NSS Chemistry Part 2 The Microscopic World I 2.

HKCEE 1995 Q4
HKCEE Past Paper Questions – Structural Questions “When atoms combine, they tend to attain noble gas electronic structures.”
Discuss how atoms can attain the noble gas electronic structure. In your answer, you should give suitable
1. HKCEE 1994 Q7b examples and the electronic structures of the products formed.
The table below lists some physical properties of lead, bromine and lead(II) bromide. (8 marks)
Lead Bromine Lead(II) bromide
Melting point 328oC –7oC 370oC

Electrical conductivity
Conducting Non-conducting Non-conducting
in the solid state

Electrical conductivity
Conducting Non-conducting –
in the liquid state

(i) Explain the difference in melting points between bromine and lead(II) bromide.
(ii) Explain the difference in electrical conductivity between lead and lead(II) bromide in the solid state.
(iii) Will lead(II) bromide conduct electricity in the liquid state? Explain your answer.
(5 marks)

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3. HKCEE 1995 Q1 (4) What is the formula mass of ‘heavy water’?
Rubidium (Rb) and potassium belong
be to the same group in the Periodic Table.. The
T relative atomic mass of (5) 100 cm3 of deuterium and 100 cm3 of oxygen, both measured at room temperature and pressure, are
rubidium is larger then that of potassium.
po allowed to react. Calculate the mass of ‘heavy water’ produced.
(a) Explain whether rubidium is mor
ore reactive than potassium. (Relative atomic mass: O = 16.0; Molar volume of gas at room temperature and pressure = 24.0 dm3)
(b) Write a chemical equation for the
he reaction between rubidium and water. (State sym
ymbols should be given.) (9 marks)
(c) Suggest how rubidium can be sto
tored safely in the laboratory.
(d) Suggest ONE safety precaution for
f handling rubidium in the laboratory.
(5 marks)

4. HKCEE 1996 Q7
The boxes below show some info
formation about two atoms, hydrogen (H) and deu
euterium (D):

(i) Suggest a term to indicate the rel

elationship between a hydrogen atom and a deuteri
erium atom.
(ii) State the number of neutrons in a deuterium atom.
(iii) Deuterium reacts with oxygen in the same way as hydrogen.
2D2(g) + O2(g) 2D2O(l) ∆H is negative
The product of the reaction is kno
nown as ‘heavy water’.
(1) Explain why deuterium reacts
rea with oxygen in the same way as hydrogen.
(2) Draw the electronic structu utermost shells ONLY.
cture of ‘heavy water’, showing electrons in the out
(3) What is meant by ‘∆H is negative’?
n
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5. HKCEE 1996 Q2 6. HKCEE 1997 Q6a
The relative molecular mass of an alkanol X is 60.0. X contains 60% of carbon by mass. A student used the following experimental set-up to study the migration of ions.
(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. microscope slide filter paper moistened with
(Relative atomic mass: C = 12.0) sodium sulphate solution
(5 marks) crocodile clip
A B C

+ -
d.c. supply

The student placed a drop of potassium dichromate solution at A and a drop of a deep blue solution at C. It is
known that the two solutions do not react and the deep blue colour of the solution at C is due to the cation present.
(i) Write the formula of the ion responsible for the orange colour of potassium dichromate.
(ii) Why was the filter paper moistened with sodium sulphate solution?
(iii) An electric current was passed through the circuit for some time.
(1) What would be the colour change at A?
(2) What would be the colour changes at B? Explain your answer.
(iv) Using the same apparatus and materials, suggest how you could show that the colour changes in (iii) are
NOT due to diffusion.
(8 marks)

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7. HKCEE 1998 Q1 8. HKCEE 1999 Q4
Lithium is a Group I element in the Periodic Table. It occurs naturally in two isotopic forms. The relative With the help of electronic diagrams, describe the formation of magnesium chloride and tetrachloromethane
abundance of the each of these isotopes is shown in the table below: from atoms of relevant elements. State, with explanation, which of the two compounds has a higher melting
point.
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Isotope Li Li (9 marks)
Relative abundance (%) 7.4 92.6
(a) What is the meaning of the term ‘isotope’?
(b) Calculate the relative atomic mass of lithium.
(c) A piece of freshly cut lithium metal is placed in air.
(i) What would be observed on the surface on the metal after some time? Write the relevant chemical
question.
(ii) Draw the electronic diagram of the product in (i), showing electrons in the outermost shells only.
(6 marks)

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9. HKCEE 2000 Q9 11. HKCEE 2000 Q2
Nitrogen constitutes about 78% of the atmosphere. The flow diagram below shows the conversion of The table below lists some information about four elements, W, X, Y and Z:
atmospheric nitrogen to plant proteins.
Element Atomic number Relative atomic mass
atmospheric nitrates plant
W 16 32.1
nitrogen in soil proteins
X 18 39.9
Y 19 39.1
Z 20 40.1
(i) Draw the electronic diagram for a molecule of nitrogen, showing electrons in the outermost shells only.
(ii) Describe ONE process by which atmospheric nitrogen can be converted to nitrates in soil. (a) What is the meaning of the term ‘relative atomic mass’?
(iii) When plants are eaten by animals, the plant proteins are transformed into animal proteins. State ONE way (b) State, with explanation, which of the above elements
by which the nitrogen in animal proteins can return to soil. (i) should be stored under paraffin oil.
(4 marks) (ii) is used to fill a light bulb
(iii) forms an oxide which dissolves in water to give a solution with pH less than 7.
(8 marks)

10. HKCEE 2000 Q8

State whether each of the following statement is true or false. Explain your answer in each case.
(i) The melting point of sodium chloride is much higher than that of methane because the ionic bonding in
sodium chloride is much stronger than the covalent bonding in methane.
(2 marks)

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12. HKCEE 2000 Q1 13. HKCEE 2001 Q8a
Six compounds are classified into two groups as shown in the table below: A part of the Periodic Table is shown below:
Gas Solid Group
ammonia iron(III) oxide I II III IV V VI VII 0
carbon dioxide magnesium oxide 2 Li Be B C N O F Ne
nitrogen dioxide potassium oxide Period 3 Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Ar
Reclassify these compounds into two groups according to 4 K Ca Br Kr
(a) one of their physical properties, and 5 Xe
(b) one of their chemical properties. (i) Across a period, the elements demonstrate a gradual change in some of their physical
(4 marks) properties. State ONE such property.
(ii) For each of the following pairs of elements, suggest ONE reaction in which both elements behave similarity.
In each case, write a chemical equation for the reaction involving either one of the elements.
(1) magnesium and calcium
(2) chlorine and bromine.
(iii) Lithium metal is used in making dry cells. State, with explanation, whether lithium acts as the anode or
cathode in these cells.
(iv) Xenon (Xe) is a Group 0 element. State, with explanation, what will happen if a balloon filled with xenon is
released from the top of a tower.
(Relative atomic masses: N = 14.0, O = 16.0, Xe = 131.3)
(9 marks)

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14. HKCEE 2002 Q8b (a) The atomic numbers of sulphur and chlorine are 16 and 17 respectively. Draw the electronic diagrams of the
Both carbon and silicon are Group IV elements in the Periodic Table. following atoms:
(i) Draw the electronic diagram of a carbon dioxide molecule, showing electrons in the (i) sulphur atom
outermost shells only. (ii) chlorine atom
(ii) Explain why carbon dioxide can be used in fire fighting. (b) Chlorine reacts with sulphur to form a compound with relative molecular mass of 135.2. The compound
(iii) Explain why carbon dioxide is a gas, whereas silicon dioxide is a solid at room contains 52.5% of chlorine by mass.
temperature and pressure. (i) Deduce the molecular formula of the compound.
(iv) Silicon can be obtained by heating silicon dioxide with carbon strongly. (ii) Draw the electronic diagram of the compound, showing electrons in the outermost
(1) Write a chemical equation for the reaction involved. shells only.
(2) Suggest ONE use of silicon. (Relative atomic masses: S = 32.1, Cl = 35.5)
(8 marks) (6 marks)

15. HKCEE 2002 Q6b

Magnesium occurs naturally in three isotopic forms. The relative abundance of each isotope is shown in the
table below:
24 25 26
Isotope Mg Mg Mg
Relative abundance (%) 78.6 10.1 11.3
(i) State the meaning of the term ‘isotope of an element’.
(ii) Calculate the relative atomic mass of magnesium.
(iii) Is it possible to separate the isotopes of magnesium by chemical means? Explain your answer.
(4 marks)

16. HKCEE 2003 Q3

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17. HKCEE 2003 Q1 18. HKCEE 2004 Q9a
Consider the substances listed below:
be A portion of the Periodic Table is shown below:
carbon dioxide hydroge
gen chloride neon
nitrogen silicon dioxide
d sodium chloride Group
I II III IV V VI VII 0
(a) Diagram (i), (ii) and (iii) below show
sh the arrangements of particles, which can bee atoms,
a ions or molecules, in 2 Li Be B C N O F Ne
some substances. For each diagram
ram, choose ONE substance from the above list, which
wh has the arrangement of Period 3 Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Ar
particles as shown under room tem
emperature and pressure. 4 K Ca Br
(i)
(i) Identify ONE semi-metal in the above table.
(ii) Suggest why Group O elements seldom form compounds.
(iii) Using aluminium as an example, describe the bonding in metals. Hence, explain why metals are ductile.
(iv) Which metal and non-metal in the above table would react most vigorously with each other?
(ii)
(v) (1) The atomic number of bromine is 35. The electronic arrangement of a bromine atom can be
represented as 2, 8, x, y. What are the values of x and y?

(2) At 5oC, the reaction of bromine with sodium hydroxide solution is similar to that of chlorine with
sodium hydroxide solution.
(iii) Write a chemical equation for the reaction of bromine with sodium hydroxide solution at this
temperature.
(8 marks)

(b) From the above list, identify ONE

E substance which gives an acidic solution when dissolved
d in water. Write the
chemical equation for the reaction
on involved.
(5 marks)

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19. HKCEE 2004 Q5
Na2O, MgO, SiO2 and SO2 are oxides of Period 3 elements in the Periodic Table. Discuss how the melting
points of these oxides are related to their bonding and structure.
(9 marks)

20. HKCEE 2005 Q1a,b, c

(a) Calcium is an element in Group II of the Periodic Table.
(i) Calcium reacts with nitrogen to form calcium nitride, which is an ionic compound. Draw the
electronic diagram of calcium nitride, showing electrons in the outermost shells only. 21. HKCEE 2006 Q5

(ii) Suggest a test to show that marble is a calcium-containing substance. Silicon occurs in nature as silicon dioxide in sand and quartz. The extraction of silicon from silicon dioxide
(3 marks) involves the following three stages:

(b) Strontium (Sr) is another Group II element. It exists in several isotopic forms.
(i) What is the meaning of the term ‘isotope’ ?
(ii) Strontium-90 (90Sr) is a radioactive isotope of strontium, and is one of the dangerous by-products of
nuclear fission.
Complete the table below by providing the relevant information for a "Sr atom. (a) What type of structure does quartz have?
(1 mark)
(b) The purpose of Stage 1 is to convert silicon dioxide to silicon. The silicon obtained contains silicon carbide,
Number of protons Number of neutrons
90
SiC, as an impurity.
Sr
The structure of silicon carbide is similar to that of diamond. Draw the three-dimensional structure of
silicon carbide.
(2 marks)
(1 mark)
(c) The purpose of Stage 2 and Stage 3 is to purify the silicon obtained in Stage 1.
(c) (i) State the similarity between a calcium atom and a strontium atom in terms of electronic
(i) Is silicon oxidised or reduced in the reaction in Stage 2? Explain your answer.
arrangement.
(ii) Draw the electronic diagram for SiCl4, showing electrons in the outermost shells only.
(iii) The reaction in Stage 3 produces silicon and hydrogen chloride. Suggest why the silicon obtained
(ii) Children's teeth require a large amount of calcium to grow. Scientists found that in areas where
after Stage 3 is of high purity.
nuclear weapon tests were conducted above the ground, children's teeth contained a higher level of
90
(3 marks)
Sr.
(d) Calculate the theoretical mass of silicon that can be obtained from 950 g of silicon dioxide.
Suggest a reason for the findings of the scientists.
(2 marks)
(2 marks)

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 22. HKCEE 2007 Q1
A is a compound formed from oxygen and magnesium, while B is a compound formed from oxygen and
fluorine.
(a) Draw the electronic diagram of A, showing electrons in the outermost shells only.
(b) Draw the electronic diagram of B, showing electrons in the outermost shells only.
(c) Compare the melting points of A and B. Explain your answer.
(4 marks)

23. HKCEE 2008 Q1

T, X and Z are three elements in the Periodic Table, with the sum of their atomic numbers equals to 38.
Moreover, both T and X are Group VII elements, while the atomic number of T is smaller than that of X.
(a) What are elements T, X and Z?
T:
X:
Z:
(1 mark)
(b) Draw the electronic diagram of the compound formed from T and X, showing electrons in the
outermost shells only.
(1 mark)
(c) Discuss, with explanation, the electrical conductivity of the compound formed from X and Z with
reference to the type and property of the particles in it.
(2 marks)

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24. HKCEE 2008 Q2 26. HKCEE 2010 Q1
10 11
Boron occurs naturally in two isotopes, B and B. Both bromine (Br) and chlorine (Cl) are Group VII elements in the Periodic Table.
(a) What is meant by the term ‘isotopes’? (a) What is the name commonly given to this group of elements ?
(1 mark) (1 mark)
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(b) With reference to the Periodic Table on page 20, calculate the percentage abundance of B in nature. (b) The electronic arrangement of bromine is 2, 8, p, q.
(2 marks) p is .
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(c) BCl 3 and BCl 3 are compound formed respectively from the two isotopes of boron with chlorine. q is .
10
BCl 3 reacts with water to give white fumes. State, with explanation, the expected observation (1 mark)
11 (c) Explain, in terms of bonding and structure, why the boiling point of bromine is higher than that of
when BCl 3 is added to water.
(1 mark) chlorine.
(2 marks)
(d) Rubidium (Rb) is a Group I element in the Periodic Table. It reacts with bromine to form an ionic
compound.
(i) Write a chemical equation for the reaction involved.
(ii) Write the electronic arrangement of a rubidium ion.
(2 marks)

25. HKCEE 2009 Q9

Discuss respectively why electrical conductivity and melting point differ among sodium chloride
(NaCl),sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl2).
(9 marks)

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