NSS Chemistry Part 3 Metals

HKCEE Past Paper Questions – Structural Questions

1. HKCEE 1995 Q1
Rubidium (Rb) and potassium belong to the same group in the Periodic Table. The relative atomic mass of
rubidium is larger then that of potassium.
(a) Explain whether rubidium is more reactive than potassium.
(b) Write a chemical equation for the reaction between rubidium and water. (State symbols should be
given.)
(c) Suggest how rubidium can be stored safely in the laboratory.
(d) Suggest ONE safety precaution for handling rubidium in the laboratory.
(5 marks)

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2. HKCEE 1995 Q6b
The table below gives some information about five metals.
Metal Abundance in the Price per kg ($) Relative resistance of Relative strength of metal
earth’s corrosion (1 = lowest
crust (%) (1 = least resistant 3 = highest)
4 = most resistant)
Al 8.1 170 3 1
Cu 0.0055 140 3 3
Au 0.0000004 1100000 4 2
Fe 5.0 20 1 3
Zn 0.007 160 2 2

(i) Although gold has a very low abundance in the earth’s crust, gold was discovered by man a long
time ago. Why?
(ii) Which of the metals in the above table is the most suitable to make pipes for hot water? Explain
your answer.
(iii) (1) Aluminium does not corrode easily. Why?
(2) Aluminium is a principal material for making aircraft but its strength is relatively low.
Suggest how the strength of aluminium can be improved to make it suitable for making
aircraft.#
(iv) (1) Based on the information given in the table, suggest ONE factor that affects the price of a metal.
(2) Suggest ONE other factor (not indicated in the table) that can also affect the price of a metal.
(9 marks)

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3. HKCEE 1996 Q2
The relative molecular mass of an alkanol X is 60.0. X contains 60% of carbon by mass.
(a) Calculate the number of moles of carbon in one mole of X and hence deduce the molecular formula
of X.
(b) Draw ONE possible structure of X and give its systematic name.
(Relative atomic mass: C = 12.0)
(5 marks)

4. HKCEE 1996 Q4
Briefly describe an experiment, using the following apparatus and materials, to show that air is necessary for
the rusting of iron.
2 test tubes, a test tube holder, a Bunsen burner, 2 clean iron nails, paraffin oil and tap water
(8 marks)

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5. HKCEE 1997 Q1a
For each of the tasks listed in the table below, decide which substance on the right is the best to use to
accomplish the task. Explain your answer in each case.
Task Substances
To attach a substance to the iron hull of a
tanker to prevent the hull from rusting. calcium,
copper,
zinc

(3 marks)

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6. HKCEE 1997 Q7a
Malachite is a mineral containing copper(II) carbonate and copper(II) hydroxide. It is insoluble in water but
reacts with dilute sulphuric acid. The procedure for preparing copper(II) sulphate crystals from malachite is
as follows:

Step 1 Pour 50 cm3 of 2M sulphuric acid in a beaker and then warm the acid.
Step 2 Add small portions of powdered malachite to the warm acid while constantly stirring,
until effervescence stops and some powdered malachite remains in the beaker.
Step 3 Remove the remaining powdered malachite from the solution.
Step 4 Evaporate the solution slowly to obtain copper(II) sulphate crystals.

(i) Write a chemical equation for the reaction which causes the effervescence.
(ii) Why is it necessary to add powdered malachite until some of it remains in the beaker?
(iii) Draw a labeled diagram to show how the remaining powdered malachite can be removed from the
solution.
(iv) Calculate the theoretical mass of copper(II) sulphate crystals, CuSO4.5H2O, that can be obtained.
(Relative atomic masses: H = 1.0, C = 12.0, O = 16.0, S = 32.1, Cu = 63.5)
(8 marks)

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7. HKCEE 1998 Q8b
The photograph below shows a can of fruit juice. The body of the can is made of iron coated with another
metal. The top of the can and the ring-pull
ring are made of aluminium.

(i) (1) Suggest ONE reason why the iron body is coated with another metal.
(2) Name ONE metal commonly used for coating the iron body.
(ii) Suggest ONE reason why aluminium, rather than iron, is used for making the top of the can and
the ring-pull.
(iii) Explain why it is not advisable to buy cans of fruits juice
(1) if the cans have scratched on the iron body;
(2) if the cans are swollen.
(iv) There is an increasing tendency for manufacturers to use cans made entirely of aluminium for the
storage of fruit juice. Suggest ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage of using aluminium cans
c for the
storage of fruit juice.
(9 marks)

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8. HKCEE 1999 Q2
For each of the following experiments. State ONE observable change and write a chemical equation for the
reaction involved.
a. Dilute nitric acid is added to magnesium carbonate powder in a beaker.
b. A small piece of calcium is placed in a Bunsen flame.
c. A mixture of copper(II) oxide and carbon powder is heated in a test tube.
(6 marks)

9. HKCEE 2000 Q4
The mass of a sample of copper powder contaminated with copper(II) oxide is known. Describe how you
would conduct an experiment to determine the percentage by mass of copper powder in the sample. State the
expected observation of the experiment.
(Hint: You may use an acid in the experiment.)
(9 marks)

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10. HKCEE 2000 Q6a
The flow diagram below shows the stages involved in the extraction of zinc from zinc blende, ZnS.

(i) The reaction in Stage I gives, apart from zinc

zi oxide, a gaseous product.
(1) Write the chemical equation for the reaction.
(2) Give ONE industrial use of gaseous product.
(ii) Suggest how zinc oxide can be converted to zinc sulphate solution in Stage II.
II
(iii) The zinc sulphate
ate solution obtained contains ions of other metals. During the electrolysis in Stage III,
zinc metal is liberated at one of the electrodes.
(1) Suggest ONE way to remove ions of metals which are less reactive than zinc from
the zinc sulphate solution before electrolysis.
(2) Why is it not necessary to remove ions of metals which are more reactive then zinc from
the solution?
(3) Write half equations for the reactions occurring at the anode and cathode during the
electrolysis.
(iv) Give ONE use of zinc in daily life.
(8 marks)

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11. HKCEE 2000 Q3
Consider the following materials:
aluminium, bronze, copper, lead, mild steel and titanium
For each of the tasks listed below, choose the ONE material which is best to accomplish the task. Explain
your choice in each case.
a. making electrical wiring
b. making overhead high voltage cables
c. making ship propellers#
(6 marks)

12. HKCEE 2000 Q9a (i)

X, Y and Z are three different metals. The table below shows the results of two experiments carried out using
the metals or their oxides.

Experiment X Y Z
Adding the metal Effervescence No observable change No observable change
to water
Heating the metal No observable change Metal produced No observable change
oxide

Based on the above information, arrange the three metals in order of increasing reactivity. Explain your
answer.
(3 marks)

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13. HKCEE 2001 Q5
Explain why anodization, sacrificial protection and tin-plating
tin plating can protect metals from corrosion.
(9 marks)

14. HKCEE 2001 Q7c

The photograph below shows a diamond ring:

(i) Explain why gold and diamond each has a high melting point.
(ii) 18-carat
carat gold is an alloy of gold. Suggest ONE reason why 18-carat
18 carat gold instead of pure gold is
used in making the ring.#
(You are NOT required to consider the price of the materials.)
(iii) In an experiment, a piece of 18-carat
18 gold was heated with concentrated
centrated nitric acid. A bluish green
solution was formed.
(1) Suggest another metal that may be presented in 18-carat
18 carat gold. Explain your answer with
the help of a chemical equation.#
equation.
(2) State another observation in the experiment.
(7 marks)

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15. HKCEE 2001 Q4
A small piece of sodium is added to a tall jar containing two layers of liquids, paraffin oil and water with a
few drops of phenolphthalein, as shown in the diagram below. Describe and explain all expected
observations.
(Density of sodium = 0.97 g cm-33, density of paraffin oil used = 0.82g cm-3)

(9 marks)

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16. HKCEE 2002 Q6a
Magnesium can be extracted from sea water which contains magnesium ions. The extraction of magnesium
from sea water involves three stages:

Stage 1 : Add slaked lime to sea water to precipitate magnesium ions as magnesium hydroxide.
Stage 2 : Heat the magnesium hydroxide obtained in a stream of hydrogen chloride gas to give
magnesium chloride.
Stage 3 : Extract magnesium by electrolysis of the molten magnesium chloride.

(i) What substance is mainly present in slaked lime ?

(ii) Write a chemical equation, with state symbols, for the reaction in Stage 2.
(iii) Explain why molten magnesium chloride can conduct electricity.
(iv) One major use of magnesium is to make aluminium alloys. Name ONE such alloy which is used to
make aircraft.#
(5 marks)

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17. HKCEE 2003 Q2
X, Y and Z are three different metals. The table below lists the results of three experiments carried out using
the metals or their oxides.
Experiment X Y Z
Adding metal to cold water formation of a
no observable change no observable change
colourless gas
Adding metal to copper(II) formation of a
formation of a reddish
sulphate solution colourless gas and a no observable change
brown solid
reddish brown solid
Heating metal oxide with formation of a solid formation of a solid
no observable change
carbon powder with metallic lustre with metallic lustre

a. What is the colourless gas formed when X is added to cold water? Suggest a test for the gas.
b. Name the type of reaction that occurs when the oxide of Y is heated with carbon powder.
c. Arrange the three metals in order of increasing reactivity. Explain your answer.
d. Why is a colourless gas formed when X is added to copper(II) sulphate solution?
(7 marks)

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18. HKCEE 2003 Q3b
Chlorine reacts with sulphur to form a compound with relative molecular mass of 135.2. The compound
contains 52.5% of chlorine by mass.
(i) Deduce the molecular formula of the compound.
(ii) Draw the electronic diagram of the compound, showing electrons in the outermost shells only.
(Relative atomic masses: S = 32.1, Cl =35.5)
(6 marks)

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19. HKCEE 2004 Q1
Calcium reacts with cold water to give a colourless gas.

(a) Write a chemical equation for the reaction.

(b) In a practical lesson, a student added a few pieces of calcium granules into a beaker of cold water.
(i) Draw a labelled diagram to show how the student could collect the gas produced.

(ii) The student recorded the following observation in his laboratory report:

‘Evolution of the colourless gas was at first slow but became faster after some time.’

Suggest an explanation for the student’s observation.

(c) Potassium also reacts with cold water. State TWO differences in observation when potassium and
calcium are added separately to cold water.
(7 marks)

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20. HKCEE 2004 Q8b
Corrosion of iron often results in the formation of rust on its surface.
(i) What is the chemical nature of rust?

(ii) State the essential conditions for the rusting of iron.

(iii) For each of the following iron objects, suggest a suitable method to protect it from corrosion:

(1) bicycle gear wheel

(2) underground water pipe

(iv) Explain why connecting the body of a car to the negative terminal of the car battery can help protect
the car body from corrosion.

(v) Although aluminium occupies a higher position than iron in the electrochemical series, it is more
resistant to corrosion than iron.

(1) Provide an explanation for the phenomenon.

(2) Suggest a method to enhance the corrosion resistance of aluminium.
(7 marks)

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21. HKCEE 2005 Q2

(a) Upon strong heating, silver oxide (Ag2O) undergoes decomposition as represented by the following word
equation :

silver oxide → silver + oxygen

(i) Transcribe the word equation into a chemical equation.

(ii) Explain why the decomposition is a redox reaction.
(iii) Calculate the mass of silver that would be obtained when 3.50 g of silver oxide undergoes complete
decomposition.
(5 marks)

(b) Copper(II) oxide can be reduced to copper using the set-up shown below :

(i) State an expected observable change in this experiment.

(ii) Suggest ONE way to show that a metal is formed in this experiment.
(iii) Write a chemical equation for the reaction of copper(II) oxide with hydrogen.
(iv) Suggest why it is necessary to burn the residual hydrogen in the set-up.

(4 marks)

(c) Is it possible to deduce from the results of the experiments in (a) and (b) that copper occupies a higher
position in the metal reactivity series than silver does? Explain your answer.

(1 mark)

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22. HKCEE 2005 Q8

Lead (Pb) is an element in Group IV of the Periodic Table.

(a) An oxide of lead, X, contains 90.6% of lead by mass. Calculate the empirical formula of X.

(b) X is known to be a mixed oxide composed of PbO and PbO2. Based on your answer in (a), deduce the
mole ratio of PbO to PbO2 in X.

(4 marks)

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23. HKCEE 2006 Q7
The following two methods can be used to convert copper metal into copper(II) nitrate solution:

(a) Refer to Method 1.

(i) Suggest how copper metal can be converted into copper(II) oxide. State the expected observation in
the reaction that you have suggested.
(ii) Name the type of reaction that occurs between copper(II) oxide and dilute nitric acid.
(3 marks)
(b) In Method 2, the reaction of copper metal with dilute nitric acid gives copper(II) nitrate, nitrogen
monoxide and water. Write the chemical equation for this reaction.
(2 marks)
(c) Which of these methods would you recommend for the conversion of copper metal into copper(II) nitrate
solution? Justify your answer with TWO reasons.
(2 marks)

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24. HKCEE 2007 Q5
A solid sample contains zinc and copper only. The composition of the solid sample was analysed
experimentally as outlined below:

2.00 g of the solid sample was added to excess dilute hydrochloric acid in a beaker. Upon
completion of reaction, the mixture inside the beaker was filtered. The residue obtained was
first washed with distilled water, and then dried. The mass of the dried residue was 1.75 g.

(a) Write a chemical equation for the reaction involved.

(1 mark)
(b) How can one know that the reaction has been completed?
(1 mark)
(c) Explain why it is necessary to wash the residue obtained.
(1 mark)
(d) Explain why it is NOT appropriate to dry the residue with a Bunsen flame after washing.
(1 mark)
(e) Assuming negligible experimental errors, calculate the percentage of zinc by mass in the solid sample.
(2 marks)

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25. HKCEE 2007 Q6
Read the paragraph below and answer the questions that follow.

Magnesium is a useful metal. Scientists adopt different methods to extract magnesium from
magnesium oxide. In 1828, a scientist obtained magnesium in two steps. In the first step,
magnesium oxide reacts with chlorine and carbon to form magnesium chloride. In the second
step, the magnesium chloride formed reacts with potassium to give magnesium. In 1951, some
scientists adopted another chemical process to obtain magnesium from magnesium chloride.
Potassium is not used in this process, and there is even no need to use any other chemicals.

(a) Write a chemical equation for the reaction that occurred in the first step of the method used by the scientist in
1828.
(1 mark)
(b) Name the type of reaction between potassium and magnesium chloride. Why can potassium react with
magnesium chloride to give magnesium?
(2 marks)
(c) (i) What would be the chemical process that can obtain magnesium from magnesium chloride, without
using potassium or other chemicals, in 1951?

(ii) What property does magnesium chloride possess so as to make the chemical process possible?
(2 marks)
(d) Suggest one use of magnesium in daily life.
(1 mark)

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26. HKCEE 2008 Q3
Four iron-made objects are placed separately in get with rust indicator solution containing potassium
hexacyanoferrate(III), and allowed to stand in air for some time. Complete the following table by writing
down the observation and giving the revelant explanation for each of the cases.

Case Observation Explanation

Iron-made object fully plated with
zinc
Iron-made object fully plated with
tin
Iron-made object fully plated with
zinc, but part of the zinc scratched
to expose the iron underneath
Iron-made object fully plated with
tin, but part of the tin scratched to
expose the iron underneath
(5 marks)

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27. HKCEE 2008 Q12
The simplified diagram below shows a tungsten light bulb. The filament inside is made of tungsten metal
(atomic number = 74). The filament can emit light by passing an electric current until it reaches an extremely
high temperature. Under vacuum condition, the filament would emit tungsten particles under extremely high
temperature and blacken the light bulb. To avoid this form happening, the light bulb should be filled up with
gas.

(a) Describe the structure and bonding in tungsten metal with the help of a diagram.
(3 marks)
(b) Apart from the property that tungsten can emit light at extremely high temperature, suggest another
physical property that can render it suitable for making filament. Explain why it has this property.
(2 marks)
(c) Tungsten is stable in air under normal conditions. However, it is not appropriate to fill up a tungsten
light bulb with air. Explain.
(1 mark)
(d) Suggest, with explanation in terms of electronic arrangement, a suitable gas for filling up a tungsten
light bulb.
(2 marks)
(e) Explain, from the perspective of energy, why the efficiency of tungsten light bulb is not high enough.
(1 mark)

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28. HKCEE 2009 Q2
(a) Magnesium can burn in air under strong heating.
(i) State the expected observation when magnesium burns in air.
(ii) Magnesium nitride is also formed when magnesium burns in air.
(l) State the chemical formula of magnesium nitride.
(2) Draw the electronic diagram of magnesium nitride, showing electrons in the outermost shells
only.
(3 marks)
(b) Carbon can be used to extract metals from certain metal oxides.
(i) Suggest how copper can be extracted from copper(II) oxide using carbon. State the expected
observation.
(ii) Explain whether carbon can also be used to extract magnesium from magnesium oxide.
(3 marks)

29. HKCEE 2010 Q4

M2O is an oxide of metal M. Upon heating, M2O decomposes to give M and oxygen only.
(a) Suggest a method for testing oxygen, and state the expected observation.
(b) In an experiment, 3.48 g of M2O completely decomposes to give 3.24 g of M. Calculate the relative
atomic mass of M.
(c) Explain whether M can react with dilute hydrochloric acid.
(4 mark2)

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30. HKCEE 2010 Q9

The following diagram shows a system used in some piers for slowing down the rusting of steel pillars:

Design an experiment performed in a laboratory to show that such a system can slow down the rusting of steel in
sea water. Labelled diagrams of the set-up, expected observation and the chemical principle involved should be
included in your answer.
(9 marks)

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