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O-LevelChemistryMetals & Reactivity5070/22 · Oct/Nov 2018 · Q810 Marks

Bismuth is a metallic element in Group V of the Periodic Table.

  1. (a)Complete the diagram to show the structure and bonding in a typical metal. Label your diagram. [Figure 8.1: A diagram with several empty circles arranged in a lattice, representing positions for metal ions, and empty space between them for electrons.][2]
  2. (b)Describe three physical properties which are typical of most metals. 1. .......... 2. .......... 3. ..........[2]
  3. (c)Bismuth reacts with chlorine to form bismuth(III) chloride, BiCl₃. Construct the equation for this reaction.[1]
  4. (d)When bismuth reacts with molten bismuth(III) chloride, an ion is formed. The structure of this ion is shown. [Figure 8.2: A diagram showing two bismuth atoms bonded together, each bonded to four chlorine atoms, with an overall charge of 2-. Specifically, it shows Cl₂Bi-BiCl₂, with two more Cl atoms attached to each Bi, and overall 2- charge.] Write the formula of this ion.[1]
  5. (e)A white precipitate of BiOCl is formed when colourless BiCl₃ is added to water. BiCl₃(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇌ BiOCl(s) + 2HCl(aq)
  6. (e)(i)Describe and explain what you would observe when a few drops of concentrated hydrochloric acid are added to this mixture.[2]
  7. (e)(ii)Suggest why a change in pressure has no effect on the reaction shown.[1]
  8. (f)Bismuth is used in alloys. What is the meaning of the term alloy?[1]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] (a) positive sign in centre of atoms labelled (metal) ions (1)
  2. [1] (a) at least one electron drawn between the circles and labelled electron(s) (1)
  3. [2] (b) 2 marks for three properties
  4. [1] (b) 1 mark for one or two properties
  5. [1] (b) conduct electricity / conduct heat
  6. [1] (b) malleable
  7. [1] (b) ductile
  8. [1] (b) lustrous / shiny
  9. [1] (c) 2Bi + 3Cl₂ → 2BiCl₃
  10. [1] (d) Bi₂Cl₈²⁻
  11. [1] (e)(i) white solid disappears (1)
  12. [1] (e)(i) equilibrium moves to the left / more BCl₃ and H₂O (1)
  13. [1] (e)(ii) there are no gaseous reactants or products / there are no gases in the equation
  14. [1] (f) mixture of metal with another element / mixture of metal with another metal / mixture of metal with non-metal

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About this question

Topic
Metals & Reactivity, O-Level Chemistry (syllabus 5070). Structured question, 10 marks.
Source
O-Level Chemistry, Oct/Nov 2018 Paper 2 Variant 2, question 8.

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