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A-LevelChemistryAtoms, molecules and stoichiometry9701/52 · May/June 2022 · Q112 Marks

A student plans an experiment to find a value for the molar volume, Vm, of hydrogen gas at room conditions. Hydrogen gas is formed when magnesium reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, HCl(aq). Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H2(g) The student is provided with the following materials: • a piece of magnesium ribbon • 0.50 mol dm⁻³ HCl(aq) • a water trough • a side-arm conical flask • a 250 cm³ measuring cylinder with 2 cm³ graduations for the collection of gas • a 50 cm³ measuring cylinder • a balance that measures to 2 decimal places • access to any necessary laboratory equipment, except gas syringes. The student plans the following procedure. Step 1 Prepare the piece of magnesium ribbon for use in the experiment. Step 2 Measure 30 cm³ of HCl(aq) and pour into a side-arm conical flask. Step 3 Attach the conical flask to a collection system for the hydrogen gas. Step 4 Place the magnesium ribbon in the conical flask. Step 5 Stopper the flask. Step 6 Wait until the final volume of gas collected is constant. Step 7 Wait for an additional 2 minutes, then measure and record the final volume of gas collected.

  1. (a)Complete Fig. 1.1 to show how the apparatus should be assembled for the collection and measurement of gas. Label your diagram.[2]
  2. (b)(i)The surface of the magnesium ribbon has an oxide layer. State how the student should prepare the piece of magnesium ribbon before it is used in this experiment.[1]
  3. (b)(ii)State what additional information about the magnesium is required before the experiment is performed.[1]
  4. (c)(i)Show by calculation that a volume of 30 cm³ of 0.50 mol dm⁻³ HCl(aq) is enough to react with 0.16g of magnesium ribbon. Show your working. Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)[2]
  5. (c)(ii)State why it is not necessary to use a burette to measure 30 cm³ of 0.50 mol dm⁻³ HCl(aq).[1]
  6. (d)The student waits for 2 minutes before taking a reading of the volume. Suggest why the student waits for 2 minutes before measuring the volume of gas in step 7.[1]
  7. (e)(i)The student collects 146 cm³ of hydrogen gas during the experiment. Calculate the percentage error in collecting the hydrogen gas. Show your working. percentage error =[1]
  8. (e)(ii)Calculate the molar volume of hydrogen gas using the student's results from this experiment. molar volume =[1]
  9. (f)The student's experimental value for the molar volume of hydrogen is lower than the value quoted in the table of important values, constants and standards on page 11. Suggest one experimental weakness that might have led to this outcome. Explain how the method could be improved to overcome the weakness you have noted. experimental weakness improvement[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. [2] M1 sealed apparatus
  2. M2 collection of the gas in a labelled inverted (250 cm³) measuring cylinder (via a delivery tube into water)
  3. [1] remove oxide layer by using sandpaper
  4. [1] mass (of Mg)
  5. [2] Method 1: M1 mol HCl used = 0.50 × 30 / 1000 OR 0.015 mol; M2 mass Mg needed = 0.015 / 2 × 24.3 = 0.18(225) g
  6. Method 2: M1 mol of Mg used = 0.16 / 24.3 OR 0.00658(436); M2 vol of HCl needed = 0.00658 × 2 × 1000/.50 = 26.3 cm³
  7. [1] acid is in excess
  8. [1] to make sure the gas is at room temperature
  9. [1] 1 × 100 / 146 = 0.68(49..%)
  10. [1] 146/(0.16/24.3) = 22 174 cm³
  11. [2] M1 weakness: loss of hydrogen/gas before the flask is stoppered OR between steps 4 and 5
  12. M2 improvement: ensure reagents are separate within sealed flask before mixing

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About this question

Topic
Atoms, molecules and stoichiometry, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Structured question, 12 marks.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, May/June 2022 Paper 5 Variant 2, question 1.

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