NSMQ PAST QUESTIONS; CHEMISTRY (03)

Preamble to all schools:

Consider the following elements, listed not in any particular order.

Beryllium, Argon, Silicon, and Sodium.

1. Which of these elements has the lowest first ionization energy?

Ans: Sodium
2. Which of these elements has the biggest atomic radius?
Ans: Argon
3. Which of these elements is most electronegative?
Ans: Silicon

1. Why was VALCO, the first aluminum smelter company in Ghana, sited at Tema in the
Greater Accra Region.
Ans: Sited at Tema so as to receive imported alumina through the Tema harbour and also
having electricity supply from Akosombo.
2. Why is the electrolysis of molten alumina preferred to electrolysis of an aqueous solution of
Al3+ ions in the commercial production of aluminum?
Ans: H+ ions in the aqueous solution will be discharged at the cathode in preference to the
Al3+ ions OR the reduction potential of H+ ions is higher than that of Al3+.
3. Calculate the pH of 0.100 moldm-3 solution of a sodium salt of an alkanoic acid whose pKa
is 4.80.
Ans: pKb of the conjugate base = 14.0 – 4.80 = 9.20
pOH = ½ pKb - ½ log Cb (Cb = 0.100 moldm-3)
= 9.20/2 + 0.500 = 5.10
Hence pH = 14.0 - 5.10 = 8.90.

Preamble to all schools:

In the commercial preparation of trioxonitrate(V) acid, nitrogen(IV) oxide dissolves in water to give
the acid while nitrogen(II) oxide is evolved. The balanced equation for the reaction is as follows:
3NO2 + H2O → 2HNO3 + NO.
O = 16.0; N = 14.0; H = 1.00. The molar volume of a gas at STP is
22.4dm3.
1. Calculate the mass of HNO3 that can be produced from 69.0g of NO2 gas.
Ans: 3NO2 + H2O → 2HNO3 + NO.
3 x 46.0 2 x 63.0
138g of NO2 ≡ 126g of HNO3
 Therefore, mass of HNO3 to be produced from 69.0g of NO2 =
(69.0/138)*126g = 63.0g
2. Find the volume of NO2 at STP that can be used to produce 189g of HNO3.
Ans: 3NO2 + H2O → 2HNO3 + NO.
Moles of HNO3 in 189g of it. = 189/63.0 = 3.00
Moles of NO2 needed = (3.00/2.00)*3 = 4.50.
Hence volume of NO2 at STP required = 4.50*22.4 = 100.8dm3 =
101dm3
3. Calculate the mass of the minimum amount of water required to react completely with 44.8
dm3 of NO2 at STP.
Ans: 3NO2 + H2O → 2HNO3 + NO.
3
Moles of NO2 in 44.8dm of the gas at STP = 44.8/22.4 = 2.00
Moles of water required = (1/3)*2 = 2/3
Mass of water = (2/3)*18.0 = 12.0g

1. Which element has atoms with bigger atomic radius, silicon, or aluminium?

Ans: Aluminium

2. Which element is relatively more electropositive, sulphur or selenium?

Ans: Selenium

3. Which element has the higher first ionization energy, hydrogen, or helium?

Ans: Helium

1. If the enthalpies of formation in kJmol-1 of 1-pentyne, 1-pentene and pentane are +145, -
21.0, and -147 respectively, calculate the enthalpy of hydrogenation of i) 1-pentyne to 1-
pentene and ii) 1-pentene to pentane. Indicate which reaction is thermodynamically more
favourable.
Ans: 1-Pentyne → 1-pentene
Δr = ΣΔH products - ΣΔH reactants = -21.0 - (+145) = -166kJ
1-Pentene → pentane
Δr = ΣΔH products - ΣΔH reactants = -147 -(- 21.0) = -126kJ
The reduction from 1-pentyne to 1-pentene is thermodynamically more favourable.
2. If the enthalpies of formation in kJmol-1 of 2-pentyne, cis-2-pentene and trans-2-pentene are
+129, -28.1 and -31.9 respectively, calculate the enthalpy change for the reduction 2-
pentyne to i) cis-2-pentene and ii) trans-2-pentene. Indicate which reaction is
thermodynamically more favourable and give the reason for that relative order.
Ans: 2-Pentyne → cis-2-pentene
Δr = -28.1 - (+129) = -157kJ
2-Pentyne → trans-2-pentene
Δr = -31.9 - (+129) = -161kJ
 Reduction to the trans compound is thermodynamically more favourable.
Reason: The trans compound is more stable/has lower internal energy
3. If the enthalpies of formation in kJmol-1 of cis-2-pentene, trans-2-pentene and pentane are -
28.1, -31.9 and -147 respectively, calculate the enthalpy change for the reduction i) cis-2-
pentene to pentane and ii) trans-2-pentene to pentane. Indicate which reaction is
thermodynamically more favourable and give the reason for that relative order.
Ans: cis-2-Pentene → pentane
Δr = -147 - (-28.1) = -119kJ
trans-2-Pentene → pentane
Δr = -147 - (-31.9) = -115kJ
Reduction of the cis compound is thermodynamically more favourable.
Reason: The cis compound is less stable/has higher internal energy.

1. Define a base according to the Lewis concept:

Ans: A base is an electron pair donor.

2. Define an acid according to the Bronsted – Lowry concept

Ans: An acid is a proton donor.

3. What are the usual constituents of a buffer solution?

Ans: A buffer solution will usually contain a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak

base and its conjugate acid.

1. If the half–life of a first order reaction is 2.00 minutes, calculate the rate constant of the

reaction.

Ans: t1/2 = 0.693/k

k = 0.693/2.00*60.0 = 5.78*10-3 s-1

2. The decay constant of a radioactive substance is 6.60*10-3 s-1. Calculate the half – life of the

substance.

Ans: t1/2 = 0.693/k

= 0.693/6.60*10-3 = 105 s or 1min 45s

3. A radioactive substance has a half – life of 2.00 hours. What percentage of the initial activity

will be left after 10.0 hours?

 Ans: There are 5 half – lives in 10.0 hours.

0 - 2 - 4 - 6 - 8 - 10

50% 25% 12.5% 6.25% 3.13

So, the percentage left is 3.13% of the initial activity.

1. The so-called batteries used in mobile phones are dry voltaic cells. What type of cells are

they?

Ans: Secondary Voltaic Cells – (they can be recharged after they have been discharged)

2. Consider the reversible reaction:

A(g) + 3 B(g) + heat ⇌ C(g) + D(g)

At which of the following temperatures will the equilibrium constant be largest, 200oC or

300oC or 400oC?

Ans: 400oC. (Le Chatelier’s Principle)

3. Give the colour that a copper compound imparts to a colourless flame.

Ans: Green

1. Give the name of the first element and also the number of naturally occurring elements

present in Group VI or 16 of the Periodic Table.

Ans: Oxygen; Five (5) elements

2. What are the first and the last elements in Period 4?

Ans: Potassium and Krypton

3. What is the atomic number of the last element in the first d–transition series?

Ans: 30 (20 +10) (Zinc)

1. An organic acid HA has a dissociation constant Ka of 4.00*10-9. Calculate the concentration

of A- ions in a 0.100 moldm-3 solution of the acid. Assume the amount of the acid that
dissociates is negligible compared to its original concentration.
Ans: HA(aq) ⇌ H+(aq) + A-(aq); But [H+(aq)] = [A-(aq)]
Ka = [A-(aq)]2/[HA(aq)]
[A-(aq)] = [(4.00*10-9)(1.00*10-1)]½ = 2.00*10-5 moldm-3
2. Calculate the pH of 0.100 moldm-3 solution of the conjugate base of methanoic acid, if the
pKa of the acid is 3.76.
Ans: pKa + pKb(conjugate base) = 14.0
pKb(Conjugate base) = 14.0 - 3.76 = 10.2
pOH = ½ pKb - ½ log Cb = 5.10 + 0.500 = 5.60
Hence pH of solution of base = 14.0 - 5.60 = 8.40
3. If the pH of 0.100 moldm-3 solution of a sodium alkanoate, NaX is 9.20, calculate the pKa of
the alkanoic acid HX.
Ans: pOH of the alkanoate solution = 14.0 - 9.20 = 4.80
But pOH = ½pKb (alkanoate) - ½logCb
Hence pKb = 2*4.80 - 1.00 = 8.60
pKa of alkanoic acid = 14.0 - 8.60 = 5.40

1. What is the name of a saturated hydrocarbon with 12 carbons in a chain?

Ans: Dodecane.

2. Calculate the number of moles of limestone (CaCO3) in a 2.00 kg gold ore that contains only

0.500% gold, the rest being CaCO3 in the form of limestone.

Ca = 40.0; O = 16.0; C = 12.0

Ans: Mass of limestone = (2000 – 10.0) = 1990

Formula mass of limestone = 40.0 + 12.0 + 48.0 = 100

Moles of limestone = 1990/100 = 19.9 mol.

3. Which flask is needed to perform suction filtration in the laboratory?

Ans: (Heavy wall) filtering flask.

1. Name the source of heating that will be used in the fractional distillation of two liquids

whose boiling points are about 45oC and 55oC respectively.

Ans: Electric heating mantle OR

A water bath on ( an electrically heated) hot plate OR.

A water bath heated with a Bunsen burner under an asbestos mat.

2. Name the piece of glassware that must be present in a set up for heating a liquid mixture

under reflux.
 Ans: (Water) Condenser

3. Name the piece of glassware suitable for preparation of a bulk solution of accurately known

concentration.

Ans: Volumetric Flask

1. When solid KMnO4 is heated K2MnO4, MnO2 and oxygen gas are formed. Give a balanced

equation for the reaction.

Ans: 2 KMnO4 → K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2(g)

2. What is the difference between hard water and heavy water?

Ans: Hard water is water in which soap does not lather easily whilst heavy water is liquid

D2O or deuterium oxide.

3. Name the isomeric alkene or alkenes of 1-pentene that will show cis-trans isomerism.

Ans: 2-Pentene

1. 18.0dm3 of nitrogen gas at a pressure of 120 kPa is compressed to a pressure of 160 kPa at a
constant temperature. Calculate the new volume.
Ans: V1 = 18.0 dm3; P1 = 120 kPa; P2 = 160 kPa; V2
= ?
P1V1 = P2V2; V2 = (P1/P2)*V1
V2 = (120/160)*18.0 = 13.5 dm3
2. The volume of oxygen gas obtained in an experiment at 27oC is 3.90 dm3. What would have
been the volume of the oxygen obtained if the room temperature had been 37oC? Assume
the pressure of the gas was constant.
Ans: V1 = 3.90 dm3; T1 = (27 + 273) = 300
T2 = (273 + 37) = 310; V2 = ?
From Charles’ law, V1/T1 = V2/T2; V2 = (T2/T1)*V1
V2 = (310/300)*3.90 = 4.03dm3.
3. A balloon contains 16.5dm3 of neon at 27.0oC and 100 kPa. If the gas is heated to 72.0oC
while the pressure in the balloon increases to 115 kPa, calculate the volume of the balloon
under these conditions.
Ans: Using the combined Boyle’s and Charles’ Laws
P1V1/T1 = P2V2/T2; V2 = (P1/P2)*(T2/T1)*V1
P1 = 100 kPa; P2 = 115 kPa;
 T1 = (27.0 + 273) = 300 K; T2 = (72.0 + 273) = 345 K
V2 = (100/115)*(345/300)*16.5 = 16.5dm3 .

Preamble to all schools

Consider the following reversible chemical reaction:

A(g) + 2B(g) ⇌ 3C(g); ΔHr = -230kJ

1. How will an increase in temperature affect the equilibrium constant?

Ans: Keq will decrease since the forward reaction is exothermic.

2. At equilibrium how will an increase in volume affect the equilibrium position?

Ans: Since the number of gaseous reactant molecules are the same as the products

the equilibrium position will not be affected by changes in volume.

3. How will an addition of a catalyst affect the equilibrium constant?

Ans: The equilibrium constant will not be affected by the addition of a catalyst.

Preamble to all schools:

An organic compound A decomposes by second order kinetics. The integrated form of the

second order rate equation is 1/[At] = kt + 1/[A0], where [A0]is the initial concentration of A

and [At]is its concentration at time t.

1. Calculate the rate constant if 10.0% of the initial concentration of 0.100 moldm-3 of A is

decomposed after 50.0 seconds. Remember to give your answer in the standard or scientific

form.

Ans: 1/[At] = kt + 1/[A0]

Concentration of A after 50.0 s = 0.0900moldm-3.

1/0.0900 = k*50.0 + 1/0.100; 11.1 = 50.0k + 10.0

k = 1.10/50.0 = 1.10/50.0 = 2.20*10-2 mol-1dm3s-1

2. Calculate the rate constant if in another reaction 60.0% of the 0.100 moldm-3 of A had

decomposed in 150 seconds. Give your answer in the standard form.

Ans: 1/[At] = kt + 1/[A0]

 1/0.0400 = k*150 + 1/0.100; 25.0 = 150k +

10.0

k = 15.0/150 = 1.00*10-1 mol-1dm3s-1

3. For another decomposition reaction of A, determine the time in seconds it takes 50.0% of

the initial concentration of 0.100 moldm-3 of A to decompose if the rate constant of that

reaction is found to be 2.00*10-2 mol-1dm3s-1

Ans: 1/[At] = kt + 1/[A0]

1/0.0500 = k*t + 1/0.100; 20.0 = 2.00*10-2t + 10

t = 10.0/2.00*10-2 = 500s (or 8min 20s)

[Alternative method: Time for 50% of concentration to be consumed is t½.

But for a second order reaction, t½ = 1/k[A0]

t½ = 1/2.00*10-2*0.100 = 1.00*103/2 = 500s ]

1. What is the name of the energy required to produce oxygen atoms from oxygen molecules at
standard temperature and pressure?
Ans: Standard enthalpy/heat of atomization.
(Note: ½O2 → O atomization) (O2 → 2O dissociation)
2. What do we call isomers that affect the plane of polarized light to the same extent but in the
opposite direction?
Ans: Enantiomers (Do not accept optical isomers.)
3. A metal M of atomic mass 51.0 forms an oxide containing 44.0% oxygen. What is the
empirical formula of the metal? O = 16.0
Ans: % Metal in the oxide = 100 - 44.0 = 56.0
M O
56.0/51.0 44.0/16.0
1.10 2.75
1 : 2.50
2 : 5
Empirical formula = M2O5

1. Explain the process of ‘Radioactive decay’.

Ans: It is the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive nucleus to give a daughter

nucleus or daughter nuclei and radiation (or nuclear particles)

 2. Some radioactive nuclei decay by α–emission. What is the process equivalent to?

Ans: It is a loss of atomic mass units of 4 and atomic number of 2 or loss of helium

nucleus.

3. By what means can a non–radioactive nucleus be made to disintegrate.

Ans: By bombardment of the nucleus with (energetic) nuclear particles.

1. Calculate the percent oxygen by mass in magnesium trioxocarbonate(IV).

Mg = 24.0 O = 16.0; C = 12.0

Ans: MgCO3 = 24.0 + 12.0 + 48.0 = 84.0

%O = (48.0/84.0)*100 = 57.1%

2. Calculate the percent carbon by mass in sodium trioxocarbonate(IV).

Na = 23.0 O = 16.0; C = 12.0

Ans: Na2CO3 = 46.0 + 12.0 + 48.0 = 106

%C = (12.0/106)*100 = 11.3%

3. Calculate the percent calcium by mass in calcium trioxocarbonate(IV).

Ca = 40.0; O = 16.0; C = 12.0

Ans: CaCO3 = 40.0 + 60.0 = 100

%Ca = (40.0/100)*100 = 40.0%

Preamble to questions (1) and (2).

Consider the reversible reaction given below:

2A (g) + B(g) ⇌ 2C(g) + 3D (g)

1. Give the expression for the Kc of the reaction when it is in equilibrium.

Ans: Kc = [C]2[D]3/[A]2[B]

2. Give the relationship between the Kc and Kp of the reaction

Ans: Kp = Kc(RT)∆n where ∆n is the difference in the number of gaseous

products and gaseous reactants. Δn = 2

 Therefore, Kp = Kc(RT)2 OR Kc = Kp(RT)-2

3. Give the products of decomposition when solid lithium trioxonitrate(V) is heated.

Ans: Lithium oxide (Li2O) and nitrogen(IV) oxide (NO2)

1. Give the difference between vapourisation and sublimation.

Ans: Vapourisation refers to the change of a solid or liquid to the vapour/gaseous phase,

but Sublimation refers specifically to change from solid to vapour/gaseous phase

(without passing through the liquid phase)

2. What benefits are derived from the Kinetic Theory of gases.?

Ans: It tries to explain the simple relationships among the physical properties of gases.

3. Name the four parameters or properties that are related in the Ideal Gas Law.

Ans: Pressure (P), Volume (V), Temperature (T) and Molar quantities (n)

(i.e. PV = nRT)

1. 2.00 kg of bauxite after processing yields 714 g of alumina. What is the percentage

aluminum in the bauxite assuming the processing does not lead to any loss of alumina?

Al = 27.0, O = 16.0

Ans: Alumina = Al2O3 = 54.0 + 48.0 = 102

Mass of Al in 714g of alumina = (54.0/102)*714 = 378 g.

%Al in bauxite = (378/2000)*100 = 18.9%

2. A gold bearing rock is found to contain 3.14*10-2 percent of gold. How many grams of gold

can be obtained from 15.0 kg of the rock assuming the processing is 100% efficient?

Ans: Mass in kg of gold in 100kg rock = 3.14*10-2 kg ≡ (3.14*10-2*103) g

Mass in g of gold in 100kg rock = 31.4 g of gold

Therefore, mass in g of gold in 15.0 kg of rock = (15.0/100)*31.4 = 4.71g.

3. Chromium may be obtained by reduction of its oxide Cr2O3 with carbon at high

temperatures. If 760 g of impure oxide yields only 416 g of chromium, what is the

percentage purity of the oxide?

 Cr = 52.0; O = 16.0

Ans: Cr2O3 = 104 + 48.0 = 152; Hence 152 g of Cr2O3 ≡

104 g Cr

Therefore, 760g of pure Cr2O3 ≡ (760/152)*104 =

520 g Cr

Therefore, % purity = (416/520)*100 = 80.0%

1. Equal volumes of CO2 and an unknown gas at the same temperature and pressure have

masses of 5.50g and 4.00g, respectively. Determine the molar mass of the unknown gas.

Ans Use the Avogadro’s Hypothesis: Let the molar mass of the gas be M.

Equal volumes at the same pressure and temperature contain the same number of

moles,

Moles of CO2 = 5.50/44.0; Moles of unknown gas =

4.00/M

Hence M = (44.0/5.50)*4.00 =

32.0

2. State the expected observation when an alkanoic acid is tested with NaHCO3 solution and

explain the chemistry of the test.

Ans: Observation: Effervescence is observed

Chemistry: The alkanoic acid protonates the HCO3- ion to give H2CO3 which

decomposes to CO2 gas and H2O.

3. Name the metalloids in the fourth period of the Periodic Table.

Ans: Germanium (Ge) and Arsenic (As).

1. The sulphur content in petroleum products is an important factor in determining the quality
of the products, why?
Ans: High sulphur in a petroleum product translates into high SO2 emissions. SO2
corrodes metal parts and also causes acid rain.
2. Name one compound normally found in crude oil that may be the source of sulphur in a
petroleum product.
 Ans: i)Hydrogen sulphide or ii)sulphur(IV) oxide or iii) thiols( also known as mercaptans)
or iv) thiophene or v) benzothiophene or vi) dibenzothiophenes.
3. What role does a Reforming Unit play in an oil refinery?
Ans: It converts alkanes into alkenes and aromatic hydrocarbons which have higher
octane numbers.

Consider the following bond energies all in kJmol-1:

C – C 345; C = C 610; C – H 410; C – O 360; C = O 805; H – H 435;
O – H 465.
1. Calculate the enthalpy change for formation of the necessary bonds in the reduction of 1-
butene to butane by hydrogen gas.

Ans: CH2=CHCH2CH3 + H2 → CH3–CH2CH2CH3

Bonds formed = C–C and 2C–H; Enthalpy change = -345 +
- 410*2
= -1165 kJ or -1.17*103kJ
2. Calculate the energy required to beak the necessary bonds during the reduction of 1-butene
to butane by hydrogen gas.

Ans: CH2=CHCH2CH3 + H2 → CH3–CH2CH2CH3.

Bonds broken = C=C and H2; Energy required =
610 + 435
= 1045 kJ or 1.05*103kJ.
3. Calculate the enthalpy change for the formation of the necessary bonds in the reduction of
propanone to 2-propanol with hydrogen gas
Ans: CH3COCH3 + H2 → CH3CHOHCH3
Bonds formed = C–O, C–H and O–H
Enthalpy change = -360 + (- 410 ) + (- 465) = -1235 or -1.24*103
kJ.

1. Why is phenol acidic?

Ans: The conjugate base/the phenoxide ion is stabilised by resonance.

2. Which of the following six graphs would not give a straight line for an Ideal Gas, other

parameters remaining constant?

i) V versus P; ii) T versus P; iii) V versus T; iv) P versus 1/V;

v) n versus 1/T; and vi) n versus 1/P.

Ans: i) V versus P; and vi) n versus 1/P

 3. Calculate the pressure in an evacuated 500 cm3 container at -33oC when 4.00g of liquid
oxygen is introduced into it and allowed to evaporate.
The Ideal Gas constant is 8.31JK-1mol-1. O = 16.0
Ans: The Ideal Gas equation may be used. P = nRT/V.
Mol of O2 = 4.00/32.0; T = 240K; V =
0.500dm3.
Pressure in the container P = [(1/8)*8.31*240]/0.500 =
499kPa.

1. Why did Rutherford and his team choose gold for the foil in the α–particle scattering
experiment?
Ans: 1) Gold is the most malleable metal and can be beaten into very thin sheets/
foils.
2) Atoms of gold have heavy nuclei and the chances of the α–particles
encountering them are high.
2. Which observation led the team to be able to describe the nature of the nucleus of the gold
atom.
Ans: That some of the α–particles were deflected back (or bounced back)
3. What other observation or observations led the team to conclude that the mass that α–
particles collided with and bounced back constituted the nucleus

Ans: A few of the α–particles were deflected through small angles, suggesting that they travelled
close to a positively charged unit

Preamble to all schools:

When SOCl2 reacts with water, gaseous HCl and trioxosulphate(IV) are produced and the balanced
equation for the reaction is as follows:
SOCl2 + 2H2O → H2SO3 + 2HCl.
Cl = 35.5; S = 32.0; O = 16.0. Molar volume of gas at STP
is 22.4dm3.
1. Calculate the volume of HCl at STP that can be obtained from 35.7g of SOCl2.
Ans: SOCl2 + 2H2O → H2SO3 + 2HCl.
119 2*22.4dm3.
Volume of HCl at STP from 35. 7g SOCl2 = (35.7/119)*44.8 =
13.4dm3.
2. Calculate the mass of SOCl2 that needs to be hydrolysed to obtain 8.96dm3 of HCl gas at
STP.
Ans: SOCl2 + 2H2O → H2SO3 + 2HCl.
119 2*22.4dm3
 Mass of SOCl2 needed. = (8.96/44.8)*119 = 23.8g
3. Calculate the mass of SOCl2 that needs to be hydrolysed so that the HCl produced dissolves
completely in 250cm3 of water to give a 2.00moldm-3 solution.
Ans: SOCl2 + 2H2O → H2SO3 + 2HCl.
Mol of HCl required = (250/1000)*2.00 = 0.500
Mol of SOCl2 that has to react = 0.250
Mass of SOCl2 needed = 0.250*119 = 29.8g

1. Why is it necessary to have iron and steel articles sometimes plated with chromium?

Ans: i) Chromium is not easily affected by the atmosphere unlike iron which easily rusts;

ii) It gives those articles lustrous or shiny appearance.

2. A sealed vessel at a pressure of 450 kPa contains 4.00 moles of nitrogen, 5.00 moles of

oxygen and 6.00 moles of argon. Determine the partial pressure of the nitrogen gas.

Ans: Mole fraction of N2 = 4.00/15.0

Partial pressure of N2 = (4.00/15.0)*450 = 120kPa

3. If chlorine has the atomic number 17 then what is the atomic number of chromium?

Ans: 24 [17 + 1 → inert gas; + 2 →Groups I and II ; + 4 → 4th transition

member]

1. For the analyses of a mixture of Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 in a solution, which indicator will

enable the concentration of the Na2CO3 be determined in only one set of titrations.

Ans: Phenolphthalein.

2. Which of the pH indicators, phenolphthalein, or methyl orange, will be appropriate for the

titration of dilute ethanoic acid solution vs dilute sodium hydroxide?

Ans: Phenolphthalein

3. Which of the pH indicators, phenolphthalein, or methyl orange, will be suitable for

hydrochloric acid – sodium hydroxide titration?

Ans: Either of the two will be suitable.( If only one choice, one mark)

1. Two half-cells, A+/A and B+/B have the electrode potentials 0.600V and -0.550V,
respectively. Give the cell reaction of a cell that can generate electricity and its initial emf.
Ans: Anode: B - e → B+ +0.550V
 Cathode: A+ + e → A 0.600V
Cell reaction: B + A+ → B+ + A Emf = 1.15V
2. Two half-cells, C+/C and D+/D have electrode potentials -0.430V and -0.850V, respectively.
Give the equation for reaction of the cell that can be created from the half-cells and calculate
its initial emf.
Ans: Anode: D - e → D+ +0.850V
Cathode: C+ + e → A -0.430 V
Cell reaction: D + C+ → D+ + C Emf = +0.420V
3. Two half-cells, E2+/E and F+/F have electrode potentials +0.700V and +0.260V,
respectively. Calculate the initial emf of a cell that can be created from the half-cells and
give the equation for the cell reaction.
Ans: Anode: F - e → F+ -0.260V ….(1)
Cathode: E2+ + 2e → E +0.700 V ….(2)
Multiply (1) by 2 and add to (2)
Cell reaction: 2F + E2+ → 2F+ + E Emf = +0.440V

1. A gas cylinder at 28oC contains 4.00 mol of oxygen gas, 3.50 mol of carbon(IV) oxide, and

3.50mol of nitrogen gas. If the total pressure is 330kPa, how many mol of argon gas can be

added to raise the pressure to 380kPa at the same temperature.

Ans: Total mol of gases originally present = 11.0

Since the gases do not react, pressure exerted by each mole of gas = 330/11.0

= 30.0kPa

Mol of argon needed = (380 -330)/30.0 = 1.67mol

2. State the main factor that is responsible for the variation of the first ionisation energy down

a Group of the Periodic Table.

Ans: Increase in the atomic size down the Group.

3. State the postulate of the Kinetic Theory of Gases that best explains the fact that the pressure

exerted by a gas is uniform throughout its container.

Ans: Molecules move randomly in straight lines in all directions and at various speeds.

1. Give the first step of the reaction mechanism for the chlorination of butane in the presence

of light.
 Ans: Dissociation of a chlorine molecule into free radicals or chlorine atoms, each with an

unpaired electron.

2. Explain what happens in a chain terminating step.

Ans: Two free radicals, at least one of them involved in chain propagating step, come

together to form a neutral compound that is not a free radical.

3. How many dichlorobutanes, can be formed in the free radical reaction of butane and

chlorine gases, such that the two chlorine atoms are not located on the same carbon. Name

any two of them.

Ans: Four.

Any two of: 1,2-dichlorobutane; 1,3-dichlorobutane; 1,4-dichlorobutane; 2,3-

dichlorobutane

1. Two sparingly soluble metal hydroxides MOH and Q(OH)2, have solubility products of

9.00*10-14 and 1.08*10-19, respectively. Find the solubility of each hydroxide and indicate

which is more soluble.

Ans: Solubility of MOH = √9.00 ∗ 10−14 = 3.00*10-7

moldm-3.

3 108
Solubility of Q(OH)2 = √ ∗ 10−21 = 3.00*10-7
4

moldm-3

Hence, they are of equal solubility.

2. Some radioactive nuclei decay by beta emission. What is the process equivalent to and how

does it affect atomic and mass numbers?

Ans: It is equivalent to the conversion of a neutron to a proton in the nucleus. Hence the

atomic number of the new nuclide increases by one while the mass number remains

the same.

3. What is the discipline ‘Thermodynamics’ about?

 Ans: It is the science or study of the relationship between heat energy and the other forms

of energy.

Preamble to all schools

Consider the following results of a kinetic experiment involving the reaction:
2A + 2B → 3C
Experiment Conc. of A /moldm-3 Conc. of B/moldm-3 Rate(moldm-3s-1)
1 0.0300 0.0300 7.20*10-4
2 0.0600 0.0300 2.88*10-3
3 0.0600 0.0600 5.76*10-3

1. Determine the order of the reaction with respect to A.

Ans: Consider, Experiments (1) and (2).
Doubling the concentration of A, while keeping the concentration of B constant, the
rate increases by a factor of 4.
Hence the reaction is second order with respect to A.
2. Determine the order of the reaction with respect to B.
Ans: Consider Experiments (2) and (3).
Keeping the concentration of A constant while doubling the concentration of B
increases the rate by a factor of 2.
Hence the order of the reaction with respect to B is first order.
3. The reaction is second order with respect to A and first order with respect to B. Use this
information and the results of Experiment 1 to calculate the rate constant of the reaction.
Ans: Rate = k [A]2[B]
7.20*10-4 = k [3.00*10-2]2[3.00*10-2]
7.20*10-4 = k [2.70*10-5]
k = 7.20*10-4/2.70.*10-5 = 2.67*101 mol-2dm6s-1

(Full marks may be awarded even if no units are given.)

1. How many d-electrons does an element with atomic number 25 possess?

Ans: 5 d-electrons [25 ≡ 1s22s22p63s23p64s23d5]

2. How many p-orbitals will be occupied with paired electrons in an element with atomic

number 15?

Ans: 3 p-orbitals [15 = 1s22s22p63s23p3]

 3. Which Period in the Periodic Table will the element with atomic number 34 belong?

Ans: Period 4 [32 = Period1 (1s2) Period2 (2s22p6) Period 3

(3s23p6) Period4 (4s23d104p4)

1. What type of reaction takes place between alkenes and bromine molecules? Give the general

type of product formed?

Ans: Type of reaction: Addition reactions. Product: (1,2-)Dibromoalkane

2. Name the type of reaction and the product formed when sodium hydroxide solution reacts

with a primary alkyl halide.

Ans: Type of reaction: It is substitution reaction. Product: An alkanol

3. Give the reaction mechanism or the chemical steps followed when hydrogen bromide gas

reacts with an alkene.

Ans: In Step 1 the pi-cloud of the alkene attacks/attracts the proton of the HBr to form a

carbocation. In Step 2 the bromide ion reacts with the carbocation to give a

bromoalkane. [In both steps it is the electron pair that attacks]

Preamble to all schools:

Ammonium dichromate (NH4)2Cr2O7 decomposes on heating according to the following balanced

equation:

(NH4)2Cr2O7 → N2↑ + 4H2O + Cr2O3

Cr = 52.0; O = 16.0; N = 14.0; H = 1.00

1. Calculate the percentage loss in mass when the salt decomposes to give Cr2O3.
Ans: (NH4)2Cr2O7 → N2 + 4H2O + Cr2O3
252 152
Loss in mass = 252 - 152 = 100
%Loss in mass = (100/252)*100 = 39.7
2. Calculate the mass of the oxide that can be obtained from 378g of the ammonium compound
if the yield is 90.0%.
Ans: (NH4)2Cr2O7 → N2 + 4H2O + Cr2O3.
252 152
Mass of the oxide from 378g of the salt = (378/252)*152 = 228g
 Actual yield = 0.900*228 = 205g
3. Calculate the volume of nitrogen gas at STP that can be generated from 2.016kg of the
ammonium compound. The molar volume of an ideal gas at STP is 22.4dm3.
Ans: (NH4)2Cr2O7 → N2 + 4H2O + Cr2O3 .
252 22.4dm3
Volume of nitrogen at STP = (2016/252)*22.4 = 1.79*102dm3.

1. Give the units of the rate constant of a second order reaction for which the concentrations of

reactants are given in ppm or parts per million.

Ans: The general units are conc-1 s-1 hence (ppm)-1s-1 or million per part

second.

2. If it is the intention to prepare metallic sodium by electrolysis, which electrolyte is better

and why: concentrated sodium chloride solution or fused sodium chloride?

Ans: Fused sodium chloride is preferred. Reason: In an aqueous solution Na+ and

H+ are available to be reduced at the cathode; H+ has the higher electrode/reduction

potential hence H2 will be formed instead of metallic sodium.

3. 20.0dm3 of nitrogen gas kept at a temperature of 87.0oC and a pressure of 95.0kPa is

allowed to cool to -3.00oC at a pressure of 100kPa. Calculate the new volume of the gas.

Ans: Use the Ideal Gas Equation: P1V1/T1 = P2V2/T2; V2 =

V1(P1/P2)(T2/T1)

P1 = 95.0kPa; V1 = 20.0dm3; T1 = 360K; P2 = 100kPa; T2 = 270;

V2 = ?

V2 = (20.0*95.0*270)/(360*100) = 14.25 = 14.3dm3

1. How do the atomic number and mass number change when a radioactive element decays by

electron emission?

Ans: Atomic number increases by 1, mass number remains unchanged.

2. How do the atomic number and mass number change when a radioactive element decays by

electron capture?

Ans: Atomic number decreases by 1, mass number remains unchanged.

3. How do the atomic number and the mass number change when a radioactive nuclide emits a

neutron and gamma ray at the same time?

Ans: Atomic number remains unchanged and mass number decreases by 1.

1. What mass of magnesium tetraoxosulphate(VI) heptahydrate is needed to prepare a 400 cm3

solution of 0.150 moldm-3 concentration?
Mg = 24.0; S = 32.0; O = 16.0; H = 1.00
Ans: MgSO4•7H2O = 56.0 + 64.0 + 7*18.0 = 120 + 126 = 246
Mass required to prepare 1 dm3 solution of 0.150moldm-3 = 246*0.150 =
36.9g
Therefore, mass needed for 400 cm3 solution of 0.150moldm-3 = 36.9*0.400 =
14.8g
2. Calculate the mass of CuSO4•5H2O needed to prepare a 250 cm3 solution which is 0.450
moldm-3 with respect to Cu2+ ions.
Cu = 64.0; S = 32.0; O = 16.0; H = 1.00
Ans: CuSO4•5H2O = 96.0 + 64.0 + 5*18.0 = 250
Mass of the compound needed to prepare 1dm3 of 0.450 moldm-3 Cu2+ =
0.450*250
= 112.5g
Therefore, mass needed for 250 cm3 = 112.5/4 = 28.1g
3. Calculate the mass of sodium trioxocarbonate(IV) decahydrate needed to prepare 500cm3
solution which is 0.240moldm-3 with respect to Na+ ions.
Na = 23.0; O = 16.0; C = 12.0; H = 1.00
Ans Na2CO3•10H2O = 46.0 + 60.0 + 180 = 286.
1.00 mol Na2CO3•10H2O = 2mol Na+ ions.
Mass of the compound needed for 1dm3 of 0.120moldm-3 solution = 286*0.120 =
34.32g
Mass for 500cm3 of 0.240moldm-3 solution of Na+ ions = 34.32/2 =
17.2g

1. For a substance to be regarded as a suitable catalyst for a reaction, that substance must
satisfy some criteria. Give two of such criteria.

Ans: Any two of the following:

(i) The catalyst must increase the rate of the reaction.

(ii) The catalyst is not consumed by the reaction.

 (iii) A small quantity of the catalyst should be able to affect the rate of the
reaction

(iv) Catalyst does not change the equilibrium constant for the reaction

2. An element X exists as tetra-atomic molecules X4. If X has two natural isotopes, how
many peaks will be observed in its Mass Spectrum? The spectrum is recorded such that
there is no fragmentation.
Ans: 5 peaks.
Assume isotopes X1, X2
Molecules that are possible are:
X1-X1-X1-X1; X1-X1-X1-X2; X1-X1-X2-X2; X1-X2-X2-X2;
X2-X2-X2-X2
3. What is the study of metallurgy about?
Ans: It is the scientific study of the production of metals from their ores (and the
making of alloys.)

Preamble to all schools:

Use the Kinetic Theory of Gases to explain the following experimental observations:
1. For a given gas at constant temperature and volume, the pressure increases when the molar
quantity of the gas increases.
Ans: The Theory predicts that the pressure of a gas results from collision between the gas
particles and the walls of the container. When the number of the particles increases,
the number of collisions per unit area increases even at constant temperature.
2. For a given amount of gas at a constant volume, the pressure of the gas increases with
temperature.
Ans: A postulate of the Theory states that the average kinetic energy of a gas particle
depends only on the temperature of the gas; hence the average kinetic energy
increases as the gas gets warmer. The higher average kinetic energy means gaseous
particles move faster and collide with the wall of its container with greater force, and
more frequently, hence increase in pressure.
3. For a given quantity of a gas, at constant temperature the pressure is inversely proportional
to the volume.

Ans: As the volume decreases at constant temperature, distances the gaseous molecules
have to travel before colliding with the walls of the container decrease hence
frequency of collisions increases leading to an increase in pressure.
1. If phosphorus is the fifth member of the third Period of the Periodic Table what is its atomic

number?

Ans: 15 [2 + 8 + 5]

2. If calcium, the third member of Group II of the Periodic Table has the atomic number 20

what is the atomic number of barium, the fifth member of the same Group?

Ans: 56 [20 + 18 + 18 ]

3. If krypton, the last member of Period 4 has the atomic number 36 what is the atomic number

of zinc, a member of the same Period?

Ans: 30 [36 – 6; Ga, Ge, As, Se, Br, Kr]

Preamble to all schools.

Gaseous butanone will burn in oxygen to give carbon(IV) oxide and water vapour.
Consider the following bond energies all in kJmol-1.

C – C 347; C – H 413; C – O 358; C = O 805; O – H 464; O2 494

4. Give a balanced equation for the combustion of one mole of 2-butanone and give the type
and respective number of bonds to be broken.
Ans: CH3COCH2CH3(g) + 11/2O2(g) → 4CO2(g) + 4H2O(g).
Bonds to be broken = 3C – C + 8C -H + 1C = O +
5.5O2.
5. Calculate the enthalpy change for the formation of the necessary bonds in the combustion of
gaseous 2-butanone.
Ans: Bonds to be formed = 8C = O + 8O -H

Enthalpy change = -8*805 + (-8*464) = -10,152kJ or -10,200 or -

1.02*104kJ
6. Calculate the energy required to break all the necessary bonds in the combustion of 2–
butanone.
Ans: Bonds to be broken = 3C – C + 8C -H + 1C = O +
5.50O2.
Energy required = 3*347 + 8*413 + 805 + 5.50*494 = +7867kJ or +7,870 or
+7.87*103 Kj
 1. A 2.00dm3 flask is filled with argon gas at 27.0 °C until the pressure is 70.0 kPa. Calculate the total

pressure when 6.40 g of O2 gas at 27.0oC is added to the flask. Ideal Gas constant R is 8.31 JK-1mol-
1
. O = 16.0

Ans: Moles of O2 in 6.40g = 6.40/32.0 = 0.200

Pressure of 0.200 mol of O2; PO2 = (nRT)/V

PO2 = (0.200 *8.31 *300)/2.0 = 8.31*30.0 = 249.3 kPa

Total pressure = (70.0 + 249.3) kPa = 319 kPa

2. State the hybridization of the carbon orbitals in the ion HCO3-.

Ans: sp2.

3. Which of the following elements has the lowest first ionisation energy: chlorine, phosphorus, and

sulphur?

Ans: Sulphur (P 1012; S 1000; Cl 1251kJmol-1)

Preamble to all schools

Values of the first ionisation energies for the first 20 elements (hydrogen to calcium) show several
clear patterns. State any one of them and give reasons for that pattern.

Ans: (i) The first ionisation energy (IE) generally increases appreciably as we go
across a Period.

Reason: Across a Period, the effective nuclear charge increases, and the atomic
radius decreases. Hence it becomes more difficulty to remove an electron from the
valence shell.
(ii) There is a gradual decrease of the first ionisation energy as we go down a
Group.
Reason: Down a Group, atomic radius increases hence the attractive force of the
nucleus on the outermost electrons decreases. It becomes easier to remove an
electron from the valence shell.
(iii) There are minor exceptions in a Period. e.g. Be, B or N, O or Mg, Al
Reason: Relative Stability of the electron configuration becomes significant in some
instances. Removing an electron to give a half- or fully-filled sub-shell like B or O
respectively is more favourable despite higher effective nuclear charge and smaller
atomic radius than removing an electron from half- or fully-filled sub-shell like N or
Be.
 (iv) There is a big drop in the first ionisation (IE) as we go from the end of one
period to the beginning of the next period
Reason: The end of a Period is occupied by an inert gas. Its atoms have fully filled
shells and hence possess very stable electronic configuration and high ionisation
potential. The element next after an inert gas is an element that begins a new Period
and will have a valence shell of ns1. Losing that electron will be thermodynamically
very favourable.

1. Give the systematic names of the compounds that will be obtained by acid hydrolysis of N-
methylpropanamide.
Ans: (1) Propanoic acid and (2) Methylamine or methanamine
2. Name the ester that will be formed when pentanoic acid is made to react with 1-butanol.
Ans: Butyl pentanoate
3. Name the major product formed when 1-pentene undergoes an addition reaction under appropriate
conditions with a molecule of water.
Ans: 2-Pentanol

1. Calculate the pH of 0.100 moldm3 solution of chloroethanoic acid whose pKa is 2.86.
Ans: pH = ½ pKa - ½ logCa
= 2.86/2 + 0.500 = 1.43 + 0.500 = 1.93
2. Calculate the pH of 0.100 moldm3 solution of ethanolamine, whose pKb is 4.50.
Ans: pOH = ½ pKb - ½ logCb
= 4.50/2 + 0.5 = 2.25 + 0.500 = 2.75
pH = 14.0 - pOH = 14.0 - 2.75 = 11.3.
3. Oxoiodate(I) acid, HOI is weak inorganic acid. If its 0.100 moldm-3 solution has a pH of
5.82 find the pKa of the acid.
Ans: pH = ½ pKa - ½ logCa
Hence 5.82 = ½ pKa + 0.500
pKa = 2*5.32 = 10.6

1. Name the elements in Period 3 that form pure ionic hydrides.

Ans: Sodium and magnesium.

2. Give the hybridisation of the bonding orbitals of beryllium in its hydride.

Ans: sp

3. Calcium ethanedioate has a solubility product of 4.00 *10-10 at about 30 0C. Calculate the solubility

of this salt in water and in 0.100 moldm-3 Ca2+ solution. Account for the difference if any.
 Ans: In water Ksp of CaC2O4 = 4.00*10-10; Solubility = √(4.00*10-10)

Hence [Ca2+] or [C2O42-] = 2.00 *10-5 moldm-3

In 0.100 moldm-3 Ca2+:

Ksp = [0.100][C2O42-] = 4.00*10-10

[C2O42-] = 4.00 *10-9 moldm-3

Solubility in Ca2+ solution is lower, due to common ion effect.

1. Extraction of gold involves two general processes. What are these?

Ans: i) Concentration and ii) Purification.

2. To concentrate gold from its ore, the ore in some cases is roasted in kilns. Explain how this leads to

the concentration of gold.

Ans: For ores obtained from deep mines (in Obuasi, Ghana) the ores contain arsenic sulphides and

roasting expels the arsenic and sulphur as gaseous oxides.

3. Explain which process in the extraction of aluminium from bauxite may be regarded as

concentration of the metal.

Ans: The raw bauxite is treated with concentrated NaOH solution to remove sand and other

impurities.

1. Give the products of decomposition when ammonium trioxonitrate(V) is heated.

Ans: Nitrogen (I) oxide and water/steam

[NH4NO3 → N2O + 2H2O]

2. Give the products of decomposition when potassium trioxonitrate(V) is heated.

Ans: Potassium dioxonitrate(III) and oxygen gas

[2KNO3 → 2KNO2 + O2]

3. Give the products of decomposition when barium trioxonitrate(V) is heated.

Ans: Barium oxide, nitrogen(IV) oxide, and oxygen gas.

[2Ba(NO3)2 → 2BaO + 4NO2 + O2]

1. Radium–226, atomic number 88 undergoes alpha emission to give a new nuclide. Give a

balanced equation for this decay.

226 222 4
Ans: 88𝑅𝑎 → 86𝑋 + 2𝛼
 2. Radium–226, atomic number 88, can undergo an alternative decay instead of alpha emission,

yielding the same daughter nuclide but different emissions. State the emissions and give a

balanced equation for this decay.

Ans: Other decay: emission of two protons and two neutrons

226 222
88𝑅𝑎 → 86𝑋 + 2 11𝑝 + 2 10𝑛

3. Plutonium–239, atomic number 94 undergoes a radioactive decay accompanied by a type of

emission that can be used as source of power for a heart pacemaker. If the new nuclide is
uranium–235, atomic number 92, give a balanced equation for the decay and state the type of
emission which can serve as the source of energy.

239 235 4
Ans : 94𝑃𝑢 → 92𝑈 + 2𝛼

Hence source of energy = α – emission.

1. Chlorofluoromethanes were used as refrigerants and spray-can propellants, but they have been

banned. Why?

Ans: Chlorofluoromethanes decompose to give chlorine atoms which serve as catalyst for the

decomposition of ozone in the stratosphere.

2. Hydrogen peroxide concentration of 6.00% w/v is a good antiseptic. If you buy a bottle of hydrogen

peroxide labelled 10.0% w/v, how would you prepare a 500 cm3 of 6.00% w/v H2O2 from that?

Ans: Dilution: 10.0% w/v to 6.00% w/v; Dilution factor 3 in 5

Measure 300 cm3 of the 10.0% w/v and make it up to 500 cm3 with clean water.

3. In a solution of butanal in tetrachloromethane what will be the attractive forces between butanal and

tetrachloromethane molecules?

Ans: Dipole – Induced dipole forces

1. The Group I elements are soft, metallic solids with low melting point. What accounts for

this physical nature?

Ans: They are made up of large atoms which result in weak metal bonds.

2. The Group I elements are the most reactive metallic elements. What could be the reason for

this.

Ans: They have low first ionisation energies thus losing the ns1 electron readily to form

+1 cations.
 3. Use the reactions with water to illustrate reactivity of Group I metals down the Group.

Ans: Reactivity increases down the Group. They all react with water. Lithium reacts with

water gently but readily. Sodium and Potassium react vigorously. Reactions with

Rubidium and Caesium are explosive/violent.

Preamble to all schools:

Each school will be presented with two named organic compounds. i) Give the molecular formula

of each and hence state if they are isomers. ii) If they are isomers determine the type of isomers

that they are.

1. Cyclopentane and 2-pentene.

Ans: They both have the same formula, C5H10, hence they are isomers. They are structural

isomers.

2. Cyclohexene and 1-hexyne

Ans: They both have the formula C6H10 hence they are isomers. They are functional

Group isomers.

3. d-2-Butanol and l-2-butanol

Ans: They both have the formula C4H10O, hence they are isomers. They are stereoisomers

or enantiomers.

Preamble to all schools:

The IO3- ion reacts with the iodide ion in acidic medium according to the following
equation:

IO3- + 5I- + 6H+ → 3I2 + 3H2O (1)

The iodine liberated can be titrated against Na2S2O3 solution using starch as indicator. The
equation for that reaction is as follows:

I2 + 2S2O32- → 2I- + S4O62- (2)

1. To 20.0 cm3 of KIO3 solution excess KI solution and dilute H2SO4 are added, and the
liberated iodine titrated against 0.400 moldm-3 solution of Na2S2O3. If the titre is 24.0 cm3,
calculate the concentration in moldm-3 of the KIO3 solution.
Ans: From equations (1) and (2); n (IO3-)/n (S2O32-) = 1/6
(20.0 *M)/(0.400 *24.0) = 1/6; M =
(0.400*24.0)/(6*20.0)
Concentration of KIO3 solution, M = 0.0800moldm-3
2. 0.00064 mol of KIO3 is dissolved in enough water, excess dilute H2SO4 and KI solution are
added, and the iodine liberated is titrated against 0.200 moldm-3 solution of Na2S2O3.
Calculate the expected titre.
Ans: Let Vcm3 be the titre; n (KIO3)/n (Na2S2O3) = 1/6
Millimoles of Na2S2O3 = (0.200*V); Millimoles of KIO3 =
0.640
0.640/(0.200*V) = 1/6; V = (6 *0.640)/0.200
Titre V = 19.2 cm3
3. Calculate the volume of 0.500 moldm-3 H2SO4 that has to be added to a titration in which
0.000450 mol of KIO3 is used. Note that in practice the amount of acid has to be ten times in
excess.
Ans: Let the exact volume of H+ be Vcm3.
From the H2SO4, the H+ concentration = 1.00 moldm-3
mmol(IO3-)/mmol H+ = 1/6; (0.450)/(V *1.00) =
1/6
Volume V of H+ = (6 *0.450)/1 =
2.70 cm3
The exact volume of H2SO4, = 1.35 cm3; Ten times in excess =
13.5 cm3

1. State Avogadro’s Law

Ans: Equal volumes of any two gases at the same temperature and pressure contain the
same number of molecules.
2. NO2 dimerises in a reversible process to give N2O4 according to the following equation:
2NO2 ⇌ N2O4
In one such reaction, a 1.00dm3 flask was charged with 2 mole of NO2 and heated to 150 oC.
At equilibrium, it was found that 0.400 mol of N2O4 was formed. Find the equilibrium
constant.
Ans: 2NO2 → N2O4
Initial: 2.00 mol 0
 Equil: 2 – 0.800 0.400
KC = (0.400/(1.20)2) = 0.400/1.44 = 0.278 or 2.78*10-1.
3. Give the oxidation state of chromium in the chromium complex cation [Cr(NH3)5NO2]2+.
Ans: +3

1. Give the relative positions of the slag and the molten metallic iron in the Blast Furnace during the

extraction of iron and explain why those relative positions.

Ans: The slag floats on top of the iron at the bottom of the furnace.

Explanation: The slag is less dense than the molten iron.

2. Biotechnology may be used to extract gold from its ore. Explain how this is done?

Ans: Some microbes are introduced into a suspension of the powdered ore in water.

The microbes feed on the impurities and free the gold.

3. Bauxite usually has sand and iron(III) oxide as impurity. Explain how aluminium oxide is separated

from these impurities.

Ans: The ore is treated with concentrated solution of NaOH. Aluminium oxide and silica (or

silicon dioxide) dissolve in the concentrated solution of NaOH while iron(III) oxide remains

undissolved. Aluminium hydroxide Al(OH)3 prcecipitates when the solution is seeded.

1. Name the reagent that can be used to convert ethylbenzene into benzoic acid.

Ans: Hot, acidified KMnO4 solution.

2. What reagents are needed for the iodoform test?

Ans: KOH solution and iodine

3. Name the product formed when 1-butene is treated with dilute, neutral KMnO4 solution.

Ans: 1,2-butandiol or butan-1,2-diol

Preamble to all schools:

Ammonia gas burns in pure oxygen gas to nitrogen gas and steam. The balanced equation for the reaction
is as follows: 4NH3(g) + 3O2(g) → 2N2(g) + 6H2O(g).

Also consider the following bond energies all in kJmol-1; N – H 386; O–H 459; N≡N 942;
N = O 607 O2 494.
1. Calculate the energy required to break all the necessary bonds in the combustion of ammonia gas

in pure oxygen

Ans: 4NH3(g) + 3O2(g) → 2N2(g) + 6H2O(g).

Bonds broken = 12 N – H + 3O2

Energy required = 12*386 + 3*494 = 6,114kJ or 6.11*103kJ

2. If the energy required to break all the bonds in the combustion is 6,114kJ, calculate the enthalpy

change for the reaction.

Ans: 4NH3(g) + 3O2(g) → 2N2(g) + 6H2O(g).

Bonds to be formed = 2N ≡ N + 12O – H.

Energy given out = -2*942 + -12*459 = -7,392kJ

Enthalpy of reaction = -7,392 + 6,114kJ = -1,278kJ or -

1.28*103kJ

3. In the presence of a platinum catalyst ammonia burns in oxygen to give nitrogen(II) oxide and

steam and the balanced equation is as follows: 4NH3(g) + 5O2(g) → 4NO(g) +

6H2O(g). If the energy required to break all the necessary bonds is 7,102kJ and assuming

that the NO molecule contains nitrogen – oxygen double bond, calculate the enthalpy of reaction.

Ans: 4NH3(g) + 5O2(g) → 4NO(g) + 6H2O(g)

Bonds to be formed = 4N = O + 12O – H.

Energy given out = -4*607 + -12*459 = -7,936kJ

Enthalpy of reaction = 7,102 – 7,936 = -834kJ

1. A metal alloy made from aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu) and steel has the

composition:

Al 18.0%; Mg 12.0%; Cu 25.0%. The rest is steel, which is 98.5% iron and 1.50%

carbon. Calculate the mass in gram of carbon in a 2.00 kg alloy.

Ans: % steel = 100 – (18.0 + 12.0 + 25.0) = 45.0

Therefore, in 2.00 kg alloy, mass of steel = 450*2 = 900g

Mass of carbon = (1.5/100)*900 = 13.5 g

2. Both CaO and anhydrous CaCl2 can be used to dry wet gases. Which solid would be suitable for CO2

gas?

Ans: CaCl2

3. Whereas the water molecules in the salt ZnSO4•7H2O are not taken into consideration when

determining the oxidation number of zinc, the water molecules in the complex ion [V(H2O)6]3+ have

to be considered when determining the oxidation state of vanadium. Why?

Ans: The water molecules in the salt are not directly bonded to zinc whereas those in the

vanadium complex ion are bonded to vanadium.

1. State the Aufbau Principle (or Building–up Principle).

Ans: Electrons always occupy the lowest empty energy level.

2. State Pauli’s Exclusion Principle.

Ans: No two electrons in an atom can have exactly the same energy.

3. State Hund’s Rule

Ans: When electrons fill a subshell, every orbital in the subshell is occupied by a single

electron before any orbital is doubly occupied (and all electrons in singly occupied

orbitals have their spins in the same direction).

1. Extraction of metals go through three stages or processes. Give the three process.
Ans: (a) Concentration of the ore/metal/metal compound.

(b) Chemical reduction of the ore/metal compound.

(c) Purification of the metal.

2. Pick the pairs whose solutions will act as a buffer.

H3PO4, NaHCO3, HCl, NH3, HPO42-, H2PO4-, NaOH, NH4Cl ,

Ans: i) H3PO4/ H2PO4- ii) H2PO4- / HPO42- iii) NH3/ NH4Cl.

3. Explain why SO2 gas is not the anhydride of H2SO4 acid.

Ans: An anhydride of a substance reacts with water without going through any redox

reaction. The sulphur in SO2 and H2SO4 are in different oxidation states so

conversion of the gas to the acid will involve a redox reaction.

1. Calculate the concentration of an Na2CO3 solution if 20.0 cm3 of it requires a titre of 24.0

cm3 of 0.0950 moldm-3 of an HCl solution in a titration using methyl orange as indicator.

Ans: 2HCl + Na2CO3 → 2NaCl + CO2 + H2O

24.0, 0.0950 20.0, M

(24.0*0.0950)/(20.0*M) = 2/1

Concentration of Na2CO3 solution, M = (24.0*0.0950)/(20.0*2) = 0.0570

moldm-3.

2. Iron (II) reacts with acidified solution of MnO4- in the ratio 5:1. Calculate the concentration

of a solution of Fe2+ ions if 20.0cm3 of it required 15.0 cm3 of 0.120 moldm-3 of acidified

solution of MnO4- for complete reaction.

Ans: MnO4- + 5 Fe2+ + 8 H+ → products

15.0, 0.120 20.0, M

(15.0*0.120)/(20.0*M) = 1/5

Concentration of Fe2+ , M = (5*15.0*0.120)/20.0 = 0.450 moldm-3

3. Iodine reacts with the S2O32- ion in a 1:2 ratio. If 20.0 cm3 of an iodine solution of unknown

concentration reacted completely with 18.0 cm3 of 0.0640 moldm-3 of S2O32- solution, then

what is the concentration of the iodine solution?

Ans: I2 + 2 S2O32- → product

20.0, M 18.0, 0.0640

(18.0*0.064)/(20.0*M) = 2/1

Concentration of iodine, M = (18.0*0.0640)/(2*20.0) = 0.0288

moldm-3

1. Two half – cells, M+/M and Q+/Q where M and Q are metals, have the electrode potentials
1.20 and -0.850 volts, respectively. Which of the two metals can react with dilute
mineral acid to release hydrogen gas? Give your reason.
Ans: Q. Reason: The potential for the reaction Q → Q+ + e is positive
whereas the potential for the similar reaction of M is negative. The one with the
positive oxidation potential can oxidise H+ to H2.
 2. Give the main difference in the definitions of an acid according to the Arrhenius Theory and
according to the Bronsted–Lowry Theory.
Ans: The Arrhenius concept of acid is limited to a substance that increases H+
concentration in water but Bronsted–Lowry concept makes any proton donor an acid
irrespective of the medium.
3. Butane isomerises to 2-methylpropane or isobutane in an equilibrium process. If a 1.00dm3
flask is charged with 2.00 mole of butane at 30oC and the gas allowed to come to
equilibrium, calculate the equilibrium concentration of butane and isobutane at 30oC given
that the equilibrium constant, Kc is 2.50.
Ans: Butane ⇌ isobutane Kc =
2.50
Initial: 2.00 moldm-3 0.00 moldm-3
At eq.: 2.00 – x moldm-3 x moldm-3
Kc = x/(2.00 - x) = 2.50; x = 5.00 – 2.50x
3.50x = 5.00; x = 1.43.
Hence concentration of butane, 2.00 - x = 0.570moldm-3;
Concentration of isobutane, x = 1.43moldm-3.

Preamble to all schools.

Each school will be presented with an incomplete statement. You are to complete the statement.

1. In the Periodic Table, sodium is to phosphorus as potassium is to

Ans: Arsenic

2. In the Periodic Table, titanium is to chromium as iron is to

Ans: Nickel

3. In the Periodic Table, lithium is to magnesium as boron is to

Ans: Silicon.

1. What is the percentage by mass of oxygen in the earth’s crust?

Ans: 47.0% (Accept ±1)

2. What is the percentage by volume of nitrogen in the earth’s atmosphere?

Ans: 78.1% (Accept ± 1)

3. What is the percentage by volume of argon in the earth’s atmosphere?

Ans: 0.93% (Accept ± 0.05)

1. Calculate the percent magnesium by mass in ethyl magnesium bromide.

Br = 80.0; Mg = 24.0; C = 12.0; H = 1.00.

Ans: C2H5MgBr = 29.0 + 24.0 + 80.0 = 133

% Mg = (24.0/133)*100 = 18.0%

2. When magnesium chloride is recrystallised at room temperature a hexahydrate is formed .

Calculate percent magnesium by mass in this hydrated salt.

Cl = 35.5; Mg = 24.0; O = 16.0; H = 1.00.

Ans: MgCl2•6H2O = 24.0 + 71.0 + 6*18.0 = 203.

%Mg = (24.0/203)*100 = 11.8

3. Find the percent tetraoxophosphate(V) or simply phosphate by mass in the salt magnesium

ammonium tetraoxophosphate(V) hexahydrate. P = 31.0; Mg =

24.0; O = 16.0 N = 14.0; H = 1.00.

Ans: MgNH4PO4•6H2O 24.0 + 18.0 + 31.0 + 64.0 + 6*18.0 = 245

% PO43- = (95.0/245)*100 = 38.8

1. A chemical reaction produces 4.00 moles of oxygen gas. What volume will the oxygen gas

occupy at a room temperature of 27.0 0C if the pressure is maintained at 100 kPa throughout

the experiment? Molar volume of a gas at STP = 22.4 dm3; Gas constant =

8.31 JK-1mol-1

Ans: Use Charles’ law: V α T at constant pressure and number of moles.

V1 = 4.00 *22.4; T1 = 273; V2 = ?;

T2 = 300

V2 = (T2/T1) *V1 = (300/273)*4.00*22.4 = 98.5 dm3

OR Use the Ideal Gas Equation; V = (n *R *T)/ P

V = (4.00 *8.31 *300)/100 = 99.7 dm3

(Accept either of the two answers)

2. How many pi bonds are present in the H2SO4 molecule?

 Ans: Two (2) pi bonds.

3. Explain why even though both phenol and ethanol contain the OH group, phenol is an

acidic, but ethanol is not.

Ans: Phenol is an acid because when it loses a proton the conjugate base , the phenoxide

ion, is stabilised by resonance whereas the conjugate base of ethanol, the ethoxide

ion, is not stabilised by resonance.

1. What intermolecular forces are present among PBr3 molecules and why?

Ans: Dipole – Dipole forces. PBr3 molecules possess trigonal pyramidal shapes and

will possess a net dipole (moment).

2. What type of intermolecular forces will the molecules of chloroethene possess and why?

Ans: Dipole-dipole forces. The pi cloud of the ClCH = CH2 molecules will be

polarised by the presence of the chlorine atom and so the molecules will possess net

dipole (moments).

3. What type of intermolecular forces will present among the molecules of HCl and why that

type of forces.

Ans: Dipole -dipole forces. The covalent bond between H and Cl is highly

polarised because of the difference in the electronegativities of the two atoms, (but

Cl is not electronegative enough to bring about hydrogen bonding.)

1. Haemoglobin is a red compound whose large molecule is made up of a protein portion, the
globin, and a non-protein portion, the haem. The haem is a complex comprising iron(II) and
four unsaturated nitrogen heterocycles linked together. What could be the source of the red
colour of haemoglobin?
Ans: [It cannot be the iron(II)]. The colour must be due to the presence of the four
unsaturated nitrogen heterocycles (or the porphyrin ring)
2. Palm oil is made up of esters of palmitic (hexadecanoic) acid and stearic (octadecanoic) acid
both of them colourless compounds. Why is palm oil red?
Ans: It contains carotenes which are originally present in the fruits, and which get
extracted along with the oil.
3. Ant hills are common in Ghana and especially on the University of Ghana campus. Almost
all of them have the brick-red colour. What could be the source of the brick-red colour.
Ans: The hills consist of soils rich in iron(III) oxides.
Preamble to all schools.

Each school will be given a chemical equation, which may be a redox or a disproportionation, to balance.

1. P4 + NaOH + H2O → NaH2PO2 + PH3.

Ans: P4 + 3NaOH + 3H2O → 3NaH2PO2 + PH3.
2. K2MnO4 + H2O → MnO2 + KMnO4 + KOH.
Ans: 3K2MnO4 + 2H2O → MnO2 + 2KMnO4 + 4KOH.
3. MnSO4 + PbO2 + H2SO4 → HMnO4 + PbSO4 + H2O.
Ans: 2MnSO4 + 5PbO2 + 3H2SO4 → 2HMnO4 + 5PbSO4 +
2H2O.

1. Give the two main sources that contribute to background radiation we all receive or are
exposed to in our environment on earth.
Ans: i) Cosmic rays;
ii) Natural radioactivity of certain radioisotopes in the soil. e.g. K–40, Radium,
Radon.
2. Between the molecules of aspirin and paracetamol, two common analgesics the following
functional groups can be identified. Indicate which drug has which functional group(s):
i) Ester ii) Amide iii) Phenol iv) Carboxylic acid.
Ans: Aspirin: Ester and Carboxylic acid [o-HOOC-C6H4-
OCOCH3]
Paracetamol: Amide and Phenol [p-HO-C6H4-
NHCOCH3]
3. A flask contains 0.200 mol of nitrogen gas, 0.100 mol of oxygen gas and 0.300 mol of argon
gas at a total pressure of 240kPa. How many moles of oxygen gas must be added to the flask
to raise the total pressure to 300kPa?
Ans: Since the gases do not react the Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures apply.
Moles of gas giving the pressure of 240kPa = 0.600; Additional kPa needed
= 60
Moles of oxygen required to add 60.0kPa = (60.0/240)*0.600
= 0.150mol.