*P15*

Pre-Leaving Certificate Examination, 2020

Triailscrúdú na hArdteistiméireachta, 2020
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CHEMISTRY – HIGHER LEVEL

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DURATION: 3 HOURS
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400 MARKS
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Answer eight questions in all.

These must include at least two questions from Section A.

All questions carry equal marks (50).

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The information below should be used in your calculations.

Relative atomic masses: H = 1, C = 12, O = 16, N = 14, Na = 23, Cr = 52

Molar volume at s.t.p. = 22.4 litres

Avogadro constant = 6  1023 mol–1

Universal gas constant = 8.3 J K–1 mol–1

The use of the Formulae and Tables booklet approved for use in the examination is permitted. A copy
may be obtained from the examination superintendent.
 Section A

Answer at least two questions from this section. See page 1 for full instructions.

1. In an experiment 4.69 grams of hydrated sodium carbonate

(Na2CO3.xH2O) were weighed out and dissolved in deionised 0

water. The solution was then made up to 250 cm3 in a Burette

volumetric flask. 20.0 cm3 of this solution was transferred to a 10

conical flask and titrated against a standard 0.13 M hydrochloric

acid solution using a suitable indicator. 20

(a) Describe the procedure for dissolving the hydrated salt

Hydrochloric
30

and making up the solution to 250 cm3 in the volumetric

acid solution
flask. (12) 40

(b) Name a suitable indicator for the titration and state the
colour change observed in the conical flask at the end
50

point. (6)

After carrying out a number of accurate titrations using

Conical flask
the 20 cm3 of sodium carbonate solution the mean
titration figure was found to be 20.17 cm3 of the 0.13 M Sodium
carbonate
hydrochloric acid solution.
solution
+ indicator
The titration reaction is

Na2CO3 + 2HCl 2NaCl + H2O + CO2

(c) Calculate:
(i) the number of moles of hydrochloric acid in 20.17 cm3 of the standard solution.
(ii) the number of moles of sodium carbonate in the 20 cm3 portion.
(iii) the concentration of anhydrous sodium carbonate in (a) moles/litre, (b) grams/litre.
(21)

(d) Calculate the weight of water in the original sample and hence the percentage of water of
crystallisation in the hydrated sodium carbonate. Calculate the value of x, the degree of
hydration of the original crystals. (11)

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2. A student carried out the preparation of benzoic acid by oxidizing 1.8cm3
of phenylmethanol (benzyl alcohol). The oxidation was carried out in basic
conditions using sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and a saturated solution of
potassium manganate (VII) in a conical flask.

After heating the solution for 20 min., it was cooled by running cold water
over the outside of the conical flask. It was then acidified with concentrated
hydrochloric acid. Sodium sulphite was then added and white crystals
became visible. The flask was placed in ice and the crystals were filtered
off by vacuum filtration. The crystals were dried and weighed. It was found
that 1.22g of benzoic acid was obtained. The equation for the oxidation
reaction is:

3C6H5CH2OH + 4KMnO4 3C6H5COOH + 4MnO2 + H2O + 4KOH

Answer the following:

(a) State and explain the colour change in the flask during the initial heating. (8)

(b) Name the organic compound that gave rise to the smell of almonds during the heating
phase. (6)

(c) Give two reasons why the solution was acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid. (6)

(d) How would you test the solution to find out if enough acid had been added? (3)

(e) What was the purpose of adding the sodium sulphite solution? (6)

(f) Why was the flask placed in ice before filtration? (3)

(g) How could the crystals have been dried? (3)

(h) The phenylmethanol was the limiting factor in this reaction. Using the fact that the student
used 1.8 cm3 of phenylmethanol (density = 1.04 g/cm3) calculate;
(i) the theoretical yield (12)
(ii) the percentage yield. (3)

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3. (a) Define the rate of a chemical reaction. (5)

In an investigation into the reaction between marble chips (CaCO3) and hydrochloric acid,
the mass of the gas carbon dioxide produced was monitored with time. Two runs were
conducted under the same conditions of temperature and pressure using the same initial
volume of the same hydrochloric acid solution and the same mass of marble chips but from
different suppliers. The table shows the total mass of carbon dioxide gas produced at stated
intervals over 9 minutes for each run.

Time (minutes) 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0

Run A Mass of CO2 (g) 0.0 2.3 3.9 5.0 5.5 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.4

Run B Mass of CO2 (g) 0.0 3.8 5.5 6.0 6.2 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.4

(b) On the same sheet of graph paper, using a common set of axes, plot a graph of mass of
carbon dioxide produced versus time for each run. (18)

(c) Which run A or B

(i) reached completion first,
(ii) had a faster initial rate? (6)

(d) Find using the graphs the instantaneous rate of reaction (in g of CO2 per minute) for both
runs at 3.0 minutes. Suggest a reason why the values of both rates are different. (15)

(e) A number of factors affect the rate of a chemical reaction. Suggest a reason why the values
for Run A over the course of 9 minutes were different from the values for Run B. (6)

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 Section B

See page 1 for instructions regarding the number of questions to be answered.

4. Answer eight of the following items (a), (b), (c), etc. (50)

(a) Name the series of coloured lines in the line emission spectrum of hydrogen corresponding
to transitions of electrons from higher energy levels to the second (n = 2) energy level.

(b) How many atoms are present in 280 cm3 of ammonia at s.t.p.?

(c) What is the percentage by mass of chromium in sodium dichromate (VI) Na2Cr2O7?

(d) What is meant by homogeneous catalysis?

(e) How could you confirm the presence of sulphate (SO42–) ions in an aqueous solution?

(f) Define electronegativity.

(g) What are the two possible shapes of molecules of general formula AB3?

(h) What are mercaptans and why are they added to natural gas and LPG?

(i) What is the underlying principle of ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy (UV)?

(j) Name two metals which act as catalysts in the catalytic converters of modern cars.

(k) Answer part A or B

A What is the greenhouse effect, and state one gas which contributes to it.

or

B Give two properties usually associated with transition elements or their compounds

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5. Atomic energy levels are now known to contain energy sublevels and orbitals. Distinguish between
the 3p atomic orbital and the 3p sub-level. (5)

Write the s,p electron configuration for the calcium atom. (6)

State how many (i) energy sub-levels, (ii) individual orbitals, are occupied by electrons in a calcium
atom. (6)

Explain why there are electrons in the fourth main energy level of calcium although the third main
energy level is incomplete. (3)

Use electronegativity values to predict the bonding in the following compounds

(i) CaH2
(ii) CaCl2 (12)

Draw the dot and cross diagrams for both molecules. (12)

State the shape of the CaH2 molecule and explain using the electron pair repulsion theory how
this shape arises. (6)

6. (a) The compound 2,2,4-trimethylpentane is one of two reference hydrocarbons used to assign
octane numbers to fuels. Name the other reference hydrocarbon. (3)

Define heat of combustion. (5)

The combustion of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane may be described by the following balanced

equation:

2C8H18(l) + 25O2(g) 16CO2(g) + 18H2O(l) ΔH = –10,934 kJ mol–1

Given that the heats of combustion of carbon and hydrogen are –394 and –286 kJ mol–1,
respectively, calculate the heat of formation of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane. (12)

(b) Hydrogen gas can be prepared industrially by the reaction between natural gas and water in
the form of steam. (Steam reforming)
(i) Write the balanced equation for steam reforming. (6)
(ii) Describe another method by which large quantities of hydrogen can be obtained from
water. (6)
(iii) State one disadvantage of using hydrogen as a fuel. (3)

(c) Ethyne gas is produced by reacting calcium carbide with water according to the following
balanced equation.

CaC2(s) + 2H2O(l) C2H2(g) + Ca(OH)2(s)

Draw a labelled diagram to show how a sample of ethyne can be prepared and collected in a
school laboratory. Other than air name one impurity which could be found in the prepared
sample. (15)

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7. (a) State Le Chatelier’s Principal. (5)

The formation of ammonia from its elements is shown in the following reversible reaction.
This is an important process in the fertilizer industry.

N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g) ∆H = –92.4 kJ mol–1

(b) What is the name given to this industrial process? (3)

(c) Write the equilibrium constant expression (K c) for the reaction above. (3)

(d) In an experiment 4.5 moles of nitrogen and 13.5 moles of hydrogen were mixed in a 2 litre
vessel at a certain temperature. It was found that there were 3.0 moles of ammonia in the
equilibrium mixture. Calculate the concentration of each gas at equilibrium in moles/litre?
Calculate the value of the equilibrium constant (Kc) at this temperature? (12)

(e) Name the catalyst used in this reaction? (3)

(f) State and explain the ideal conditions of temperature and pressure needed to maximize the
yield of ammonia. (12)

(g) State what conditions are actually used and explain the reason for each? (12)

8. (A) X (B) Y (C) Z (D)

C2H5OH C2H4 C2H6 C2H5Cl

C2H4Br2
(E)

(a) Give the systematic (IUPAC) names of A, B, C, D and E. (5)

(b) For each of the conversions labelled W, X, Y, and Z, classify it as an addition, a substitution or
an elimination reaction. (12)

(c) Describe the mechanism of the conversion labelled W. State one clear piece of experimental
evidence which supports the mechanism you have described. (15)

(d) Name the reagent and catalyst required to convert B to C. (6)

(e) After carrying out the laboratory conversion of A to B, how would you test the product to
confirm the formation of B? (6)

(f) Compound A can be oxidized under reflux to give a two carbon acid. What is the name of this
acid? Name the flavouring agent that contains this acid at a concentration of 6% w/v. (6)

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9. (a) In water treatment, what is the purpose of adding each of the following:
(i) aluminium sulphate?
(ii) chlorine?
(iii) sodium fluorosilicate?
(iv) calcium hydroxide?
(v) sulphuric acid? (15)

(b) What is meant by the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (B.O.D) of a water sample? (6)

50.0 cm3 of water from a stream was diluted to 1 litre with distilled water and then divided
into two portions. The dissolved oxygen concentration of one of the portions was measured
immediately and was found to be 9.8 p.p.m. After storing the other portion for a period of
time and under certain conditions for the determination of B.O.D the dissolved oxygen
concentration was found to be 2.6 p.p.m.
(i) For how long and under what conditions was the second portion stored? (6)
(ii) Calculate the B.O.D of the undiluted stream water. (6)
(iii) Express p.p.m as another unit of concentration. (3)

(c) Phenolphthalein is a weak base and acts as an indicator. State its colour in
(i) hydrochloric acid,
(ii) sodium hydroxide. (6)

Calculate the pH of a 0.003 M solution of phenolphthalein given that the Kb for

phenolphthalein is 6.65 x 10–6. (8)

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10. Answer any two of the parts (a), (b) and (c).

(a) The ‘volcano’ demonstration involves igniting a pile of the salt ammonium
dichromate, which initiates the following exothermic conversion. Its
decomposition reaction proceeds to completion once initiated, producing
voluminous dark green powdered chromium (III) oxide.

(NH4)2Cr2O7 (s) Cr2O3 (s) + N2 (g) + 4H2O (g)

If 63.0g of ammonium dichromate were used calculate

(i) the number of moles of ammonium dichromate used. (6)
(ii) the volume of nitrogen gas in litres measured at s.t.p. produced in the reaction. (6)
(iii) the mass of solid produced. (6)
(iv) the number of molecules of water produced. (7)

(b) How does the oxidation number of a reducing agent change during a redox reaction? (4)

Use oxidation numbers to identify the reducing agent in each of the following equations. (6)

(i) Cl2 + SO32– + H2O Cl– + SO42– + H+

(ii) H+ + MnO4− + C2O42− CO2 + Mn2+ + H2O

Hence or otherwise balance both equations. (15)

(c) Carboxylic acids form a homologous series in organic chemistry.

O
Each contain the carboxyl functional group. Aspirin also known
as acetylsalicylic acid contains the carboxyl group. Copy the
C
diagram of aspirin shown into your answer book and identify OH
the carboxylic group by drawing a circle around it. (4)
O
How many moles of aspirin are present in 4.5g of the pure
compound? (9)
C
O CH3
Ethanoic acid (vinegar) is the second member of the carboxylic
acids. Write balanced equations to show the reaction of acetylsalicylic acid
ethanoic acid with:
(i) ethanol
(ii) magnesium (12)

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11. Answer any two of the parts (a), (b) and (c).

(a) State Boyle’s law. (6)

What is an ideal gas and state one way in which steam deviates
from ideal gas behaviour? (7)

A small quantity of the volatile organic compound ethanal

(CH3CHO) evaporates at room temperature and pressure. Use the
equation of state for an ideal gas to calculate the volume, in litres,
of ethanal vapour formed when 0.22 g of liquid ethanal evaporates
taking room temperature as 20oC and room pressure as 101 kPa.
(12)

(b) Describe a test which could be carried out to identify the presence of the phosphate ion in
aqueous solution. (12)

What test could be carried out to distinguish between the two phosphate salts barium
phosphate (Ba3(PO4)2) and potassium phosphate (K3PO4)? (3)

What observation would be made in this test? (6)

What method is used to remove heavy metal ions from large quantities of water? (4)

(c) Answer part A or part B

A Ozone is a gas made up of three oxygen atoms (O3). It occurs naturally in small (trace)
amounts in the upper atmosphere (the stratosphere). The ozone hole is not technically
a “hole” where no ozone is present, but is actually a region of exceptionally depleted
ozone in the stratosphere over the Antarctic that happens at the beginning of Southern
Hemisphere spring (August–October).
(i) Explain how the ozone layer protects the earth. (4)
(ii) Write balanced chemical equations to show how ozone is formed in the
stratosphere. (9)
(iii) Describe using balanced equations how chlorine radicals destroy ozone in a chain
reaction. (9)
(iv) Explain why HCFCs do not cause such damage to the ozone layer. (3)

B Sodium is extracted from its ores by electrolysis using the

Down’s cell. (see diagram) Calcium chloride is added to
the sodium ore before electrolysis.

(i) Why is this necessary? (6)

(ii) What materials are used for the (i) anode

and (ii) the cathode? (6)

(iii) Write the equation for the reaction which occurs

at the cathode. (3)

(iv) What is the purpose of the steel gauze separating

the two electrode compartments? (6)

(v) State one use of sodium. (4)

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