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A-LevelChemistryChemical energetics9701/42 · Feb/Mar 2023 · Q116 Marks

The most common zinc mineral contains zinc(II) sulfide, ZnS.

  1. (a)(i)Complete the electrons in boxes diagram in Fig. 1.1 to show the electronic configuration of a zinc(II) ion. [Figure 1.1][1]
  2. (a)(ii)Complete Fig. 1.2 to show the Born–Haber diagram for the ionic solid ZnS. Include state symbols of relevant species. [Figure 1.2][3]
  3. (a)(iii)Describe the trend in the first electron affinity of the Group 16 elements S to Te. Explain your answer.[2]
  4. (a)(iv)Explain why the lattice energy, ΔHlatt, of ZnO is more exothermic than that of ZnS.[2]
  5. (b)(i)Predict the sign of the entropy change, ΔS®, of the reaction in step 1. Explain your answer.[1]
  6. (b)(ii)Use the data in Table 1.1 to calculate ΔS® of the reaction shown in step 2. Table 1.1 chemical ZnO(s) C(s) Zn(l) CO(g) S® / J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ 43.7 5.7 50.8 197.7 ΔS® = .............................................. J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹[1]
  7. (b)(iii)An equation for the direct reduction of ZnS by carbon is shown. 2ZnS(s) + C(s) → 2Zn(l) + CS2(g) ΔH° = +733 kJ mol⁻¹ ΔS° = +218 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ This reaction is not feasible at 800°C. Calculate ΔG for this reaction at 800°C. ΔG = .............................................. kJ mol⁻¹[2]
  8. (c)(i)Construct an equation for the thermal decomposition of Zn(NO3)2.[1]
  9. (c)(ii)The radii of some Group 2 cations and Zn²⁺ are shown in Table 1.2. Table 1.2 cation Mg²⁺ Ca²⁺ Sr²⁺ Ba²⁺ Zn²⁺ radius/pm 65 99 113 135 74 State and explain the trend in thermal stability of the Group 2 nitrates down the group.[2]
  10. (c)(iii)Use Table 1.2 to suggest which Group 2 nitrates are less thermally stable than zinc nitrate.[1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Feb/Mar 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] [Ar] 1↓ 1↓ 1↓ 1↓ 1↓
  2. [3] one for each of the eight species (including state symbol) on the correct line AND one e- any three [1] any six [2] all nine [3]
  3. [1] EA becomes less negative/ less exothermic (down group / S to Te)
  4. [1] atomic radii increases OR outer shell gets farther from nucleus OR electron added at higher energy level OR more shielding (of outer shells)
  5. [1] less nuclear attraction OR less attraction for incoming/added electron any two [1] all three [2]
  6. [1] M1: O2- (has same charge but) smaller (radius than S2-) OR oxygen has a smaller ion (than S2-) ORA
  7. [1] M2: stronger ionic bond OR greater attraction between Zn2+ and O²- ORA
  8. [1] ΔS negative AND more moles / molecules of gaseous reactants ORA OR ΔS negative AND moles / molecules of gas are reduced (in the reaction)
  9. [1] ΔS = 50.8 + 197.7 – 43.7 – 5.7 = (+)199.1 (J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹)
  10. [1] ΔG = ΔH – TΔS ALLOW G = ∆H – T∆S
  11. [1] = +733 – (800 + 273) × 0.218 = (+)499.086 (kJ mol⁻¹) min 3sf
  12. [1] Zn(NO3)2 → ZnO + 2NO2 + ½O2 OR 2Zn(NO3)2 → 2ZnO + 4NO2 + O2
  13. [1] increases (in thermal stability down the group)
  14. [1] AND (cat)ion(ic) radius / ion size increases (down the group)
  15. [1] less polarisation / less distortion of anion/ of nitrate ion/NO3⁻/ NO3²⁻ OR less weakening of N–O bond
  16. [1] Mg(NO3)2 only ALLOW Mg2+ / magnesium

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About this question

Topic
Chemical energetics, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Structured question, 16 marks.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, Feb/Mar 2023 Paper 4 Variant 2, question 1.

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