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A-LevelChemistryHydrocarbonsOct/Nov 2017Paper 4 Q716 Marks

Calcium carbide, CaC2, reacts readily with water, forming ethyne, C₂H₂, and a sparingly soluble white ionic compound. (a)(i) Write an equation for this reaction. (a)(ii) Draw a 'dot-and-cross' diagram for the carbide ion, C22-. Show outer electrons only. Ethyne is the simplest member of the alkyne homologous series. H—C≡C—H ethyne Propyne, C3H4, and butyne, C₄H₁, are the next two members of the series.

📋 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 structured question tests Hydrocarbons in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 16 marks.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry Oct/Nov 2017 examination, Paper 4 Variant 2.

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