1 This question is about magnesium, bromine and magnesium bromide.

Table 16.1 shows some physical properties of magnesium, bromine and magnesium bromide.

Substance Melting point / °C Electrical conductivity

Solid Liquid
Magnesium 711 Good Good
Bromine –7 Poor Poor
Magnesium bromide 650 Poor Good

Table 16.1

Explain the physical properties shown in Table 16.1 using your knowledge of structure and bonding.

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 [6]

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 2 The graph below shows the variation in boiling points of the Group 16 hydrides.

(i) The variation in boiling point can be explained by intermolecular bonding.

Explain why H2S has a lower boiling point than H2O and H2Se.

[4]

(ii) Polonium, Po, is at the bottom of Group 16. Its hydride has the formula H2Po.
Estimate from the graph the boiling point of H2Po.
The relative molecular mass of H2Po is 211.

[1]

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 3 Bromine and mercury are the only two naturally occurring elements that are liquids at room temperature and
pressure. Some physical properties of these two elements are given below.

Appearance at room Melting point / °C Boiling point / °C Electrical

temperature conductivity of the
liquid
Bromine dark orange liquid −7.2 58.8 very low
Mercury shiny silver liquid −38.8 356.7 good

Mercury and bromine react together to form mercury(II) bromide, HgBr2.

Describe and explain how electrical conductivity occurs in mercury(II) bromide and mercury, in both solid and
molten states.

[5]

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 4(a) This question is about some elements in Period 4 of the periodic table.

The table shows the melting point and electrical conductivity of two elements in Period 4.

Element Melting Point / °C Electrical conductivity

Calcium 842 Good
Bromine –7 Poor

Use your knowledge of structure and bonding to explain the properties in the table.

[5]

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 (b) The Period 4 element selenium is in the same group of the periodic table as oxygen.

Selenium and oxygen both form compounds with hydrogen with the formulae H2Se and H2O respectively.

(i) H2Se can be prepared by reacting aluminium selenide, Al 2Se3, with water.
Aluminium hydroxide and hydrogen selenide are formed.

Write the equation for this reaction.

[1]

(ii) The boiling points of H2O and H2Se are shown below.

Compound Boiling point / °C

H2O 100
H2Se –41

Explain why H2O has a higher boiling point than H2Se.

[3]

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 5 The compounds SO2 and MgO both contain oxygen.

The table below shows the melting point of both compounds:

Compound Melting point / K

SO2 200
MgO 3125

Predict the type of structure and bonding of SO2 and MgO and explain the difference in their melting points.

[4]

6 Nitrogen, phosphorus and arsenic are in Group 15 (5) of the periodic table.

The boiling points of their hydrides are shown below.

Element Hydride Boiling point/ °C

N NH3 −33

P PH3 −88

As AsH3 −55

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 (i) Explain why the boiling point of PH3 is lower than the boiling point of NH3.

[2]

(ii) Explain why the boiling point of PH3 is lower than the boiling point of AsH3.

[2]

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 7 Bromine and mercury are the only two naturally occurring elements that are liquids at room temperature and
pressure. Some physical properties of these two elements are given below.

Appearance at room Melting point / °C Boiling point / °C Electrical

temperature conductivity of the
liquid
Bromine dark orange liquid −7.2 58.8 very low
Mercury shiny silver liquid −38.8 356.7 good

Explain how the structure and bonding in bromine account for its relatively low melting point.

[3]

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 8 The graph shows the melting points of the elements in Period 3 of the periodic table.

Phosphorus and chlorine have simple molecular structures.

More information about phosphorus and chlorine is given in the table below.

Element Molecular formula

phosphorus P4
chlorine Cι2

Explain the differences in the melting points of phosphorus and chlorine.

[3]

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 9 The table below compares the properties of sodium sulfide, sodium and sulfur.

Complete the table.

Sodium sulfide Sodium Sulfur

Melting point / °C 1180 98 113

Type of structure
(giant or simple)

solid
Electrical conductivity liquid
(good or poor)

[3]

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 10 This question is about the halogen group of elements and some of their compounds.

The halogens show trends in their properties down the group.

The boiling points of three halogens are shown below.

Halogen Boiling point / °C

Chlorine −35
Bromine 59
Iodine 184

Explain why the halogens show this trend in boiling points.

[3]

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 11 ‘Enthalpy change of vaporisation’ is the enthalpy change when one mole of a substance changes from a liquid to
a gas at its boiling point.

(i) Write an equation, including state symbols, to represent the enthalpy change of vaporisation of bromine.

[1]

(ii) Suggest whether the enthalpy change of vaporisation of bromine is exothermic or endothermic.

Explain your answer.

[1]

12 This question is about compounds of bromine.

A compound of bromine is a solid at room temperature. The electrical conductivity of the compound at different
physical states is shown in the table.

Physical state Electrical conductivity

solid poor
liquid good

Name the type of lattice in the compound at room temperature and explain the different electrical conductivities.
Name of lattice

Explanation for different conductivities

[2]

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 13 What is the best explanation for the trend in boiling points down the halogens group?

A The covalent bonds become stronger.

B The hydrogen bonds become stronger.
C The permanent dipole–dipole interactions become stronger.
D The induced dipole–dipole interactions (London forces) increase.

Your answer [1]

14 A chemist determines some properties of two substances, C and D.

The results are shown in the table.

C D
Melting point / °C 660 801
Electrical conductivity when solid Yes No
Electrical conductivity when molten Yes Yes
Solubility in water No Yes

Which row correctly identifies the bonding and structure in C and D?

C D
A giant ionic giant metallic
B giant ionic giant ionic
C giant metallic giant metallic
D giant metallic giant ionic

Your answer
[1]

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 15 Which element has the highest melting point?

A silicon
B phosphorus
C sulfur
D chlorine

Your answer [1]

END OF QUESTION PAPER

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 Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

1 Refer to marking instructions on page 5 of 6 Indicative scientific points may include:

mark scheme for guidance on marking this (AO
question. 1.1×3) Structure and bonding
(AO
Level 3 (5–6 marks) 2.1×3) Magnesium
Explains all three melting point values and
conductivities in terms of structure, Structure: giant lattice
bonding, particles and relative strengths of Metallic bonding
the forces. Delocalised electrons

There is a well-developed line of reasoning Bromine

which is clear and logically structured. The
information presented is relevant and Structure: simple molecular
substantiated. induced dipole dipole forces (London
forces)
Level 2 (3–4 marks) (Between) molecules
Attempts to explain all three melting point DO NOT ALLOW (between) atoms
values and conductivities in terms of the
structure, bonding, particles of all three Magnesium bromide
substances, but explanations may be
incomplete or may contain only some Structure: giant lattice
correct statements or comparisons. Ionic bonding
OR (Between) oppositely charged ions

Correctly explains two of the melting point Comparison of bond strengths

values and conductivities in terms of the
structure, bonding, particles. Metallic and ionic bonds are stronger
There is a line of reasoning presented with than London forces
some structure. The information presented OR Metallic and Ionic bonds need
is relevant and supported by some more energy to break than London
evidence. forces

Level 1 (1–2 marks) Conductivity

Identifies only some of the structures,
forces and particles Magnesium: conducts due to
AND delocalised electrons can move/mobile.
Attempts to explain the melting point IGNORE ‘Carry’ charge for movement
values OR conductivities in terms of the Magnesium bromide: In solid IONS
structure, bonding, particles cannot move; in solution IONS can
move.
There is an attempt at a logical structure DO NOT ALLOW electrons.
with a line of reasoning. The information is Bromine: Does not conduct as no
in the most part relevant. mobile charge carriers.

0 marks
No response or no response worthy of
credit.

Total 6

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 Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

2 i Boiling point of H2S lower than H2O 4 ora throughout

H2O has hydrogen bonding (1)

Hydrogen bonding is stronger do not allow covalent bonds break

OR more energy required to overcome
hydrogen bonding (1)

Boiling point of H2S lower than H2Se

induced dipole–dipole interactions / London allow instantaneous–induced dipole
forces in H2S are weaker (1) interactions
allow dispersion forces
allow van der Waals’ / vdW
ignore permanent dipole–dipole
H2S has fewer electrons
OR less energy required to overcome do not allow covalent bonds break
induced dipole–dipole interactions (1)

ii Any value between 285 and 335 (K) (1) 1 Graph must show an extrapolation line

Total 5

3 HgBr2 conducts when molten but not when 5

solid (1) Explanations must be included for 2nd and
3rd marks.
… because ions are mobile in molten
HgBr2 (1) ignore references to aqueous HgBr2

… but are fixed in a lattice in solid HgBr2 ignore ‘delocalised ions’ OR ‘free ions’ for
(1) ‘mobile ions’

do not allow any mention of electrons

moving
Mercury conducts in both the solid and
molten states … (1)

… because delocalised electrons move (in

both solid and liquid state) (1) do not allow any mention of + ions moving

Total 5

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 Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

4 a Ca: metallic bonding OR giant metallic 5 ALLOW Metallic structure

lattice ✓ (AO1.1×2 DO NOT ALLOW reference to molecules
) or intermolecular forces for calcium

Br2: simple molecular OR simple covalent ALLOW ‘are molecules’

✓
IGNORE
Induced dipole(–dipole) forces/interactions
OR London forces ✓ permanent dipole(–dipole) forces
(AO2.1×1 IDID and LDF
) van der Waals

Conductivity linked to mobile electrons DO NOT ALLOW ‘free electrons’ for mobile
In Ca electrons are mobile electrons
OR electrons are delocalised
OR electrons can move (AO3.2×2
AND in Br2 charge carriers/electrons are )
not mobile ✓ ALLOW comparison, e.g.

Melting point linked to bond strengths Metallic bonds are stronger than
Metallic bonds are strong London forces
AND London forces are weak
OR OR
Metallic bonds need a large amount of
energy to break Metallic bonds need more energy to
AND London forces need little energy to break than London forces ✓
break ✓
ALLOW intermolecular forces instead of
London forces for this mark

Examiner’s Comments

More able candidates scored well in this

question, setting out their answers in a
logical order. They often first discussed Ca
and its bonding and structure, linking this
to the physical properties and then doing
the same for Br.

A number of candidates discussed the

chemical properties of Ca and Br, such as
their ability to bond with other elements,
ionisation energy and their reactivity based
on their position in the periodic table. Some
candidates gave a good description of
metallic bonding but then went on to
discuss melting point in terms of
intermolecular forces.

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 Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

AfL

A number of students still referred to Van

der Waals forces in their answers. Van der
Waals forces are a collective term for
several different intermolecular forces (http
s://goldbook.iupac.org/terms/view/V06597),
so when students intend to refer to specific
intermolecular forces their specific names
should be used.

b i Al2Se3 + 6H2O → 2Al(OH)3 + 3H2Se 1 Examiner’s Comments

(AO2.6×1
) This was dependent on candidates’ ability
to give correct formula of aluminium
hydroxide, Al(OH)3. Writing correct
formulae is an important skill in chemistry,
which should be practised regularly in
different topics to help candidates master
the skill.

ii H2O has hydrogen/H-bonds (between 3 ALLOW permanent dipole-dipole

molecules) ✓ (AO1.1×2 interactions
)
H2Se has induced dipole(-dipole) Examiner’s Comments
interactions
OR London forces ✓ (AO2.1×1 Most candidates were able to recognise
) that water had the higher boiling point due
H-bonds are stronger (than other to hydrogen bonding. However, it was
intermolecular forces) evident in a number of responses that they
OR more energy needed to overcome H- were unclear that this is an example of an
bonds ✓ intermolecular force and doesn’t just refer
to the covalent bond formed between O
and H.

Most avoided discussing the intermolecular

forces present in H2Se even although both
London forces and permanent dipole-
dipole interactions were accepted as they
may not have come across this specific
example and had not been given
electronegativity data.

Total 9

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 Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

5 MgO: giant ionic (1) 4

SO2: simple molecular (1) ora throughout

ionic bonds (in MgO) are (much) stronger For intermolecular bonds
than intermolecular bonds (in SO2) (1) allow induced dipole–dipole interactions /
London forces / permanent dipole–dipole
interactions / van der Waals’ forces
do not allow hydrogen bonds

ionic bonds (in MgO) need more energy to ignore covalent bonds in SO2 unless
overcome / break (than intermolecular statement that they break: CON
forces in SO2) (1)

Total 4

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 Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

6 i 2 ORA throughout
NH3 has hydrogen bonding
OR
PH3 does not have hydrogen bonding ✓ Assume that comparison is with PH3

Hydrogen bonding is stronger DO NOT ALLOW response that implies

OR covalent or ionic bonds breaking
More energy to overcome hydrogen
bonding ✓
Examiner’s Comments
Most candidates recognised that NH3 had
hydrogen bonding as its main
intermolecular force and went on to
describe hydrogen bonding as being
stronger than the intermolecular force
within PH3.

Weaker candidates tried to relate boiling

points to the atomic sizes of N and P or to
different covalent bond strengths.

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 Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

ii 2 ORA throughout
AsH3 / As has more electrons (than PH3 / ALLOW larger electron cloud
P) ✓
in AsH3, ALLOW ‘forces’ OR ‘bonds’ for
‘interactions’
stronger / more induced dipole-dipole ALLOW instantaneous / temporary-induced
interactions dipole interactions
OR stronger / more London forces (than ALLOW dispersion forces
PH3)
OR more energy required to overcome IGNORE van der Waals’ / vdW
induced dipole-dipole interactions ✓ IGNORE permanent dipole-dipole

DO NOT ALLOW response that implies

covalent or ionic bonds breaking

Examiner’s Comments
This question, based upon the AS part of
the specification, proved challenging to
many. More able candidates realised that
AsH3 (or just As) had more electrons than
PH3 (or P) and went on to correctly
describe the London forces as being
stronger. Alternative terminology for
London forces were accepted such as
‘induced dipole-dipole attractions’ or
‘instantaneous -induced dipole
interactions’, but loose phrases such as
stronger induced dipoles or van der Waals’
forces were not accepted.

Total 4

7 forces between (simple) molecules … (1) 3 ignore any reference to covalent bonds

… (which are) induced dipole–dipole forces allow van der Waals’ forces
OR London forces … (1)

… are weak, so (relatively easily)

overcome by increased thermal motion /
kinetic energy (1)

Total 3

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 Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

8 Phosphorus has 1 ALLOW ORA but comparison should be

more electrons ✓ used for the all marks
DO NOT ALLOW Phosphorus has more
electrons in the outer shell or larger
electron cloud.

IGNORE Phosphorus molecules are bigger

or have greater Mr.

Examiner's Comments

It as pleasing to see that the vast majority

of candidates were able to use the terms
London forces or induced dipole–dipole
interactions rather than van der Waals as
used in the legacy specification.
Unfortunately, many candidates also chose
to discuss how the strength of the covalent
bonds increased melting points rather than
just considering the intermolecular forces.
Answers were either very good or very
poor. Where a candidate only scored two
marks it was mainly due to not discussing
the influence the number of electrons has
on the strength of the force.

Stronger London forces 1 ALLOW ‘more’ for ‘stronger’

OR ALLOW stronger van der Waals' / vdW
Stronger induced dipole(-dipole) forces
interactions ✓

More energy required to break the 1 DO NOT ALLOW attraction between atoms-
intermolecular forces / bonds OR London or that covalent bonds are broken
forces ✓

Total 3

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 Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

9 Na2S Na S 3
Melting 1180 98 113 Mark by COLUMN
point / °C
Type of giant giant simple Examiner’s Comments
structure
Conductivity poor good poor The majority of candidates obtained 2 or 3
of solid marks on this question. Many candidates
Conductivity good good poor seemed unaware that sodium was a metal.
of liquid
✓ ✓ ✓

One mark for each correct column

Total 3

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 Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

10 ASSUME trend is down the group (unless 3 FULL ANNOTATIONS MUST BE USED
stated otherwise) ------------------------------------- ALLOW
reverse argument throughout

Forces
London forces increase IGNORE van der Waals’/vdW forces
OR induced dipole(–dipole) DO NOT ALLOW hydrogen bonds OR
interactions increase ✓ permanent dipole(-dipole) interactions for
first and third marking points

Reason
(Number of) electrons increases ✓ ALLOW more (electron) shells

Link to energy and particles DO NOT ALLOW covalent bonds break

More energy to break intermolecular
forces Examiner’s Comments
OR
to break London forces Most candidates realised that as the group
OR is descended, each molecule has more
to break induced dipole(–dipole) electrons, resulting in stronger London
interactions ✓ forces (or greater induced dipole-dipole
interactions), which require greater energy
to overcome.

Common errors included describing the

intermolecular forces as van der Waals’
forces or permanent dipoles; stating that
more energy is needed to overcome bonds
(there are covalent bonds in these
molecules) having previously used the
term forces or interactions; and relating
boiling point to reactivity based upon ease
of electron loss due to differences in
nuclear attraction.

Total 3

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 Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

11 i Br2(l) → Br2(g) ✓ 1
Examiner’s Comments

A good attempt by many candidates but

some lost marks by having the wrong state
of bromine, even though the question
stated it was a liquid changing to a gas.
Many added water or oxygen, some
confused the equation with bond enthalpy
and answers such as Br2 (l) → 2Br(g) were
commonly seen.

ii Endothermic 1 Mark independently of 3 (d) (i)

AND
Energy required to overcome induced ALLOW endo to break intermolecular
dipole–dipole forces/London forces ✓ forces/bonds
ALLOW bonds between molecules

DO NOT ALLOW van der Waals’ forces

Examiner’s Comments

The majority of candidates answered this

question incorrectly. Only 10% of
candidates mentioned
intermolecular/London forces. Most stated
‘exothermic’ or described breaking
covalent bonds.

Total 2

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 Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

12 Giant ionic ✓ 2 ‘Giant’ is essential

(AO1.1)
In solid state/lattice,
 ions are fixed (in position) OR cannot Mark independently of 1st structure mark
move
AND IGNORE comments about electrons for
In liquid state, solid
 ions are mobile OR can move ✓
(AO1.2) IGNORE ‘free’ ions

Examiner’s Comments

Structure and bonding continues to be a

difficult concept for many candidates. This
part did discriminate extremely well, with
high-attaining candidates identifying that
the compound would have a giant ionic
lattice with fixed ions in the solid state
which become mobile in the liquid state to
conduct electricity. It was common for
‘ionic’ or ‘giant’ to be omitted in the name
of the lattice.

Misconception

Many candidates stated that the lattice was

‘simple molecular’, perhaps diverted by the
refence to ‘bromine’ in the stem of the
question. Different conductivities were
often explained in terms of electrons, a
misconception that is still very prevalent.

OCR support

Our bonding delivery guide provides details

of common misconceptions students hold
relating to this topic, and also includes
resources and guidance that can help
overcome them: https://www.ocr.org.uk/Im
ages/231738-bonding.pdf

Total 2

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 Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

13 D 1
Examiner’s Comments
This part was generally well answered. The
common incorrect answer was answer
option A.

Total 1

14 D 1

Total 1

15 A 1
Examiner’s Comments
Most candidates correctly identified Si as
giant covalent. A common error was
answer option D.

Total 1

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