A student plans an investigation to find the molar ratio of the reaction between sodium chloride, NaCl, and a lead compound. The student is provided with solid NaCl and 0.200 mol dm⁻³ aqueous lead compound. The reaction between NaCl(aq) and the aqueous lead compound produces an insoluble compound as a precipitate.
- (a)The student prepares 0.200 mol dm⁻³ NaCl(aq). Calculate the mass of NaCl(s) needed to make 250.0 cm³ of 0.200 mol dm⁻³ NaCl(aq). mass of NaCl = .............................................. g[1]
- (b)The student weighs the mass of NaCl(s) calculated in (a) in a weighing boat. The solid mass is then transferred into a small beaker. Describe how the student should accurately weigh by difference so the exact mass of NaCl transferred into the small beaker is known.[1]
- (c)The student is given a small beaker containing the mass of NaCl calculated in (a). Describe how the student should prepare 250.0 cm³ of 0.200 mol dm⁻³ NaCl(aq). Include the names and capacities of each piece of apparatus used in the preparation of the solution.[2]
- (d)(i)The student plans the following method using the 0.200 mol dm⁻³ aqueous lead compound and the 0.200 mol dm⁻³ NaCl(aq) prepared in (c). Step 1 Mix the NaCl(aq) and the aqueous lead compound in eight separate beakers in the proportions by volume shown in [Table 1.1]. Step 2 Filter the contents of each beaker to collect the precipitate. Step 3 Dry the precipitate for 3 minutes in an oven and allow to cool. Step 4 Weigh and record the mass of precipitate produced in each beaker. State one extra step that would improve this method. Explain why this step is necessary. extra step: explanation:[2]
- (d)(ii)The volumes of solutions are measured using a burette. Calculate the percentage error when measuring 10.00 cm³ of solution. Show your working. percentage error = ......................................[1]
- (d)(iii)Explain how you would ensure that the results of the investigation are reliable.[1]
- (e)(i)The results of the investigation are shown on the graph in [Fig. 1.1]. Draw two straight lines of best fit through the points. Extrapolate both lines so they intersect.[1]
- (e)(ii)Using [Fig. 1.1] and [Table 1.1], state the volumes of 0.200 mol dm⁻³ NaCl(aq) and 0.200 mol dm⁻³ aqueous lead compound which produce the maximum mass of precipitate. Calculate the molar ratio in which the NaCl and the lead compound react. volume of 0.200 mol dm⁻³ NaCl(aq) = .............................................. cm³ volume of 0.200 mol dm⁻³ aqueous lead compound = .............................................. cm³ molar ratio of NaCl:lead compound = ..............................................[2]
- (f)Use the molar ratio in (e)(ii) to deduce the formula of the precipitate. formula = ..............................................[1]
- (g)A student suggests that a simpler method can be used to find the molar ratio. Different volumes of 0.200 mol dm⁻³ NaCl(aq) and 0.200 mol dm⁻³ aqueous lead compound are mixed in test-tubes. The resulting precipitates are allowed to settle. The height of each precipitate is then measured. A further two investigations are carried out. The volumes used and the results of the two investigations are shown. Investigation 1 Precipitate heights are measured after 1 minute. [Table 1.2] [Fig. 1.2] Investigation 2 Precipitate heights are measured after 5 minutes. [Table 1.3] [Fig. 1.3] Neither investigation produced the expected results. Both investigations, 1 and 2, contain weaknesses in the experimental procedure. State how you would modify the experimental procedure in each case so that the expected results are obtained. modification for investigation 1: modification for investigation 2:[2]
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Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [1] number of moles NaCl = (250.0 / 1000) × 0.200 = 0.05(00) mass of sodium chloride = 0.05(00) × (23.0 + 35.5) = 2.925 g
- [1] (measure mass of weighing boat containing sodium chloride before transfer, then) measure the mass of weighing boat (and residue) (after transfer).
- [1] M1 add a (small) volume of distilled water (to the small beaker) AND dissolve the sodium chloride
- [1] M2 transfer the solution and washings into a 250 cm³ volumetric flask AND make up to the mark with distilled water
- [1] M1 Extra step wash the precipitate / residue (with cold distilled water) a OR reheat (and reweigh) until mass is constant b OR rinse the beaker into filter (washings) c OR filter solution again d
- [1] M2 Explanation to remove (unreacted) sodium chloride and/or lead compound a OR to ensure all water has been removed from the solid b OR to ensure all solid/ppt has been transferred into the filter c OR to collect any precipitate that passed through the filter paper first time d
- [1] (2×0.05 / 10) × 100 = 1(.0%) correct working must be shown
- [1] repeat the experiment and/or compare with results from other students AND consistent results are obtained
- [1] Two appropriate straight lines of best fit drawn that intersect.
- [1] M1 volume of intersection correctly read from graph plotted in (e)(i). (expected volumes: NaCl(aq) ≈ 33.25 cm³, lead compound(aq) ≈ 16.75 cm³)
- [1] M2 molar ratio consistent with volumes given for M1. (expected ratio = 2 : 1)
- [1] empirical formula consistent with molar ratio given in (e)(ii). (expected answer: PbCl₂)
- [2] investigation 1 repeat measurement (of height of precipitate) until it is constant OR leave (for a longer time) until height of precipitate is constant (before measuring) investigation 2 use a smaller volume of lead compound (in each case) OR add larger volumes of sodium chloride (until it is in excess)
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