Magnesium undergoes oxidation when it reacts with aqueous silver nitrate. Mg + 2Ag⁺ → Mg²⁺ + 2Ag

1. (a)Explain how this equation shows that magnesium is oxidised.[1]
2. (b)The reaction of magnesium with silver nitrate is exothermic. Complete the energy profile diagram for this reaction. Label reactants, products and ΔH.[2]
3. (c)Acidified aqueous silver nitrate is added to a solution containing halide ions. A yellow precipitate is observed. State the name of the halide ion present in the solution.[1]
4. (d)Silver is a metal. Use your knowledge of the structure of metals to explain why silver is malleable.[2]
5. (e)The table gives information about the thermal decomposition of some metal carbonates. metal carbonate | ease of thermal decomposition calcium carbonate | decomposes at 900 °C magnesium carbonate | decomposes at 540 °C sodium carbonate | does not decompose below 1000°C Describe how the ease of thermal decomposition depends on the position of these metals in the reactivity series.[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.