produced is collected by displacement of water. The height of
gas collected in the first 30 seconds in each case is measured.

The results are shown in the following table.

Metal
Height (cm) of gas collected
in the first 30 seconds
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

calcium

tin

zinc

copper

nickel

5.5

4.5

2.5

Write a chemical equation for the reaction between zinc and dilute hydrochloric acid.
Suggest a test for the gas evolved.
Determine the reactivity series in descending order from the result sprovided.
Explain why the reactivity of sodium CANNOT be determined by this method.
Explain why it is NOT suitable to use dilute sulphuric acid to replace dilute
hydrochloric acid in this experiment.
f) Another metal was tested and the result was as follows:
Metal

Height (cm) of gas collected in the first 30 seconds

i)
ii)

From the result obtained, rewrite the reactivity series.

Suggest what metal X might be.
(9 marks)

This following table shows the densities of two Group I metals.

Metal

Density (g cm-3)

Lithium (Li)

0.53

Rubidium (Rb)

1.53

Density of water = 1.0 g cm-3

a) i) Suggest TWO observable differences when lithium and rubidium are added into a
water trough separately.
ii) Account for the differences.

b)

iii) Write a chemical equation for the reaction between rubidium and water.
Rubidium is stored in paraffin oil in a bottle with suitable hazard warning labels.
i) Why should rubidium be stored in paraffin oil?
ii) Draw ONE hazard warning label which should appear on the bottle containing
rubidium.
(8 marks)

10

A metal M reacts with very dilute nitric acid to form a solution B and a gas C but M has no
reaction with steam. When M is heated with a Bunsen flame, it gives a solid D. The solid is
orange when it is hot and yellow when it is cold.
a) Suggest what M, B, C and D might be.
b) Suggest a test for gas C.
c) Write chemical equation(s) for the extraction of metal M from its sulphide.
d) i) Describe what will be observed when a piece of metal M is added to silver
nitrate
solution.
ii) Write an ionic equation for the reaction involved.
(11 marks)

11

The following table shows information on extraction of metals of the reactivity series.
Metal

Extraction Method

Ease of extraction

Method A

Difficult

Na
Ca
Mg
Al
Zn

Carbon reduction

Fe
Pb
Cu
Hg
Au
a)
b)

Heating the ore

Easy

Briefly describe the method A used in the extraction of reactive metals.

Write a chemical equation for extracting copper from copper(II) oxide by

c)

d)

carbon reduction.
i) Name another reducing agent that can be used instead of carbon to reduce
copper(II) oxide.
ii) Write a chemical equation for the reaction involved.
Write a chemical equation for obtaining silver from its oxide by heating alone.
e) Explain whether a reaction occurs in each of the following cases. State ONE
observation if a reaction occurs.
i) Put zinc into silver nitrate solution
ii) Put copper into magnesium nitrate solution
f) State the relationship between the year of discovery and the ease of extraction for

a
metal.
(10 marks)

12

The following metals are arranged in the order of decreasing reactivity.

Metal a > metal b > metal c > iron > metal d > metal e > metal f
Based on the information given above, answer the following questions.
a) Which metal is most likely to tarnish rapidly in air? Explain your answer.
b) Which metal is most likely to be found free in nature? Explain your answer.
c) Would you expect metal d to react with cold water? Explain your answer.
d) Suggest how metal a can be extracted from its ore.
e) What would be formed when the oxide of metal d is heated with coke?
f) Suggest an experiment to show that metal b is more reactive than iron.
g) Can we store the solution of nitrate of metal c in a container made of metal d?
Explain your answer.
(12 marks)

13

A student performs several experiments to determine the order of reactivity of five metals(P,
Q, R, S and T). The results are shown in the table below.
Experiment

Metal
P

Reaction with
water

Reacts
readily

No reaction

No reaction

Reacts
vigorously

No reaction

Reaction with

Reacts

No reaction

Reacts very

Reacts

No reaction

steam

readily

Reaction with
dilute
hydrochloric acid

Reacts
readily

Heating the metal

oxide with carbon

No reaction

Displacement
reaction
a)
b)

c)

d)

e)

14

slowly

vigorously

No reaction

Reacts
slowly

Reacts
explosively

No reaction

Metal Q
obtained

Metal R
obtained

No reaction

Metal T
obtained

T displaces Q from the solution of nitrate of Q

Arrange the metals in order of reactivity, starting with the most reactive one.
Explain your answer briefly.
i) Suggest what metal P might be.
ii) Write a chemical equation for the reaction between metal P and dilute
hydrochloric acid.
iii) State TWO observations when metal P is heated in air.
i) Suggest what metal S might be.
ii) Write a chemical equation for the reaction between metal S and water.
iii) Suggest how metal S can be extracted from its ore.
i) During reactions, metal R forms R2+ ions. Write a chemical equation for the
reaction between metal R and steam.
ii) Draw electron diagrams of the products formed in (i) above, showing
electrons in
the outermost shells only.
Metal Q forms an oxide with a chemical formula of Q2O.
i) Suggest what metal Q might be.
ii) Would there be any reaction between zinc and the solution of nitrate of Q?
Write an ionic equation for the reaction, if any.
(18 marks)

The following tables record the results of some reactions of four different metals and their
oxides.
Metal

Reaction
Adding dilute
hydrochloric
acid

Very dangerous! No observable

Never attempt
change

Bubbles given
off

Bubbles given
off

Adding copper

Bubbles given

Metal dissolves,

Metal dissolves,

No observable

(II) nitrate
solution

off

change

a brown solid
deposits

a brown solid
deposits

Heating the
oxide alone

No observable
change

A silvery solid
is formed

No observable
change

No observable
change

Heating the
oxide with
carbon

No observable
change

A silvery grey
solid is formed

No observable
change

a)
b)

Arrange the four metals in descending order of reactivity. Explain your answer briefly.
If Z burns in air with a bright light, suggest what metal Z might be and write a
chemical equation for its reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid.
c) Draw electron diagrams of the products formed in (b), showing electrons in the
outermost shells only.
d) Explain the observation, with the help of an equation, when metal W is added to
copper(II) nitrate solution.
e) Suggest and explain another observable change when metal Y is added to
copper(II)
nitrate solution.
(12 marks)

15

The results of a series of displacement reactions are given in the table below.
Salt solution

Nitrate of X

Lead(II)
nitrate

Iron(II)
nitrate

Silver nitrate

Reaction
occurs

Reaction
occurs

Reaction
occurs

Lead

No
observable
change

No observable
change

Reaction
occurs

Iron

No
observable
change

Reaction
occurs

Reaction
occurs

Silver

No
observable
change

No observable
change

No observable
change

Metal

a)
b)
c)

What is displacement reaction?

List TWO observable changes when X is put into iron(II) sulphate solution.
Based on the information given above, arrange the metals in descending order of

d)

16

a)

b)

reactivity. Briefly explain your answer.

Chromium should be placed between X and iron in reactivity series. Suppose you are
provided with chromium(III) nitrate solution, describe an experiment to show this.
e) Write an ionic equation for the reaction between iron and silver nitrate solution.
(10 marks)

Calculate the number of moles of the following substances.

i) 1.20 1025 sodium atoms
ii) 22.8 g of nitrogen dioxide molecules
iii) 4.80 1023 formula units of copper(II) carbonate
iv) 13.2 g of hydrated magnesium sulphate (MgSO47H2O)
Calculate the masses of the following substances.
i) 2.00 moles of sodium hydroxide
ii) 1.90 1024 ethane molecules (C2H6)
iii) 0.400 mole of hydrated sodium carbonate (Na2CO310H2O)
iv) 3.90 1022 argon atoms
(Relative atomic masses: H = 1.0, C = 12.0, N = 14.0, O = 16.0, Na = 23.0,
Mg = 24.3, S = 32.1, Ar = 40.0; Avogadro constant = 6.02 1023 mol-1)
(8 marks)

17

a)

b)

In 67.5 g of hydrated aluminium sulphate Al2(SO4)36H2O, calculate

i) the number of moles of aluminium ions present;
ii) the number of moles of water molecules present;
iii) the number of sulphur atoms present;
iv) the number of oxygen atoms present; and
v) the number of ions present.
When 1.96 g of metal M are completely changed to ions, 3.61 1022 electrons are
released. The relative atomic mass of M is 65.4.
i) What is the number of moles of 1.96 g of M?
ii) What is the number of moles of electrons released?
iii) What is the charge on an ion of M?
(Relative atomic masses: H = 1.0, O = 16.0, Al = 27.0, S = 32.1; Avogadro
constant = 6.02 1023 mol-1)
(9 marks)

18

a)
b)

2.70 g of a metal M combines with 2.40 g of oxygen to form an oxide with the formula
M2O3. What is the relative atomic mass of M?
A crystalline salt (MCl36H2O) is found to contain 40.5% by mass of water of
crystallization. Calculate
i) the formula mass of the hydrated salt; and
ii) the relative atomic mass of the metal M.
(Relative atomic masses: H = 1.0, O = 16.0, Cl = 35.5)
(6 marks)

10.1 g of hydrated calcium chloride (CaCl2nH2O) gives 5.00 g of water on strong

heating. Find the value of n.
b) A hydrated salt of copper contains 63.9% by mass of the anhydrous salt. The anhydrous
salt has the following percentage composition by mass: copper 39.8%; sulphur 20.1%;
oxygen 40.1%. Find the empirical formula of the hydrated salt.
(Relative atomic masses: H = 1.0, O = 16.0, S = 32.1, Cl = 35.5, Ca = 40.1, Cu =
63.5)
(8 marks)

19

a)

20

The following diagram shows the set-up used in an experiment to determine the empirical
formula of a black copper oxide.

Town gas (main constituents being carbon monoxide and hydrogen) was passed over the
oxide before heating. The black copper oxide was reduced to copper in the experiment.
Heating was stopped after some time. Town gas was passed over the copper until it was
cold. The results are as follows:
Mass of tube
= 25.20 g
Mass of tube and copper oxide
= 27.78 g
Mass of tube and copper formed = 27.26 g
a)
b)
c)
d)

Why was town gas passed over the chemical before and after the experiment?
State an expected observation in this experiment.
Suggest ONE test to show that a metal is formed in this experiment.
Write appropriate equations to account for the chemical change of the copper oxide.

e) Calculate the number of moles of copper formed.

f) Calculate the number of moles of oxygen present in the copper oxide.
g) From the results of (e) and (f), determine the empirical formula of the copper oxide.
h) List TWO potential hazards of this experiment.
(Relative atomic masses: O = 16.0, Cu = 63.5)
(11 marks)

21

The following set-up was used to determine the empirical formula of an oxide of cobalt
(Co).

The experimental results were as follows:

(1) Mass of crucible + lid = 20.49 g
(2) Mass of crucible + lid + cobalt = 23.13 g
(3) Mass of crucible + lid + oxide of cobalt = 24.09 g
a) Give TWO reasons why the crucible should be half covered with the lid during
heating, as shown in the diagram.
b) Calculate the empirical formula of the oxide of cobalt.
c) Cobalt-60 is widely used as a medical and industrial radiation source.
Complete the following information for a 60Co atom.
60
27

Co

Number of protons

Number of neutrons

(i)

(ii)

(Relative atomic masses: O = 16.0, Co = 58.9)

(7 marks)

22

a)

Both nitrogen and fluorine are non-metals. Draw electron diagrams of the following
molecules:
i) a nitrogen molecule
ii) a fluorine molecule
b) Nitrogen can form a fluoride with relative molecular mass of 66.0. The compound
contains 42.4% of nitrogen by mass.

i) Deduce the molecular formula of the compound.

ii) Draw an electron diagram of the compound, showing electrons in the
outermost
shells only.
(Relative atomic masses: N = 14.0, F = 19.0)
(6 marks)

23

A piece of copper of mass 26.78 g was immersed in a colourless solution of nitrate of metal
X in a beaker. A silvery deposit of X formed on the copper surface and the solution
gradually turned pale blue. The beaker was allowed to stand. X was then washed with
distilled water and dried. The mass of X obtained was 1.94 g and the remaining copper had
a mass of 26.21 g.
a) Explain why the solution gradually turned pale blue.
b) Calculate the mass of copper reacted with the nitrate of X.
c) i) Explain why the solution was allowed to stand.
ii) Explain why the solid X should be washed and dried.
d) What is the number of moles of copper reacted?
e) What is the number of moles of X obtained?
f) What is the number of moles of X obtained when 1 mole of copper(II) ions is
formed?
g) Write an ionic equation for the above reaction.
(Relative atomic masses: Cu = 63.5, X = 107.9)
(10 marks)
24

A student tried to extract lead from lead(II) oxide. He placed 10.0 g of lead(II) oxide and
10.0 g of carbon powder in a crucible and heated the mixture with a Bunsen flame.
a) Draw an experimental set-up for the extraction of lead(II) oxide.
b) i) Write a chemical equation for the reaction involved.
ii) Suggest ONE observation for the reaction.
c) i) Determine which reagent is in excess.
ii) Calculate the maximum mass of lead that could be obtained.
d) In fact, the student only obtained 7.10 g of lead.
i) Calculate the percentage yield of the reaction.
ii) Suggest ONE reason why the student cannot get the maximum mass of lead.
e) Another oxide of lead has a chemical formula of Pb3O4.

Pb3O4 is known to be a mixed oxide composed of PbO and PbO2. Deduce the
mole
ratio of PbO to PbO2 in Pb3O4.
(Relative atomic masses: C = 12.0, O = 16.0, Pb = 207.2)
(12 marks)

25

a)

Hydrogen can reduce copper(II) oxide to copper. The experiment can be carried out
using the set-up shown below.

i)

Write a chemical equation for the reaction between hydrogen and copper(II)

oxide.
ii) Suggest why it is necessary to burn the residual hydrogen in the set-up.
iii) What mass of copper would be obtained if 9.54 g of the oxide were
consumed in
the reaction?
b) Hydrogen is also used to manufacture ammonia by reacting with nitrogen according to
the following equation:
N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g)
i) What does the sign in the equation stand for?
ii) In the manufacturing process, a sufficient amount of hydrogen is allowed to
react
with 560 g of nitrogen. 102 g of ammonia are obtained. What is the percentage
conversion of nitrogen to ammonia?
(Relative atomic masses: H = 1.0, O = 16.0, N = 14.0, Cu = 63.5)
(8 marks)

26

Compounds of manganese (Mn) have important uses in industry. Manganese nodules are
widely dispersed on the floor of some deep oceans. Manganese is resent in the nodules
mainly as a form of manganese(IV) oxide MnO2. A nodule of mass 15.0 g was found to
contain 0.0400 mole of manganese(IV) oxide.

a)
b)

Calculate the percentage by mass of manganese(IV) oxide in the nodule.

Manganese has a hydrated sulphate with the formula MnSO4nH2O. On strong

heating,
20.1 g of the sulphate produced 7.51 g of water. What is the value of n?
(Relative atomic masses: H = 1.0, O = 16.0, S = 32.1, Mn = 54.9)
c) Pure manganese slowly reacts with cold water, in a way similar to calcium. In an
experiment, a few pieces of calcium granules are added to a beaker of cold water.
i) Give TWO observations when calcium reacts with cold water.
ii) Give a chemical equation for the reaction of calcium with water.
iii) Draw a labelled diagram of the set-up for conducting the experiment and
collecting the gas produced.
iv) Sodium also reacts with cold water. State TWO differences in observation
when
sodium and calcium are added separately to cold water.
(11 marks)

27

Tin (Sn) displaces copper from copper(II) sulphate solution. Cadmium (Cd) displaces tin
from tin(II) chloride solution. The three metals and their cations are as follows:
Sn / Sn2+, Cu / Cu2+, Cd / Cd2+.
a) Write ionic equations for the two displacement reactions described above.
b) Use the information given, deduce the reactivity order of the metals, starting with the
most reactive one.
c) State whether you would expect each of the following reactions to occur.
Explain your answers.
i) Sn(s) + Cd2+(aq) Sn2+(aq) + Cd(s)
ii) Cd(s) + Cu2+(aq) Cd2+(aq) + Cu(s)
d) Explain why copper(II) sulphate solution CANNOT be stored in tin containers.
e) Aluminium can also displace copper from copper(II) sulphate solution.
i) Write a chemical equation for the reaction involved.
ii) What is the percentage yield of copper in a reaction which produces
2.58 g of copper from 1.61 g of aluminium and excess copper(II) sulphate
solution.
(Relative atomic masses: Al = 27.0, Cu = 63.5)
(10 marks)

28

a)

Calcite is a very pure form of calcium carbonate which reacts with dilute hydrochloric
acid according to the following equation:
CaCO3(x) + 2HCl(aq) CaCl2(y) + H2O(z) + CO2(g)
2.60 g of calcite were added to 0.0150 mole of hydrochloric acid in a beaker.
Calcite was in excess.
i) Give the state symbols represented by x, y and z in the equation.
ii) Calculate the mass of calcite left unreacted.
iii) Describe what could be done to check the result obtained in (b).
b) An experiment was carried out to determine the percentage by mass of
calcium carbonate in a sample of mass 3.10 g. The set-up shown below was used:

The graph shows the results obtained in the experiment.

i)

Find, from the graph, the mass of gas liberated from the reaction of the sample with
hydrochloric acid.
ii) Calculate the percentage by mass of calcium carbonate in the sample.
iii) Suggest ONE source of error in the experiment.
(Relative atomic masses: C = 12.0, O = 16.0, Ca = 40.1)
(10 marks)

Potassium is obtained from the mineral carnallite (KClMgCl26H2O). An experiment was

carried out to determine the percentage by mass of carnallite in an impure sample. The mass
of the impure sample was 6.17 g. It was dissolved in water. An excess of acidified silver
nitrate solution was added. The silver chloride precipitate was filtered, washed and dried.
It had a mass of 8.61 g.
a) i) Silver ion and chloride ion react to give silver chloride according to the
following
equation:
Ag+(x) + Cl-(y) AgCl(z)
Give the state symbols represented by x, y and z in the equation.
ii) Explain why an excess of silver nitrate solution was used in the experiment.
iii) Calculate the number of moles of silver chloride obtained in the experiment.
iv) Calculate the percentage by mass of carnallite in the impure sample.
(Relative atomic masses: H = 1.0, O = 16.0, Mg = 24.3, Cl = 35.5, K = 39.1,
Ag = 107.9)
b) Suggest how potassium is extracted from carnallite.
c) In another experiment, potassium is heated in the air.
i) Describe the observable changes of the experiment.
ii) Write a chemical equation for the reaction involved.
iii) Suggest how potassium should be stored in the laboratory.
(11 marks)
29

30

Explain each of the following:

a) Aluminium does NOT react with steam unless when the aluminium is washed with
mercury(II) chloride solution.
b) Silver nitrate solution CANNOT be kept in an iron bucket.
c) Aluminium, rather than copper, is used in making overhead power cables.
d) When calcium reacts with dilute sulphuric acid, gas bubbles are given off for a short
while and then stop.
e) Zinc can be extracted from its molten ore by electrolysis. Yet in practice, it is
usually
extracted by heating its oxide with coke.
f) It is NOT advisable to buy a can of food if there are scratches on the iron body of
the
can.

g)

Galvanized iron is NOT used in making food cans.

(12 marks)

31

a)

The above figure shows the location of a factory which extracts zinc from its ore, zinc
blende (ZnS). The flow diagram below shows how zinc is extracted in the factory.

In Stage I, the ore is heated strongly in air. A yellow compound X is formed which
becomes white when cold. Besides, an acidic gas Y is evolved and this is emitted to the
surroundings from chimneys.
i) (1) Write a chemical equation for the reaction occurred in Stage I.
(2) Give the names of compound X and gas Y.
ii) In Stage II, X is heated strongly with a black powder.
(1) Identify the black powder.
(2) Write a chemical equation for the reaction occurred in Stage II.
iii) State ONE use of zinc.
b) Statues A and B are mainly made of iron. It is found that statue A rusts more
quickly
than B.
i) Give a reason for this.
ii) Suggest ONE method to slow down the corrosion of the statues.
c) Zinc reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to give hydrogen.
i) Write a chemical equation for the reaction involved.

ii) A sample of hydrochloric acid containing 2.92 g of HCl is added to 3.27 g of

zinc. Calculate the mass of hydrogen produced.
(Relative atomic masses: H = 1.0, Cl = 35.5, Zn = 65.4)
(14 marks)

32

Explain briefly how the protection against rusting can be achieved in each of the following
cases.
a) Underground iron gas pipes are joined to magnesium.
b) Cloth hangers are coated with plastic.
c) Bus stop signs are painted.
d) Bicycle chains are greased.
e) A car body is connected to the negative terminal of a car battery.
(10 marks)

33

Three test tubes are set up in the diagram shown below:

The tubes are left for three days.

a) In which tube(s) will rusting occur?
b) What is the function of the anhydrous calcium chloride used in test tube A?
c) What is the function of the oil used in test tube B?
d) Suggest TWO conditions needed for rusting.
e) Draw a labelled diagram of a set-up that can be used to show that the presence of
ionic
substances can increase the rate of rusting. State also the expected observation.
(7 marks)

34

The rusting of iron is investigated by giving five identical iron nails different treatments.
One nail is left untreated. All six nails are then exposed to air for one week. The results are
given in the table below.
Nail

Treatment

Mass of nail and coating

Mass of nail and coating

after exposed to air

Painting

7.0 g

7.3 g

Coating with wax

7.0 g

6.5 g

Nickel-plating

7.0 g

7.0 g

Galvanizing

7.0 g

7.1 g

Dipping into salt solution

6.9 g

8.9 g

Untreated

6.9 g

8.2 g

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

g)

35

before exposed to air

Explain why the mass of the untreated nail has increased after exposed to air.
Which nail is best protected from rusting? Explain your answer.
Which treatment make the nail rust faster? Explain your answer.
Explain in which case was a mistake made in the weighing of the nail.
What is meant by the treatment galvanizing?
Bridges are protected from rusting by attaching blocks of magnesium to them.
i) What is the term used to describe this kind of protection against rusting?
ii) Suggest why this method is NOT used to protect iron nails from rusting.
Explain why rusting is a destructive process but corrosion of aluminium is a useful
process.
(14 marks)

Aluminium and iron are the two most abundant metals in the Earths crust.
a) Explain why iron was discovered about four thousand years ago while aluminium was
discovered less than two hundred years ago.
b) Both aluminium and iron can be used to make window frames.
i) Suggest how each metal is treated to prevent corrosion in this usage.
ii) Explain why most window frames are now made of aluminium instead of iron.
c) The diagram below shows a can of fruit juice. The body of the can is made of iron
coated with tin. The top of the can and the ring-pull are made of aluminium.

i)
ii)

Suggest ONE reason why the iron body is coated with tin.
Suggest ONE reason why aluminium, rather than iron, is used for making the

ring-pull.
iii) There is a trend for manufacturers to use cans made entirely of aluminium for
fruit juice storage. Suggest ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage of this action.
(10 marks)

36

Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the Earths crust.

a) i) Name an aluminium ore.
ii) Suggest how aluminium can be extracted from its ore.
b) One of the special properties of aluminium is that it has high corrosion resistance.
i) Explain why aluminium has such a high corrosion resistance.
ii) The corrosion resistance of aluminium can be further improved by a method.
(1) Name this method.
(2) Draw a labelled diagram of the laboratory set-up used for this method.
c) The reaction of aluminium and zinc nitrate solution can be represented by the
following equation:
2Al(s) + 3Zn(NO3)2(aq) 2Al(NO3)3(aq) + 3Zn(s)
i) Give TWO observations of the above reaction.
ii) Explain why the above reaction is a displacement reaction.
iii) If 9.00 g of aluminium are added to excess zinc nitrate solution, calculate the
maximum amount of zinc that can be obtained.
(Relative atomic masses: Al = 27.0, Zn = 65.4)
(12 marks)

37

You are provided with the following materials and apparatus:

Bunsen burner, test tube holder, wooden splints, test tubes, delivery tube and limewater
Suggest how you would carry out three chemical tests, using the materials and apparatus
listed above, to distinguish between silver oxide, iron(III) oxide and carbon powder.
Your answer should include the expected observation of each test.
(You are required to give a paragraph-length answer. For this question, 6 marks will be
awarded for chemical knowledge and 3 marks for effective communication.)
(You are NOT required to write chemical equations. Answers in the form of flow diagrams
will NOT be marked.)
(9 marks)

38

You are provided with the following materials and apparatus:

3 clean iron nails, magnesium ribbon, copper foil, gel solution, rust indicator and 3 petri
dishes
Suggest an experiment, with the expected observation and explanations, which allows you
to determine the reactivity order of magnesium, iron and copper.
(You are required to give a paragraph-length answer. For this question, 6 marks will be
awarded for chemical knowledge and 3 marks for effective communication.)
(Answers in the form of flow diagrams will NOT be marked.)
(9 marks)

39

Protective coatings are commonly used for preventing rusting. Discuss the underlying
principle involved in TWO kinds of protective coating and their limitations, with reference
to specific examples.
(You are required to give a paragraph-length answer. For this question, 6 marks will be
awarded for chemical knowledge and 3 marks for effective communication.)
(9 marks)