A-LevelChemistryNitrogen and sulfurOct/Nov 2017Paper 1 Q181 Mark

The reaction of nitrogen and oxygen to produce oxides of nitrogen happens at high temperatures in car engines or lightning strikes during thunderstorms. What is the main reason for these reactions requiring such high temperatures?

Q: What topic does this question test?

This question tests Nitrogen and sulfur in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

Athe lack of reactivity of nitrogen, due to the half-filled 2p subshell in the nitrogen atom

Bthe lack of reactivity of nitrogen, due to the strength of the bond in N2

Cthe lack of reactivity of oxygen, due to electron-electron repulsion in one of its 2p orbitals

Dthe lack of reactivity of oxygen, due to the strength of the bond in O2

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is B: the lack of reactivity of nitrogen, due to the strength of the bond in N2

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Chemistry Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Nitrogen and sulfur in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry Oct/Nov 2017 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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