1.

What is the correct Lewis structure for hypochlorous acid, a compound containing chlorine,
hydrogen and oxygen?
.. ..
A. : Cl : O : H :
.. ..
.. ..
B. : Cl : H : O :
.. ..
.. ..
C. : Cl : O : H
.. ..
.. ..
D. O : Cl : H
.. ..
2. Which compound forms hydrogen bonds in the liquid state?
A. C2H5OH
B. CHCl3
C. CH3CHO
D. (CH3CH2)3N
3. How do the bond angles in CH4, NH3 and H2O compare?
A. CH4 = NH3 = H2O
B. CH4 < NH3 < H2O
C. NH3 < CH4 < H2O
D. H2O < NH3 < CH4
4. Which combination of the characteristics of element X, a metal, and element Y, a non metal, is
most likely to lead to ionic bonding?

X Y
A. low ionization energy high electronegativity value
B. low ionization energy low electronegativity value
C. high ionization energy high electronegativity value
D. high ionization energy low electronegativity value
5. Which particles are responsible for electrical conductivity in metals?
A. Anions
B. Cations
C. Electrons
D. Protons
6. Explain why:
(i) calcium has a higher melting point than potassium.
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......................................................................................................................................
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......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii) sodium oxide has a higher melting point than sulfur trioxide.
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......................................................................................................................................
(3)
7. Describe and compare three features of the structure and bonding in the three allotropes of
carbon: diamond, graphite and C60 fullerene.
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.................................................................................................................................(Total 6 marks)

IB Questionbank Chemistry 1
8. Draw the Lewis structure of CO2 and predict its shape and bond angle.

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(Total 2 marks)
9. Describe the structure and bonding in SiO2.
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(Total 2 marks)
10. Explain why silicon dioxide is a solid and carbon dioxide is a gas at room temperature.
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(Total 2 marks)
11. Describe the bonding within the carbon monoxide molecule.
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(Total 2 marks)
12. How many σ and π bonds are present in a molecule of propyne, CH 3CCH?

σ π
A. 5 3
B. 6 2
C. 7 1
D. 8 0
13. Which species does not contain delocalized electrons?
A. CH3CH2O–
B. CH3CO2–
C. O3
D. NO3–
14. The Lewis structure of SO2 is given below.
.. ..
: O ―S O :
.. ..
What is the shape of the SO2 molecule?
A. Bent (V-shaped)
B. Linear
C. T-shaped
D. Triangular planar

IB Questionbank Chemistry 2
15. The graph below illustrates how the vapour pressures of ethoxyethane, CH 3CH2OCH2CH3,
benzene, C6H6, and water, H2O, change with temperature.

(a) Using data from the graph, explain the difference in vapour pressure of ethoxyethane,
benzene and water at 30 °C.
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......................................................................................................................................
(4)

(b) Use the graph to determine the boiling point of benzene at standard pressure.
......................................................................................................................................
(1)
16. Describe the delocalization of pi (π) electrons and explain how this can account for the structure
and stability of the carbonate ion, CO32–.
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................................................................................................................................................
(Total 3 marks)
17. Explain the meaning of the term hybridization. State the type of hybridization shown by the
carbon atoms in carbon dioxide, diamond, graphite and the carbonate ion.
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................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................(Total 5 marks)

IB Questionbank Chemistry 3
18. Explain the electrical conductivity of molten sodium oxide and liquid sulfur trioxide.
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
(Total 2 marks)
19. Which molecule has a non-bonding (lone) pair of electrons on the central atom?
A. BF3
B. SO2
C. CO2
D. SiF4
20. When C2H2, C2H4 and C2H6 are arranged in order of increasing carbon-carbon bond strength
(weakest bond first), what is the correct order?
A. C2H2, C2H4, C2H6
B. C2H2, C2H6, C2H4
C. C2H6, C2H4, C2H2
D. C2H6, C2H2, C2H4
21. The number of electrons in the valence shell of elements A and B, are 6 and 7 respectively.
What is the formula and type of bonding in a compound formed by these elements?
A. A2B, covalent
B. AB2, covalent
C. A2B, ionic
D. AB2, ionic
22. Lewis structures are represented in different ways in different parts of the world. Two ways of
drawing the Lewis structure for H3O+ are shown below.

Which statement is correct about H3O+?

A. The ion has a tetrahedral shape.
B. The H–O–H bond angle is 120°.
C. The H–O–H bond angle is 90°.
D. The ion has a trigonal pyramidal shape.
23. Which particles are responsible for the conduction of electricity in molten aluminium?
A. Cations
B. Anions
C. Electrons
D. Protons
24.
25. Methoxymethane, CH3OCH3, and ethanol, C2H5OH, have the same relative molecular mass.
Explain why methoxymethane has a much lower boiling point than ethanol.
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................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
(Total 3 marks)
26. Ammonia, NH3, is a weak base.
(i) Draw the Lewis structure of ammonia and state the shape of the molecule and its bond
angles.

(3)

IB Questionbank Chemistry 4
 (ii) The conjugate acid of ammonia is the ammonium ion, NH 4+. Draw the Lewis structure of
the ammonium ion and deduce its shape and bond angles.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
27. How many sigma and pi bonds are there in propyne, CH 3CCH?
A. 2 sigma and 2 pi
B. 7 sigma and 1 pi
C. 6 sigma and 2 pi
D. 5 sigma and 3 pi
28. Which species does not have delocalized electrons?
A. NO3–
B. NO2–
C. O3
D. C3H6
29. In which compound are all the carbon atoms sp2 hybridized?

30. Which combination of intermolecular forces, boiling point and enthalpy of vaporization is
correct?

Intermolecular forces Boiling point Enthalpy of vaporization

A. strong low low
B. strong high low
C. weak low high
D. weak low low
31. Which is the best description of the bonding present in the ammonium ion, NH 4+?
A. Sharing of electrons between atoms
B. Electrostatic attraction between ions
C. Electrostatic attraction between positive ions and delocalized electrons
D. Sharing of electrons between atoms and electrostatic attraction between ions
32. The formula of cerium(III) sulfate is Ce2(SO4)3. What is the correct formula of cerium(III)
phosphate?
A. CeP
B. Ce2(PO4)3
C. Ce3(PO4)2
D. CePO4

IB Questionbank Chemistry 5
33. Which molecule has the shortest carbon-oxygen bond length?
A. CH3COOH
B. CH3CH2OH
C. CO2
D. CO
34. Which pair of compounds is arranged in correct order of relative boiling points?
Lower Boiling Point Higher Boiling Point
A. H2S H2O
B. NH3 PH3
C. HF HCl
D. CH3COOH CH3CH2OH
35. Which statement about the bonding between carbon atoms is correct?
A. In C60 fullerene each carbon atom is covalently bonded to three other carbon atoms.
B. In C60 fullerene each carbon atom is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms.
C. In graphite each carbon atom is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms.
D. In graphite each carbon atom forms a double covalent bond with three other carbon
atoms.
36. Which intermolecular forces exist between molecules of carbon monoxide, CO?
A. Hydrogen bonds and van der Waals’ forces
B. Dipole-dipole attractions and van der Waals’ forces
C. Van der Waals’ forces only
D. Dipole-dipole attractions only
37.
38. Which pair of compounds is arranged in correct order of relative boiling points?

Lower Boiling Point Higher Boiling Point

A. CH3OCH3 CH3CH2OH
B. CH3CHO CH3CH2CH3
C. CH3CH2OH CH3CHO
D. CH3COOH CH3CH2OH
39. Which statements about σ and π bonds are correct?
I. σ bonds result from the axial overlap of orbitals.
II. σ bonds only form from s orbitals.
III. π bonds result from the sideways overlap of parallel p orbitals.
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III
40. In which substance does a carbon atom have sp2 hybridization?
A. 2-methylbutan-1-ol
B. Propyne, CH3CCH
C. C60 fullerene
D. Diamond
41. What is the formula of magnesium fluoride?
A. Mg2F3
B. Mg2F
C. Mg3F2
D. MgF2
42. What is the shape of the ammonia molecule, NH3?
A. Trigonal planar
B. Trigonal pyramidal
C. Linear
D. V-shaped (bent)

IB Questionbank Chemistry 6
43. Which molecule is polar?
A. CH2Cl2
B. BCl3
C. Cl2
D. CCl4
44. Which substance can form intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the liquid state?
A. CH3OCH3
B. CH3CH2OH
C. CH3CHO
D. CH3CH2CH3
45. Which compound has a covalent macromolecular (giant covalent) structure?
A. MgO(s)
B. Al2O3(s)
C. P4O10(s)
D. SiO2(s)
46.
47. What is the electron configuration of Fe3+?
A. [Ar]4s23d6
B. [Ar]3d5
C. [Ar]4s23d5
D. [Ar]4s23d3
48. The Lewis structure of XeF2 contains two bonding pairs of electrons and three non-bonding
pairs of electrons (lone pairs) around the central xenon atom. What is the shape of XeF2
molecule?
A. Bent
B. Trigonal bipyramidal
C. Square planar
D. Linear
49. How many sigma (σ) bonds are present in (CH3)2C=CClCH2CH3?
A. 1
B. 4
C. 16
D. 17
50. The electronegativities of four different elements are given below (the letters are not their
chemical symbols).
Element W X Y Z
Electronegativity 0.9 1.2 3.4 4.0
Based on this information which statement is correct?
A. W is a non-metal.
B. W and X form an ionic compound.
C. Y is a metal.
D. Y and Z form a covalent compound.
51. Which substance is made up of a lattice of positive ions and free moving electrons?
A. Graphite
B. Sodium chloride
C. Sulfur
D. Sodium
52. Which order is correct when the following compounds are arranged in order of increasing
melting point?
A. CH4 < H2S < H2O
B. H2S < H2O < CH4
C. CH4 < H2O < H2S
D. H2S < CH4 < H2O

IB Questionbank Chemistry 7
53. Describe the bonding in iron and explain the electrical conductivity and malleability of the
metal.
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(Total 4 marks)

54. Ethene, C2H4, and hydrazine, N2H4, are hydrides of adjacent elements in the periodic table.
(a) (i) Draw Lewis (electron dot) structures for C2H4 and N2H4 showing all valence
electrons.
(2)

(ii) State and explain the H–C–H bond angle in ethene and the H–N–H bond angle in
hydrazine.
(5)

(b) The polarity of a molecule can be explained in terms of electronegativity.

(i) Define the term electronegativity.
(2)

(ii) Compare the relative polarities of the C–H bond in ethene and the N–H bond in
hydrazine.
(1)

(iii) Hydrazine is a polar molecule and ethene is non-polar. Explain why ethene is
non-polar.
(1)
(c) The boiling point of hydrazine is much higher than that of ethene. Explain this difference
in terms of the intermolecular forces in each compound.
(2)

55. Which molecule has an octahedral shape?

A. SF6
B. PCl5
C. XeF4
D. BF3
56. Which species have delocalized electrons?

A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III

IB Questionbank Chemistry 8
57. (a) But-2-ene is a straight-chain alkene with formula C4H8. The molecule contains both σ
and π bonds.

(i) Explain the formation of the π bond.

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...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) For each of the carbon atoms, C(1) and C(2), identify the type of hybridization
shown.
C(1): ..................................................................................................................
C(2): ..................................................................................................................
(1)
58. What happens when magnesium metal reacts with chlorine gas?
A. Each magnesium atom loses two electrons and each chlorine atom gains two electrons.
B. Each magnesium atom gains one electron and each chlorine atom loses one electron.
C. Each magnesium atom loses two electrons and each chlorine atom gains one electron.
D. Each magnesium atom gains one electron and each chlorine atom loses two electrons.
59. Which is the best description of ionic bonding?
A. The electrostatic attraction between positively charged nuclei and an electron pair
B. The electrostatic attraction between positive ions and delocalized negative ions
C. The electrostatic attraction between positive ions and delocalized electrons
D. The electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions
60. Which is the best description of the bonding present in silicon dioxide, SiO 2?
A. Each silicon atom forms four single covalent bonds to oxygen atoms.
B. Each silicon atom forms two double covalent bonds to oxygen atoms.
C. Each silicon atom forms two single covalent bonds to oxygen atoms.
D. Each silicon atom forms four double covalent bonds to oxygen atoms.
61. (i) Draw the Lewis structures for carbon monoxide, CO, carbon dioxide, CO2 and methanol,
CH3OH.
(3)
(ii) List, with an explanation, the three compounds in order of increasing carbon to oxygen
bond length (shortest first).
(2)
62. Predict the shape and bond angles for the following species:
(i) CO2
(2)
2–
(ii) CO3
(2)
(iii) BF4– (2)

IB Questionbank Chemistry 9
63. Identify the hybridization of carbon atoms in this molecule

1 2 3 4
3 2 2
A. sp sp sp sp2
B. sp2 sp2 sp2 sp
C. sp3 sp sp2 sp
2
D. sp sp sp sp2
64. Which structure has delocalized π electrons?
A. O3
B. CO
C. HCN
D. CO2
65. Draw the Lewis structures, state the shape and predict the bond angles for the following species.
(i) PCl3
(3)

(ii) NH2–
(3)

(iii) XeF4
(3)

66. Which statement best describes the intramolecular bonding in HCN(l)?

A. Electrostatic attractions between H+ and CN– ions
B. Only van der Waals’ forces
C. Van der Waals’ forces and hydrogen bonding
D. Electrostatic attractions between pairs of electrons and positively charged nuclei
67. Which statement best describes metallic bonding?
A. Electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged ions
B. Electrostatic attractions between a lattice of positive ions and delocalized electrons
C. Electrostatic attractions between a lattice of negative ions and delocalized protons
D. Electrostatic attractions between protons and electrons
68. Metal M has only one oxidation number and forms a compound with the formula MCO 3.
Which formula is correct?
A. MNO3
B. MNH4
C. MSO4
D. MPO4
69. Which molecule has the shortest bond between carbon atoms?
A. C2H6
B. C2H4
C. C2H2
D. C2H4Cl2
70. Explain, using diagrams, why CO and NO2 are polar molecules but CO2 is a non-polar
molecule.
(Total 5 marks)

IB Questionbank Chemistry 10
71. How many bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons surround the sulfur atom in the SF4
molecule?

Bonding pairs Lone pairs

A. 4 1
B. 4 0
C. 6 0
D. 8 2
72. Which of the following best describes the formation of π bonds?
A. They are formed by the sideways overlap of parallel orbitals.
B. They are formed by the axial overlap of orbitals.
C. They are formed by the sideways overlap of an s and p orbital.
D. They are formed by the axial overlap of either s or p orbitals.
73. What is the hybridization of the carbon atom, and the number of σ and π bonds in the methanal
molecule?

Hybridization σ bonds π bonds

A. 2 3 1
sp
B. 3 3 1
sp
C. 3 4 0
sp
D. 2 4 0
sp
74. Which molecule contains a bond angle of approximately 120°?
A. CH4
B. C2H2
C. C2H4
D. C2H6
75. Which compound does not form hydrogen bonds between its molecules?
A. CH3NH2
B. CH3COCH3
C. CH3COOH
D. CH3CH2OH
76. PF3, SF2 and SiF4 have different shapes. Draw their Lewis structures and use the VSEPR theory
to predict the name of the shape of each molecule.

PF3 SF2 SiF4

Lewis structure

Name of shape .................................... .................................... ....................................

(Total 6 marks)

77. What is the correct order if the compounds are arranged in order of increasing boiling point?
A. CH4 < CH3Cl < SiH4 < CH3OH
B. CH3OH < CH4 < CH3Cl < SiH4
C. CH3OH < CH3Cl < SiH4 < CH4
D. CH4 < SiH4 < CH3Cl < CH3OH

IB Questionbank Chemistry 11
78. How many atoms is each carbon directly bonded to in its allotropes?

Diamond Graphite C60 fullerene

A. 3 3 3
B. 4 3 3
C. 4 3 4
D. 4 4 3
79. SF2, SF4 and SF6 have different shapes. Draw their Lewis structures and use the VSEPR theory
to predict the name of the shape of each molecule.

SF2 SF4 SF6

Lewis structure

Name of shape .................................... .................................... ....................................

(Total 6 marks)

80. Which statement is true for compounds containing only covalent bonds?
A. They are held together by electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged
ions.
B. They are made up of metal elements only.
C. They are made up of a metal from the far left of the periodic table and a non-metal from
the far right of the periodic table.
D. They are made up of non-metal elements only.
81. How many electrons are used in the carbon-carbon bond in C2H2?
A. 4
B. 6
C. 10
D. 12
82. Which compound has the highest boiling point?
A. CH3CH2CH3
B. CH3CH2OH
C. CH3OCH3
D. CH3CHO
83. What type of solid materials are typically hard, have high melting points and poor electrical
conductivities?
I. Ionic
II. Metallic
III. Covalent-network
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III
84. (i) Outline the principles of the valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory.
(3)
+
(ii) Use the VSEPR theory to deduce the shape of H3O and C2H4. For each species, draw the
Lewis structure, name the shape, and state the value of the bond angle(s).
(6)
(iii) Predict and explain whether each species is polar.
(2)
(iv) Using the Data Booklet, predict and explain which of the bonds O-H, O-N or N-H would
be most polar.
(2)

IB Questionbank Chemistry 12
85. Predict and explain which of the following compounds consist of molecules:
NaCl, BF3, CaCl2, N2O, P4O6, FeS and CBr4.
(Total 2 marks)

86. State two physical properties associated with metals and explain them at the atomic level.
(Total 4 marks)

87. How many sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds are present in the structure of HCN?
σ π
A. 1 3
B. 2 3
C. 2 2
D. 3 1
88. How many lone pairs and bonding pairs of electrons surround xenon in the XeF4 molecule?
Lone pairs Bonding pairs
A. 4 8
B. 0 8
C. 0 4
D. 2 4

IB Questionbank Chemistry 13
1. C 2. A 3. D 4. A 5. C
6. (i) calcium ionic charge is twice/greater than the potassium ionic charge /
calcium has more delocalized electrons than potassium;
greater attraction of delocalized electrons and Ca 2+ / less attraction
between the delocalized electrons and K+; 2
Do not accept calcium ion has a 2+ without comparison to K+.
(ii) Na2O ionic/(stronger electrostatic) attractions between Na + and O2–;
SO3 has (weak) intermolecular/van der Waals’/London/dispersion/
dipole-dipole attractions;
intermolecular/van der Waals’/London/dispersion/dipole-dipole forces
are weaker/more easily broken than (strong) ionic bonds / ionic bonds
are stronger/harder to break than intermolecular bond/van der
Waals’/London/dispersion/dipole-dipole forces; 3
7. Award [2 max] for three of the following features:
Bonding
Graphite and C60 fullerene: covalent bonds and van der Waals’/London/
dispersion forces;
Diamond: covalent bonds (and van der Waals’/London/dispersion forces);
Delocalized electrons
Graphite and C60 fullerene: delocalized electrons;
Diamond: no delocalized electrons;
Structure
Diamond: network/giant structure / macromolecular / three-dimensional
structure and Graphite: layered structure / two-dimensional
structure / planar;
C60 fullerene: consists of molecules / spheres made of atoms arranged in
hexagons/pentagons;
Bond angles
Graphite: 120° and Diamond: 109°;
C60 fullerene: bond angles between 109–120°;
Allow Graphite: sp2 and Diamond: sp3.
Allow C60 fullerene: sp2 and sp3.
Number of atoms each carbon is bonded to
Graphite and C60 fullerene: each C atom attached to 3 others;
Diamond: each C atom attached to 4 atoms / tetrahedral
arrangement of C (atoms); 6 max
8. ;
linear and 180°; 2
Accept crosses, lines or dots as electron pairs.
9. network/giant structure / macromolecular;
each Si atom bonded covalently to 4 oxygen atoms and each O
atom bonded covalently to 2 Si atoms / single covalent bonds; 2
Award [1 max] for answers such as network-covalent, giant-covalent or
macromolecular-covalent.
Both M1 and M2 can be scored by a suitable diagram.
10. Silicon dioxide: strong/covalent bonds in network/giant structure/macromolecule;
Carbon dioxide: weak/van der Waals’/dispersion/London forces between molecules; 2
11. triple (covalent) bond;
one electron pair donated by oxygen to carbon atom / dative (covalent)/
coordinate (covalent) bond; 2
Award [1 max] for representation of C≡O.
Award [2] if CO shown with dative covalent bond.
12. B 13. A 14. A

IB Questionbank Chemistry 14
15. (a) vapour pressure ethoxyethane (81 × 103 Pa) > vapour pressure
benzene (16 × 103 Pa) > vapour pressure water (4 × 103 Pa);
If three correct vapour pressure values related to each substance
are stated alone award M1.
Allow range of 80–85 × 103 Pa, 14–18 × 103 Pa and 3–7 × 103 Pa.
Do not award mark for comparisons of just two substances.
water has hydrogen bonding;
benzene has van der Waals’/London/dispersion forces;
ethoxyethane has dipole–dipole forces (and van der Waals’/London/
dispersion) but they are weaker than benzene; 4
(b) 81 °C; 1
Allow 80–82 °C.
16. delocalization/spread of pi/π electrons over more than two nuclei;
equal bond order/strength/length / spreading charge (equally) over all
three oxygens;
gives carbonate ion a greater stability/lower potential energy; 3
M3 can be scored independently.
Accept suitable labelled diagrams for M1 and M2 e.g.

OR

Do not penalize missing brackets on resonance structure but 2– charge must

be shown.
Allow –2 for charge on resonance structure.
17. mixing/combining/merging of (atomic) orbitals to form new orbitals (for bonding);
Allow molecular or hybrid instead of new.
Do not allow answers such as changing shape/symmetries of atomic orbitals.
Carbon dioxide: sp;
Diamond: sp3;
Graphite: sp2;
Carbonate ion: sp2; 5
18. Molten sodium oxide: conducts because of free moving/mobile ions in
molten state;
Sulfur trioxide: doesn’t conduct because no free moving/mobile charged
particles/it has neutral molecules; 2
Award [1 max] for stating molten sodium oxide conducts but sulfur
trioxide doesn’t.
Do not award M2 for just “sulfur trioxide does not conduct because
it is molecular”.
19. B 20. C 21. B 22. D 23. C
24.
25. methoxymethane is very weakly polar
weak van der Waals’/dipole-dipole forces exist between methoxymethane
molecules;
Accept alternatives to van der Waals’ such as London and dispersion forces.
ethanol contains a hydrogen atom bonded directly to an electronegative
oxygen atom / hydrogen bonding can occur between two ethanol
molecules / intermolecular hydrogen bonding in ethanol;

IB Questionbank Chemistry 15
 the forces of attraction between molecules are stronger in ethanol than
in methoxymethane / hydrogen bonding stronger than van der Waals’/
dipole-dipole attractions; 3 max
Award [2 max] if covalent bonds breaking during boiling is
mentioned in the answer.
Penalize only once if no reference given to intermolecular nature
of hydrogen bonding or van der Waal is missing.
26. (i)

Accept any combination of dots/crosses and lines to represent

electron pairs.
(trigonal/triangular) pyramid;
Allow 3D representation using wedges and dotted bonds of
trigonal pyramidal molecule.
107°; 3
Accept any angle between 105º and 108.5º.
No ECF for shape based on incorrect Lewis structure.

(ii)

Charge needed for mark.

tetrahedral;
Allow a 3D representation using wedges and dotted bonds
of tetrahedral molecule.
109.5°/109°/109° 28'; 3
No ECF for shape based on incorrect Lewis structure.
27. C 31. A 35. A 39. B 43. A
28. D 32. D 36. B 40. C 44. B
29. A 33. D 37. 41. D 45. D
30. D 34. A 38. A 42. B
46. (i) energy/enthalpy change/required/needed to remove/knock out an electron
(to form +1 /uni-positive/ M+1 ion);
in the gaseous state;
Award [1] for M(g) → M+(g) + e–.
Award [2] for M(g) → M+(g) + e– with reference to energy/enthalpy change. 2
(ii) increasing number of protons/atomic number/Z/nuclear charge;
atomic radii/size decreases / same shell/energy level / similar shielding/
screening (from inner electrons);
No mark for shielding/screening or shielding/screening increases. 2
(iii) Na: delocalized electrons / mobile sea of electrons / sea of electrons
free to move;
No mark for just “mobile electrons”.
P: atoms covalently bonded / no free/mobile/delocalized electrons; 2
47. B 48. D 49. D 50. D 51. D 52. A
53. metallic (bonding);
positive ions/cations and delocalized/sea of electrons;
electrostatic attraction between the two;
Award [2 max] for description of bonding
Conductivity:

IB Questionbank Chemistry 16
 electrons delocalized/free to move;
Malleability:
atoms/ions/cations can move without breaking bonds / atoms/ions/
cations can slide past each other; 4
54. (a) (i)

Accept ×’s, dots or lines for electron pairs. 2

(ii) H–C–H:
any angle between 118° and 122°;
due to three negative charge centres/electron domains/electron pairs;
H–N–H:
any angle between 104° and 108°;
due to four negative charge centres/electron domains/electron pairs;
extra repulsion due to lone electron pairs;
Do not allow ECF for wrong Lewis structures. 5
(b) (i) (relative) measure of an atoms attraction for electrons;
in a covalent bond / shared pair; 2
(ii) C–H is less polar as C is less electronegative / N–H bond is more polar
as N is more electronegative / difference in electronegativity is greater
for N-H than C-H; 1
(iii) bond polarities cancel in C2H4 / OWTTE; 1
(c) weaker van der Waals’/London/dispersion/intermolecular forces in ethene;
stronger (intermolecular) hydrogen bonding in hydrazine;
If no comparison between strengths then [1 max]. 2
55. A 56. A
57. (a) (i) (bond formed by) sideways overlap;
(of) p orbitals;
Marks awarded either from sketch or from explanation. 2

(ii) C(l) is sp3 and C(2) is sp2; 1

58. C 59. D 60. A
61. (i)

All outer electron pairs must be shown for mark in each case.
IB Questionbank Chemistry 17
 Accept electrons shown as all x rather than • and x. 3
(ii) CO < CO2 < CH3OH;
triple bonds are shorter than double bonds which are shorter than single
bonds / the more pairs of electrons that are shared the stronger the
attracting so the shorter the bond / OWTTE;
The order must be correct to gain the second marking point
unless ECF from (a). 2
62. (i) (CO2) linear;
180°; 2
2–
(ii) (CO3 ) trigonal planar/triangular planar;
120°; 2
–
(iii) (BF4 ) tetrahedral;
109.5° / 109° / 109° 28’; 2
63. A 64. A
65. (i)

trigonal pyramid;
in the range of 100–108°;
(ii)

Must include minus sign for the mark.

bent/V–shaped;
in the range of 100–106°; 3
(iii)

square planar;
90°;
Penalize once only if electron pairs are missed off outer atoms. 3
66. D 67. B 68. C 69. C
70. CO:

Award [1] for showing the net dipole moment, or explaining it in words
(unsymmetrical distribution of charge).
NO2:

Award [1] for correct representation of the bent shape and [1] for showing the
net dipole moment, or explaining it in words (unsymmetrical distribution of charge).
CO2:

Award [1] for correct representation of the linear shape and [1] for showing the
two equal but opposite dipoles or explaining it in words (symmetrical
distribution of charge).

IB Questionbank Chemistry 18
 For all three molecules, allow either arrow or arrow with bar for
representation of dipole moment.
Allow correct partial charges instead of the representation of the
vector dipole moment.
Ignore incorrect bonds.
Lone pairs not needed. 5
71. A 72. A 73. A 74. C 75. B
76.
PF3 SF2 SiF4

Lewis
structure 2 lone pairs on S
1 lone pair on P
required for the mark required for the mark
Name of trigonal/triangular bent/angular/V shaped; tetrahedral/tetrahedron;
shape pyramidal;
Penalize missing lone pairs on fluorine atoms once in correct structures only.
For Lewis structures candidates are not expected to draw exact shapes of molecules.
Do not allow ECF for wrong Lewis structures.
Accept dots or crosses instead of lines. 6
77. D 78. B
79.
SF2 SF4 SF6

Lewis
structure

1 lone pair on S
2 lone pairs on S
required for the mark
required for the mark
bent/angular/V shaped; Seesaw/distorted octahedral;
Name of
tetrahedral; Accept square
shape
bipyrimidal
Penalize missing lone pairs on fluorine atoms once in correct structures only.
For Lewis structures candidates are not expected to draw exact shapes of molecules.
Do not allow ECF for wrong Lewis structures.
Accept dots or crosses instead of lines. 6
80. D 81. A 82. B 83. B
84. (i) Find number of electron pairs/charge centres in (valence shell of)
central atom;
electron pairs/charge centres (in valence shell) of central atom repel
each other;
Any one of the following:
to positions of minimum energy/repulsion / maximum stability;
pairs forming a double or triple bond act as a single bond;
non-bonding pairs repel more than bonding pairs / OWTTE; 3 max
Do not accept repulsion between bonds or atoms.
(ii) 6
Lewis (electron-dot)
Species Shape Bond angle(s)
structure
– +
+ O Trigonal/triangular Allow values in the
H3O H ;
H H pyramidal; range 106° to 109.5°;

IB Questionbank Chemistry 19
 H H Trigonal/triangular Allow values of
C2H4 ;
H H planar; approximately 120°;
Accept crosses and dots for electrons in Lewis structures also.
As the Lewis structures were asked for, and not 3D
representations, do not penalize incorrectly drawn geometries.
Do not accept structure of hydronium cation without lone pair
on oxygen.
No penalty for missing charge.
+
(iii) H3O : is polar and explanation either using a diagram or in words,
involving the net dipole moment;
e.g. the three individual O-H bond dipole moments add as
vectors to give a net dipole moment.
C2H4: is non-polar and explanation either using a diagram or in words,
involving no net dipole moment; 2
e.g. the vector sum of the individual bond dipole moments is
zero.
For simple answers such as bond polarities do not cancel for
H3O+ and do cancel for C2H4, Award [1], only for the last two
marking points.
(iv) O-H is most polar;
O-H has greatest difference between electronegativities / calculation
showing values of 1.4, 0.5 and 0.9 respectively; 2
85. BF3, N2O, P4O6 and CBr4;
Non-metals only / small difference in electronegativity values of the elements; 2
86. Electrical conductivity:
Bonding electrons are delocalized;
Current flow occurs without displacement of atoms within the metal /
able to flow within the metal;
Malleability:
Can be hammered into thin sheets;
atoms capable of slipping with respect to one another; 4
87. C
88. D

IB Questionbank Chemistry 20