Paper 2 [90 marks]

1. 19M.2.HL.TZ2.2

The thermal decomposition of dinitrogen monoxide occurs according to the

equation:

2N2O (g) → 2N2 (g) + O2 (g)

The reaction can be followed by measuring the change in total pressure, at

constant temperature, with time.

The x-axis and y-axis are shown with arbitrary units.

This decomposition obeys the rate expression:

𝑑[𝑁2𝑂]
− 𝑑𝑡
= k[N2O]

(a)

Explain why, as the reaction proceeds, the pressure increases by the amount
shown.

[2]

Markscheme
increase in the amount/number of moles/molecules «of gas» [✔] from 2
to 3/by 50 % [✔]
(b)

Outline, in terms of collision theory, how a decrease in pressure would affect the
rate of reaction.

[2]

Markscheme
«rate of reaction decreases»​
concentration/number of molecules in a given volume decreases​
OR​
more space between molecules [✔] collision rate/frequency decreases​
OR​
fewer collisions per unit time [✔] Note: Do not accept just “larger
space/volume” for M1.

(c)

Deduce how the rate of reaction at t = 2 would compare to the initial rate.

[1]

Markscheme
half «of the initial rate» [✔] Note: Accept “lower/slower «than initial
rate»”.

(d)

It has been suggested that the reaction occurs as a two-step process:

Step 1: N2O (g) → N2 (g) + O (g)

Step 2: N2O (g) + O (g) → N2 (g) + O2 (g)

Explain how this could support the observed rate expression.

[2]

Markscheme
1 slower than 2​
OR​
1 rate determinant step/RDS [✔] 1 is unimolecular/involves just one
molecule so it must be first order​
 OR​
if 1 faster/2 RDS, second order in N2O​
OR​
if 1 faster/2 RDS, first order in O [✔]

(e)

The experiment is repeated using the same amount of dinitrogen monoxide in the
same apparatus, but at a lower temperature.

Sketch, on the axes in question 2, the graph that you would expect.

[2]

Markscheme

smaller initial gradient [✔] initial pressure is lower AND final pressure of
gas lower «by similar factor» [✔]

(f)

The experiment gave an error in the rate because the pressure gauge was
inaccurate.

Outline whether repeating the experiment, using the same apparatus, and
averaging the results would reduce the error.

[1]

Markscheme
 no AND it is a systematic error/not a random error OR no AND «a similar
magnitude» error would occur every time [✔]

(g)

The graph below shows the Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution of molecular energies

at a particular temperature.

The rate at which dinitrogen monoxide decomposes is significantly increased by a

metal oxide catalyst.

Annotate and use the graph to outline why a catalyst has this effect.

[2]

Markscheme
 catalysed and uncatalysed Ea marked on graph AND with the catalysed
being at lower energy [✔]​
«for catalysed reaction» greater proportion of/more molecules have E ≥
Ea / E > Ea​
OR​
«for catalysed reaction» greater area under curve to the right of the Ea
[✔] Note: Accept “more molecules have the activation energy”.

2. 22M.2.HL.TZ2.6

Sulfur trioxide is produced from sulfur dioxide.

2SO2 (g) + O2 (g) ⇌ 2SO3 (g) ΔH = −196 kJ mol−1

The reaction between sulfur dioxide and oxygen can be carried out at different
temperatures.

(a)

Outline, giving a reason, the effect of a catalyst on a reaction.

[2]
 Markscheme
increases rate AND lower Ea ✔
provides alternative pathway «with lower Ea»​
OR​
more/larger fraction of molecules have the «lower» Ea ✔

Accept description of how catalyst lowers Ea for M2 (e.g. “reactants adsorb

on surface «of catalyst»”, “reactant bonds weaken «when adsorbed»”,
“helps favorable orientation of molecules”).

(b)

On the axes, sketch Maxwell–Boltzmann energy distribution curves for the

reacting species at two temperatures T1 and T2, where T2 > T1.

[3]

Markscheme
 both axes correctly labelled ✔
peak of T2 curve lower AND to the right of T1 curve ✔
lines begin at origin AND correct shape of curves AND T2 must finish above
T1 ✔

Accept “probability «density» / number of particles / N / fraction” on y-axis.

Accept “kinetic E/KE/Ek” but not just “Energy/E” on x-axis.

(c)

Draw the Lewis structure of SO3.

[1]

Markscheme

Note:
 Accept any of the above structures as formal charge is not being assessed.

(d)

Explain the electron domain geometry of SO3.

[2]

Markscheme
three electron domains «attached to the central atom» ✔
repel/as far away as possible /120° «apart» ✔

(e)

State the product formed from the reaction of SO3 with water.

[1]

Markscheme
sulfuric acid/H2SO4 ✔
​
Accept “disulfuric acid/H2S2O7”.

(f)

State the meaning of a strong Brønsted–Lowry acid.

[2]
 Markscheme
fully ionizes/dissociates ✔
proton/H+ «donor »✔

3. 21M.2.HL.TZ2.1

Limestone can be converted into a variety of useful commercial products through

the lime cycle. Limestone contains high percentages of calcium carbonate,
CaCO3.

Thermodynamic data for the decomposition of calcium carbonate is given.

The second step of the lime cycle produces calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2.

Calcium hydroxide reacts with carbon dioxide to reform calcium carbonate.

Ca(OH)2 (aq) + CO2 (g) → CaCO3 (s) + H2O (l)

(a)

Calcium carbonate is heated to produce calcium oxide, CaO.

CaCO3 (s) → CaO (s) + CO2 (g)

Calculate the volume of carbon dioxide produced at STP when 555 g of calcium
carbonate decomposes. Use sections 2 and 6 of the data booklet.

[2]

Markscheme
555 𝑔
«nCaCO3 = −1 =» 5.55 «mol» ✓ «V = 5.55 mol × 22.7 dm3 mol−1 =»
11.09 𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑙
126 «dm3» ✓ ​
Award [2] for correct final answer. Accept method using pV = nRT to obtain
the volume with p as either 100 kPa (126 dm3) or 101.3 kPa (125 dm3). Do
not penalize use of 22.4 dm3 mol–1 to obtain the volume (124 dm3).

(b)

Calculate the enthalpy change of reaction, ΔH, in kJ, for the decomposition of
calcium carbonate.

[2]

Markscheme
«ΔH =» (−635 «kJ» – 393.5 «kJ») – (−1207 «kJ») ✓ «ΔH = + » 179 «kJ»
✓​
Award [2] for correct final answer. Award [1 max] for −179 kJ. Ignore an
extra step to determine total enthalpy change in kJ: 179 kJ mol-1 x 5.55 mol
= 993 kJ. Award [2] for an answer in the range 990 - 993« kJ».

(c)

Calculate the change in entropy, ΔS, in J K−1, for the decomposition of calcium
carbonate.

[1]

Markscheme
«ΔS = (40 J K−1 + 214 J K−1) − (93 J K−1) =» 161 «J K−1» ✓ ​
Ignore an extra step to determine total entropy change in JK–1: 161
J mol–1K–1 x 5.55 mol = 894 «J mol–1K–1» Award [1] for 894 «J mol–1K–1».

(d)
Determine the temperature, in K, at which the decomposition of calcium carbonate
becomes spontaneous, using b(i), b(ii) and section 1 of the data booklet.

(If you do not have answers for b(i) and b(ii), use ΔH = 190 kJ and ΔS = 180 J K−1,
but these are not the correct answers.)

[2]

Markscheme
«spontaneous» if ΔG = ΔH − TΔS < 0​
OR​
179 𝑘𝐽
ΔH < TΔS ✓ «T > −1 =» 1112 «K» ✓ ​
0.16 𝑘𝐽 𝐾
Award [2] for correct final answer. Accept “1056 K” if both of the incorrect
values are used to solve the problem. Do not award M2 for any negative T
value.

(e)

Sketch an energy profile for the decomposition of calcium carbonate based on

your answer to b(i), labelling the axes and activation energy, Ea.
 [3]

Markscheme
endothermic sketch ✓ x-axis labelled “extent of reaction/progress of
reaction/reaction coordinate/reaction pathway” AND y-axis labelled
“potential energy/energy/enthalpy✓ activation energy/Ea ✓

​
Do not accept “time” for x-axis.

(f)

State how adding a catalyst to the reaction would impact the enthalpy change of
reaction, ΔH, and the activation energy, Ea.
 [1]

Markscheme
ΔH same AND lower Ea ✓

(g)

Write the equation for the reaction of Ca(OH)2 (aq) with hydrochloric acid, HCl (aq).

[1]

Markscheme
Ca(OH)2 (aq) + 2HCl (aq) → 2H2O (l) + CaCl2 (aq) ✓

(h)

Determine the volume, in dm3, of 0.015 mol dm−3 calcium hydroxide solution
needed to neutralize 35.0 cm3 of 0.025 mol dm−3 HCl (aq).

[2]

Markscheme
«nHCl = 0.0350 dm3 × 0.025 mol dm−3 =» 0.00088 «mol» OR​
1
nCa(OH)2 = 2 nHCl/0.00044 «mol» ✓​
1
×0.00088 𝑚𝑜𝑙
«V = 2
−3 =» 0.029 «dm3» ✓ ​
0.015 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑑𝑚
Award [2] for correct final answer. Award [1 max] for 0.058 «dm3».

(i)
 Determine the mass, in g, of CaCO3 (s) produced by reacting 2.41 dm3 of 2.33 ×
10−2 mol dm−3 of Ca(OH)2 (aq) with 0.750 dm3 of CO2 (g) at STP.

[2]

Markscheme
«nCa(OH)2 = 2.41 dm3 × 2.33 × 10−2 mol dm−3 =» 0.0562 «mol» AND «nCO2 =
3
0.750 𝑑𝑚
−3 =» 0.0330 «mol» ✓ «CO2 is the limiting reactant» «mCaCO3 =
22.7 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑑𝑚
0.0330 mol × 100.09 g mol−1 =» 3.30 «g» ✓ Only award ECF for M2 if
limiting reagent is used. Accept answers in the range 3.30 - 3.35 «g».

(j)

2.85 g of CaCO3 was collected in the experiment in d(i). Calculate the percentage
yield of CaCO3.

(If you did not obtain an answer to d(i), use 4.00 g, but this is not the correct
value.)

[1]

Markscheme
2.85
« 3.30 × 100 =» 86.4 «%» ✓ Accept answers in the range 86.1-86.4 «%».
Accept “71.3 %” for using the incorrect given value of 4.00 g.

(k)

Outline how one calcium compound in the lime cycle can reduce a problem
caused by acid deposition.

[1]

Markscheme
«add» Ca(OH)2/CaCO3/CaO AND to «acidic» water/river/lake/soil​
OR​
«use» Ca(OH)2/CaCO3/CaO in scrubbers «to prevent release of acidic
pollution» ✓ Accept any correct name for any of the calcium compounds
listed.

4. 22M.2.HL.TZ2.4
Hydrogen and iodine react to form hydrogen iodide.

H2 (g) + 𝐼2 (g) ⇌ 2H𝐼 (g)

The following experimental data was obtained.

Consider the reaction of hydrogen with solid iodine.

H2 (g) + 𝐼2 (s) ⇌ 2H𝐼 (g) ΔH⦵ = +53.0 kJ mol−1

(a(i))

Deduce the order of reaction with respect to hydrogen.

[1]

Markscheme
first order ✔

(a(ii))

Deduce the rate expression for the reaction.

[1]

Markscheme
Rate=k [H2] [𝐼2]

(a(iii))

Calculate the value of the rate constant stating its units.

[2]

Markscheme
 −6 −3 −1
1.2×10 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑑𝑚 𝑠
𝑘=« −3 −3 −3 −3 = »0. 20 ✔
2.0×10 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑑𝑚 ×3.0×10 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑑𝑚
–1 3 –1
mol dm s ✔

(a(iiii))

State two conditions necessary for a successful collision between reactants.

[1]

Markscheme
E ≥ Ea AND appropriate «collision» geometry/correct orientation ✔

(a(iiiii))

Calculate the entropy change of reaction, ΔS⦵, in J K−1 mol−1.

[1]

Markscheme
⦵
«Δ𝑆 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
= 2 × 206.6 – (130.6 + 116.1) =» 166.5 «J K–1 mol–1» ✔

(a(iiiiii))

Predict, giving a reason, how the value of the ΔS⦵reaction would be affected if 𝐼2 (g)
were used as a reactant.

[1]

Markscheme
⦵
Δ𝑆 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
lower/less positive AND same number of moles of gas
OR
 ⦵
Δ𝑆 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
lower/less positive AND a solid has less entropy than a gas ✔

(a(iiiiiii))

Calculate the Gibbs free energy change, ΔG⦵, in kJ mol−1, for the reaction at
298 K. Use section 1 of the data booklet.

[1]

Markscheme
«ΔG⦵ = 53.0 kJ mol–1 – (298K × 0.1665 kJ K–1 mol–1) =» 3.4 «kJ mol–1» ✔

5. 22M.2.HL.TZ1.6

Nitric acid is usually produced by the oxidation of ammonia.

A mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid can be used to convert benzene to
nitrobenzene, C6H5NO2.

(a(i))

Draw arrows in the boxes to represent the electron configuration of a nitrogen

atom.

[1]

Markscheme
 ​
Accept all 2p electrons pointing downwards.
Accept half arrows instead of full arrows.

(a(ii))

Deduce a Lewis (electron dot) structure of the nitric acid molecule, HNO3, that
obeys the octet rule, showing any non-zero formal charges on the atoms.

[2]

Markscheme

bonds and non-bonding pairs correct ✔

formal charges correct ✔

Accept dots, crosses or lines to represent electron pairs.

Do not accept resonance structures with delocalised bonds/electrons.
Accept + and – sign respectively.
Do not accept a bond between nitrogen and hydrogen.
For an incorrect Lewis structure, allow ECF for non-zero formal charges.

(a(iii))

Explain the relative lengths of the three bonds between N and O in nitric acid.

[3]
 Markscheme
Any three of:
two N-O same length/order ✔​
delocalization/resonance ✔
N-OH longer «than N-O»​
OR​
N-OH bond order 1 AND N-O bond order 1½ ✔

Award [2 max] if bond strength, rather than bond length discussed.

Accept N-O between single and double bond AND N-OH single bond.

(a(iv))

State a technique used to determine the length of the bonds between N and O in
solid HNO3.

[1]

Markscheme
X-ray crystallography ✔

(b(i))

Write an equation for the reaction between the acids to produce the electrophile,
NO2+.

[1]

Markscheme
HNO3 + 2H2SO4 ⇌ NO2+ + H3O+ + 2HSO4- ✔

Accept “HNO3 + H2SO4 ⇌ NO2+ + H2O + HSO4-”.

Accept “HNO3 + H2SO4 ⇌ H2NO3+ + HSO4-” AND “H2NO3+ ⇌ NO2+ + H2O”.
Accept single arrows instead of equilibrium signs.

(b(ii))

Draw the structural formula of the carbocation intermediate produced when this
electrophile attacks benzene.

[1]
 Markscheme

Accept any of the five structures.

Do not accept structures missing the positive charge.

(b(iii))

Deduce the number of signals that you would expect in the 1H NMR spectrum of
nitrobenzene and the relative areas of these.

[2]

Markscheme
Number of signals: three/3 ✔
Relative areas: 2 : 2 : 1 ✔

6. 22M.2.SL.TZ2.2

Electrons are arranged in energy levels around the nucleus of an atom.

The diagram represents possible electron energy levels in a hydrogen atom.

(a)

Explain why the first ionization energy of calcium is greater than that of potassium.

[2]

Markscheme
increasing number of protons/nuclear charge/Zeff ✔
​
«atomic» radius/size decreases​
OR​
same number of energy levels​
OR​
similar shielding «by inner electrons» ✔

(b)

Draw an arrow, labelled Z, to represent the lowest energy electron transition in the
visible spectrum.

[1]

Markscheme
 downward or upward arrow between n = 3 and n = 2 ✔

7. 24M.2.HL.TZ1.2
A student investigated the use of hand sanitising gel containing propan-1-ol as a
camping fuel.

[N/A]

[[N/A]]

(a.i)

Calculate the heat energy absorbed by the water, in J. Use sections 1 and 2 of the
data booklet.

[1]
 Markscheme
* This question is from an examination for a previous syllabus. Please note
that it may contain minor differences in marking or structure or contain parts
that are not a match to the new syllabus (first assessment 2025).​
400.00 * 4.18 * 21.0 = 35 112 = 35 100 J ✓​
​

Accept 35.1 kJ

(a.ii)

Calculate the percentage uncertainty of your answer in (a)(i).

[2]

Markscheme
0.02 1.0
21±1 ✓ «100 ∗ 400.00
+ 100 ∗ 2.1
= 0.005 + 4.76 = » 4.77% ✔ ​
​

Accept 4.76 (if only temperature uncertainty used). Accept correct final
answer for 2 marks

(a.iii)

Suggest a way to reduce the random uncertainty of the answer.

[1]

Markscheme
repeat experiment AND take average ✓​
​

Accept increase amount of water​

Accept allow experiment to run longer to have greater ∆T​
Accept more precise thermometer / temperature probe /
digital thermometer.
Accept more precise balance /scale Do not accept more precise equipment
without names.​
Do not accept references to accuracy

(b.i)
Calculate the enthalpy of combustion of propan-1-ol, in kJ mol−1, stating one
assumption.

If you did not obtain an answer to (a)(i), use 30 000 J, though this is not the correct
value.

[3]

Markscheme
«36.03 + 8.08 + 16.00 = 60.11»
1.80/60.11 = 0.0299 ✓
–35100/0.0299 = –1200 kJ mol–1 ✓ Assumption: (any one from)
- propan-1-ol only ingredient to release heat​
- gel is pure propan-1-ol​
- no heat loss​
- all heat transferred to water
- no heat absorbed by copper
- complete combustion ✓​
​

Accept –1000 to –1004 kJ mol–1 if 30 000 used.

M2 can only be awarded for exothermic answer

(b.ii)

Calculate the percentage error, using section 14 of the data booklet.

[1]

Markscheme
100(−1200−−2021)
« −2021
= – » 40.6% ✓​
​
 Ignore negative signs​
Accept 50% if 30 kJ used in 2bi

(b.iii)

Suggest the main source of error, and a way to reduce it.

[1]

Markscheme
heat loss AND insulate the calorimeter ✓​
​

Accept heat loss AND decrease distance between calorimeter and flame.
Accept heat loss AND use screens to prevent drafts / OWTTE.​
Accept heat loss and use a closed system / food calorimeter Accept heat
loss and use a calorimeter with a low heat capacity.​
Do not accept Styrofoam / coffee cup calorimeter
Do not accept “add a lid"

(c)

The student also investigates a second gel containing ethanol, with the same
percentage by mass as the propan-1-ol in the first gel.

Determine whether the second gel would release more or less energy per gram
than the first gel. Use section 14 of the data booklet.

[3]

Markscheme
1
«1 g propan-1-ol contains = 60.11 0.017 mol » « 0.017(–2021) =» –33.62
«kJ» ✓
1
«1 g ethanol contains 46.08
= 0.022 mol » « 0.022(–1367) =» –29.72 «kJ»
✔
second gel/ethanol less energy ✓

Accept positive values for M1, M2

Do not award M3 without M1 and M2.

(d)
Ethanol and propan-1-ol are members of a homologous series.

[[N/A]]

(d.i)

State the names of the class of compound and the functional group of this series.

[2]

Markscheme
** This question part has been identified as not part of the new syllabus
(first assessment 2025).​
alcohol ✓ hydroxyl ✓​
​

Award [1 max] for both answers, but the wrong way around. Accept
“hydroxy”, but not “hydroxide” Ignore references to R-OH or other formula

(d.ii)

State the strongest intermolecular force present in ethanol and propan-1-ol.

[1]

Markscheme
hydrogen bonding ✓

(d.iii)

Predict an intermolecular force which would be stronger in the next member of the
homologous series, butan-1-ol.

[1]

Markscheme
London/dispersion forces ✓​
​
 Accept instantaneous / induced dipoles. Do not accept van der Waals’
forces

(e)

Butan-2-ol is optically active.

[[N/A]]

(e.i)

Sketch two enantiomers of butan-2-ol to show the relationship between them.

[2]

Markscheme
correct representation of 3D structure ✓ Enantiomeric/isomer pair clearly

represented ✓

(e.ii)

Deduce the organic products when butan-1-ol and butan-2-ol are separately
heated under reflux with acidified potassium dichromate (VI).

[2]

Markscheme
 butanoic acid ✓ butanone ✓​
​

Accept butan-2-one / 2-butanone. Accept correct structures

(f)

Propan-1-ol can be produced from 1-chloropropane.

[[N/A]]

(f.i)

Identify a nucleophile which could be used for this reaction.

[1]

Markscheme
OH– ✓​
​

Accept water / H2O

Accept “hydroxide” / “sodium hydroxide / NaOH”

(f.ii)

Sketch the mechanism of the reaction between 1-chloropropane and the

nucleophile in (f)(i), using curly arrows.

[3]

Markscheme
 curly arrow from lone pair/negative charge on O in OH– to C ✓ curly arrow
originating on C–Cl bond to Cl ✓ representation of transition state showing
negative charge, square brackets and partial bonds ✓​
​

Hydroxide must have negative charge and lone pair(s) for M1 Do not award
M3 if OH–C bond shown

(g)

Ethyl ethanoate can be produced from ethene via a three-step synthetic route.

step 1: CH2CH2 + H2O → CH3CH2OH

step 2: CH3CH2OH + [O] → CH3COOH

step 3: CH3CH2OH + CH3COOH → CH3COOCH2CH3 + ____

[[N/A]]

(g.i)

State the conditions necessary for the reaction in step 1.

[1]

Markscheme
** This question part has been identified as not part of the new syllabus
(first assessment 2025).​
« conc.» H2SO4/H3PO4 AND high temperature OR high pressure ✓​
​

Accept “H+/H3O+/strong acid” Accept “heat” or “steam”

(g.ii)

Identify the type of reaction occurring in step 3.

[1]

Markscheme
** This question part has been identified as not part of the new syllabus
(first assessment 2025).​
esterification ✓​
​
 Accept “condensation”
Accept “addition-elimination” but not "addition" only

(g.iii)

Identity the second product formed in step 3.

[1]

Markscheme
** This question part has been identified as not part of the new syllabus
(first assessment 2025).​
H2O ✓​
​
Accept water

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