A-LevelChemistryChemical bondingFeb/Mar 2024Paper 1 Q61 Mark

Aluminium chloride exists as Al₂Cl₆ molecules at room temperature. When heated to a high temperature, AlCl₃ molecules are formed. What are the arrangements of the bonding pairs of electrons around the aluminium atom in the two forms of aluminium chloride?

Q: What is the correct answer to this A-Level Chemistry question?

The correct answer is B: AlCl₃: planar, Al₂Cl₆: tetrahedral.

Q: What topic does this question test?

This question tests Chemical bonding in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

AAlCl₃: planar, Al₂Cl₆: planar

BAlCl₃: planar, Al₂Cl₆: tetrahedral

CAlCl₃: tetrahedral, Al₂Cl₆: tetrahedral

DAlCl₃: tetrahedral, Al₂Cl₆: octahedral

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is B: AlCl₃: planar, Al₂Cl₆: tetrahedral

📋 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 Chemical bonding in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry Feb/Mar 2024 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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