Answers to end-of-chapter
questions
Chapter 4 Chemical reactions 3 a black solid [1]
b magnesium + carbon dioxide →
1 a There is a colour change which shows that there magnesium oxide + carbon [1]
might be a reaction, and new substance(s) are c i carbon dioxide [1]
formed / a gas is given off. ii magnesium [1]
b The most reliable evidence for a chemical d MgO + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2O
reaction is that a gas is given off which can be [correct formulae but unbalanced = 1] [2]
identified as carbon dioxide. e i Zn2+ + Mg → Mg2+ + Zn [2]
c copper carbonate → copper oxide + carbon ii Magnesium reduces zinc ions [1] by
dioxide donating/giving electrons to them [1] [2]
zinc carbonate → zinc oxide + carbon dioxide [Total = 10]
d Zinc oxide is a white solid which turns yellow
when heated. When cooled, the solid turns 4 a sulfur + oxygen → sulfur dioxide
white again. [1 for reactants; 1 for product] [2]
e No, it is a physical change. b SO2 is oxidised to SO3 and O3 is reduced
to O2 [2]
2 a The definition in terms of oxygen gain or c SO3 + H2O → H2SO4 [1]
loss is the most obvious – and is the origin of [Total = 5]
the terminology. However, the definition in
terms of electrons is the broader and more 5 a aqueous sodium chloride, copper, graphite
widely applicable of the two. It is relevant to [−1 for each incorrect answer] [3]
more situations, including the important ones b insulator [1]
involved in electrolysis and the generation of c i anode [1]
electricity in batteries. ii negative = zinc [1]; positive = chlorine [1] [2]
b Whichever definition is used, it is impossible to iii carbon [1]
have oxidation taking place without something [Total = 8]
else in the reacting mixture being reduced. If
something is gaining oxygen or losing electrons,
6 a carbon/platinum [1] because unreactive [1] [2]
then another reactant must be losing the oxygen
b bubbles [1] at both electrodes [1] [2]
or gaining the electrons. This follows the general
c hydrogen at cathode [1], chlorine at anode [1] [2]
principle that matter cannot be created or
[Total = 6]
destroyed in a chemical reaction.
The processes of oxidation and reduction can
7 a Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2 [2]
be physically separated in an electrolytic cell, for
b i Some elements have more than one
instance, but the overall reaction of the cell is still
oxidation state. [1]
a redox reaction.
ii 3Cu2+ + 2AsO43− → Cu3(AsO4)2 [2]
[Total = 5]
© Cambridge University Press 2014 IGCSE Chemistry Answers to end-of-chapter questions: Chapter 4 1
