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A-LevelChemistryChemical periodicity9701/21 · May/June 2017 · Q316 Marks

The properties of elements and their compounds show similarities, differences and trends depending on the positions of the elements in the Periodic Table.

  1. (a)(i)The positions of some elements are indicated. The letters used are not the symbols of the elements. [Figure 3.1: Partial Periodic Table diagram with letters E, D, F, G, A, B, H, C] From the elements labelled, give the letter for; the element that forms an amphoteric oxide,[1]
  2. (a)(ii)the element with the highest first ionisation energy,[1]
  3. (a)(iii)the element that forms a soluble hydroxide and an insoluble sulfate,[1]
  4. (a)(iv)the most volatile element in a group that contains elements in all three states of matter at room temperature and pressure,[1]
  5. (a)(v)the element that forms the largest cation.[1]
  6. (b)(i)The elements in Group 2 all react with oxygen and with water. State and explain the conditions needed for magnesium to react with oxygen.[2]
  7. (b)(ii)State what would be seen during the reaction in (b)(i).[1]
  8. (b)(iii)Write an equation for the reaction of magnesium with cold water. Include state symbols.[2]
  9. (c)(i)The carbonates and nitrates of the elements in Group 2 can all be decomposed by heating. Write an equation for the thermal decomposition of magnesium nitrate.[1]
  10. (c)(ii)The thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate forms a solid product that is industrially important. This solid product reacts with water to form a compound commonly known as slaked lime. Write equations for the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate and the reaction of the solid product to form slaked lime. thermal decomposition formation of slaked lime[2]
  11. (d)(i)Calcium carbonate and calcium hydroxide both have an important use in agriculture. Describe this use and explain what makes these two compounds suitable for it.[2]
  12. (d)(ii)Write an ionic equation to illustrate this use of calcium carbonate.[1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2017). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] A
  2. [1] H
  3. [1] G
  4. [1] B
  5. [1] F
  6. [1] (strong) heating
  7. [1] (to provide / overcome) high activation energy
  8. [1] white flame / white light / white smoke / white solid
  9. [2] Mg(s) + 2H₂O(l) → Mg(OH)₂(s) + H₂(g)
  10. [1] 2Mg(NO₃)₂ → 2MgO + 4NO₂ + O₂
  11. [1] CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂
  12. [1] CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂
  13. [1] reduce acidity in soil / increase pH of soil
  14. [1] (both) basic / base(s)
  15. [1] CaCO₃ + 2H⁺ → Ca²⁺ + CO₂ + H₂O
  16. OR
  17. CaCO₃ + 2H⁺ → Ca²⁺ + H₂CO₃

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About this question

Topic
Chemical periodicity, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Structured question, 16 marks.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, May/June 2017 Paper 2 Variant 1, question 3.

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