Section A (Answer ALL questions.

1. Each of the tasks listed in the table below can be accomplished by using material A or B.

Task Materials
A B
(a) To make water pipes polyvinyl chloride iron
(b) To make lenses perspex glass
(c) To make shopping bags polyethene paper
In each case, state an advantage of
(i) using A over B to accomplish the task.
(ii) using B over A to accomplish the task.
(You are not required to consider the price of the materials.)
(6 marks)

1. (a) (i) PVC is more corrosion resistant than iron / can be more easily shaped
/ is chemisically inert 1
(Do NOT accept PVC does not rust.)
(ii) Iron is stronger / has higher tensile strength than PVC 1
(b) (i) Perspex is not easily broken / lighter 1
(ii) Glass cannot be easily scratched / has better light transmittion
property 1
(c) (i) Polyethene is more durable / has higher tensile strength / is
waterproof 1
(ii) Paper is biodegradable / causes less pollution problems when
disposed of / is made from renewable materials / is air permeable 1
(Do NOT accept recycle in (i) and in (ii)

2. For each of the following experiments, state ONE observable change and write a chemical
equation for the reaction involved.
(a) Dilute nitric acid is added to magnesium carbonate powder in a beaker.
(b) A small piece of calcium is placed in a Bunsen flame.
(c) A mixture of copper(II) oxide and carbon powder is heated in a test tube.
(6 marks)

2. When marking the observations, award 0 marks for contradictory answers.

(a) Effervescence / (colourless) gas bubbles / magensium carbonate dissolves /
heat evolves 1
MgCO 3 + 2 HNO 3 → Mg( NO 3 ) 2 + H 2 O + CO 2 1
or, MgCO3 + 2 H + → Mg 2 + + H 2 O + CO 2 (1)
(Do NOT accept 2 H + + CO 32 − → CO 2 + H 2 O )
(b) Calcium burns with a red (brick red) flame / Formation of white powder
(solid) 1
2Ca + O 2 → 2CaO 1
(c) reddish brown powder (solid) 1
CuO + C → Cu + CO 1
or, 2CuO + C → 2Cu + CO 2 (1)
(Do NOT accept evolution of gas)

3. The illustration below shows the exhaust from a motor car using unleaded petrol:
 (a) Explain why the exhaust contains carbon monoxide.
(b) (1) Write TWO chemical equations for the formation of acid rain from nitrogen
oxides.
(2) State ONE undesirable effect of acid rain.
(c) State ONE health hazard associated with particulates.
(d) Suggest ONE other pollutant that may be found in the exhaust.
(e) Suggest a device that can be installed in the motor car to reduce the emission of
carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
(7 marks)

3. (a) Incomplete combustion of petrol / fuel 1

(b) (1) 2 NO + O 2 → 2 NO 2 1
2 NO 2 + H 2 O → HNO 2 + HNO 3 or 4 NO 2 + O 2 + 2 H 2 O → 4 HNO 3 1
Alternative answer:
2 NO 2 + H 2 O → HNO 2 + HNO 3 (1)
2 HNO 2 + O 2 → 2 HNO 3 or 4 NO 2 + O 2 + 2 H 2 O → 4 HNO 3 (1)
(2) damages buildings / statues, 1
or, increase the rate of corrosion of metals / decrease crop yield /
harmful to aquatic life (1)
(Accept any correct description of an undesirable effect of acid rain.)
(c) Irritates the respiratory system / causes lung cancer 1
(Accept equivalent answer.)
(d) (Unburnt) hydrocarbons/ alkanes / sulphur dioxide 1
(Do NOT accept carbon dioxide / lead compounds / dark smoke)
(e) Catalytic converter / catalytic oxidizer 1

For questions 4 and 5, candidates are required to give paragraph-length answers. 3 of the
marks for each of these two questions will be awarded for effective communication of
knowledge in Chemistry.

4. With the help of electronic diagrams, describe the formation of magnesium chloride and
tetrachloromethane from atoms of relevant elements. State, with explanation, which of the
two compounds has a higher melting point.
(9 marks)

4. Chemical knowledge (6 marks)

For MgCl2, each magnesium atom donates / loses (two) electrons and each
chlorine atom accepts (one) electron to form an ionic compound. 1
-
Cl
2+
Mg -
Cl

1
In CCl 4 , the carbon atom shares (a pair of) electrons with (each of the four)
chlorine atoms to form a covalent compound. 1
 1
MgCl 2 has a higher melting point than CCl 4 because the attraction / van der
Waals’ forces between molecules of CCl 4 is weak and the attraction between
ions in MgCl 2 is strong.
1

5. The diagram below shows a bottle of chemical waste in a school laboratory.

Describe and explain how you would remove kerosene and iron(III) ions from the chemical
waste.
(You may use any apparatus and chemicals available in a school laboratory.)
(8 marks)

5. Chemical knowledge (5 marks)

Adding the liquid waste to a separating funnel / tap funnel. 1
(Accept using dropper / pipette to remove kerosene. Do NOT accept decantation.)
Separate the kerosene layer form the aqueous layer because kerosene and water
are immiscible. 1
(Also accept burn kerosene because it is combustible.)
Add excess sodium hydroxide solution (any reagent that forms precipitate with
Fe 3 + ions e.g. KOH(aq) / NH 3 (aq ) / H 2S( g ) / Na 2 HPO 4 (aq ) ) to the aqueous
layer. 1
(Also accept other method that can be used to remove iron(III) ions e.g. ion-
exchange / displacement)
Iron(III) ions will form (reddish) brown precipitate / iron(III) hydroxide
precipitate / (iron(III) sulphide / iron(III) phosphate precipitate.) 1
(Award 1 mark for a correct explanation of the method used to remove iron(III)
ions e.g. principle of ion-exchange/ displacement.)
Filter off the iron(III) hydroxide precipitate 1
(If ion-exchange is used, award 1 mark for the collection of the aqueous solution
after passing through the ion-exchange column.

Section B (Answer any THREE questions.)

6. (a) Water is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen. Under suitable conditions, 80.0 cm 3
of hydrogen and 60.0 cm 3 of oxygen (with one of the reactants in excess) react to
give water. The volumes of both gases are measured at room temperature and
pressure.
(i) Draw the electronic diagram of water, showing electrons in the outermost shells
only.
 (ii) Assume that the two gases undergo complete reaction. Deduce the volume of
the remaining gas, measured at room temperature and pressure, at the end of the
reaction.
(iii) Water can be decomposed by electrolysis with the following set-up to give
hydrogen and oxygen.

(1) Explain why a little sulphuric acid has been added to the water used.
(2) Suggest a suitable material for the electrodes.
(3) Write the half-equation for the formation of oxygen.
(4) Suggest a chemical test for each product obtained in the electrolysis.
(8 marks)

6. (a) (i)

1
(ii) 2H 2 + O 2 → 2H 2O 1
or 2 mol of H 2 reacts with 1 mol of O 2 (1)
Equal no. of moles of all gases occupy the same volume under the
same condition. ∴ 80 cm 3 of H 2 will react with 40 cm 3 of O 2
Volume of O 2 remaining at the end of the reaction = 60 - 40 = 20
cm 3 1
(0 marks for missing the unit.)
(iii) (1) To increase the electrical conductivity of water / to provide
mobile ions. 1
(2) platinum / carbon (graphite) 1
(3) 4OH − → 2 H 2 O + O 2 + 4e − 1
− 1 −
or 2OH → H 2 O + O 2 + 2e
2 (1)
(4) H 2 : burns with a ‘pop’ sound 1
(For H 2 , do NOT accept using a glowing splint)
O 2 : relights a glowing splint 1

(b) (i) A teacher prepared an ethanol solution by fermentation of glucose using the
following set-up.
 (1) Suggest what X may be.
(2) Explain why the lime water turned milky during the fermentation process.
(3) Write the chemical equation for the fermentation of glucose.
(ii) The teacher used the ethanol solution obtained in (i) to carry out the following
experiment on a redox reaction:

(1) State the observable change in the test tube.

(2) Explain, in terms of oxidation number, whether potassium dichromate
was oxidized or reduced.
(3) Give the structural formula of the product formed from ethanol in the
reaction.
(iii) Suggest ONE reason for each of the following statements:
(1) Drinking a small quantity of wine may be good for health.
(2) Excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages may cause health problems.
(10 marks)

6. (b) (i) (1) yeast / enzyme 1

(Do NOT accept specific enzymes which cannot catalyse the
fermentation of glucose.)
(2) Fermentation of glucose produces carbon dioxide which reacts 1
with Ca (OH ) 2 in limewater to give insoluble calcium
carbonate 1
(3) C 6 H 12 O 6 → 2C 2 H 5OH + 2CO 2 1
(ii) (1) Acidified potassium dichromate solution changes from orange
to green 1
(2) O.N. of Cr in Cr2 O 7 2 − is +6 / VI
1
3+
O.N. of Cr in Cr is +3 / III

Cr2 O 7 2 − is reduced because O.N. of Cr decreases 1

(3)
 H 1
O
H C C or CH 3CO 2 H
H OH

(Also accept structural formula of ethanal, CH 3CHO )

(iii) (1) drinking a small quantity of wine can reduce the proneness to
heart attack. 1
(Also accept causing thinning of blood.)
(2) Excessive drinking can cause brain damage / depression /
hepatitis / cirrhosis of the live / stomach ulcer / cancer of
mouth, throat and gullet. 1

7. (a) The table below lists the key componenets of three alloys.
Alloy Key components
bronze copper, tin
steel iron, carbon
solder tin, metal X
(i) Suggest an explanation for each of the following statements:
(1) Although the amount of iron in the earth crust is greater than that of
copper and tin, the Iron Age occurred after the Bronze Age.
(2) During the Bronze Age, people used bronze instead of copper to make
tools and weapons.
(3) After being exposed to air for a period of time, the surface of bronze
objects turns green.
(ii) Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. Explain, in terms of structure, why the
addition of carbon to iron can enhance the strength of iron.
(iii) Solder is an alloy of tin and metal X.
(1) What is X?
(2) Explain why solder, but not tin or X, is used for joining electrical wires.
(9 marks)

7. (a) (i) (1) All three metals (Fe / Cu / Sn) occur in nature as cations. Iron is
more reactive than copper (tin) / occupies a higher position in
the reactivity series than copper (tin). 1
∴cations of iron are more resistant to reduction than those of
copper (tin) / it is more difficult to reduce iron compounds than
copper compounds (tin compounds) to the respective elements /
iron compounds are more stable. 1
(Accept other equivalent answers.)
(2) Bronze is stronger / is more resistant to corrosion than copper 1
(3) The copper in bronze is oxidized / forms copper(II) ions / basic
copper(II) carbonate / copper(II) compounds / patina 1
(ii) In iron, the ions(atoms) are regularly arranged. 1
Adding carbon to iron causes a distortion (change) of the regular 1
arrangement. This prevents the smooth sliding of atom layers over
each other 1
(iii) (1) Lead / Pb 1
(2) Solder has a lower melting point 1

(b) A student carried out the following experiment to determine the concentration of
ethanoic acid in a brand of commercial vinegar.
‘25.0 cm 3 of the vinegar was placed in apparatus Y and was then diluted
 to 250.0 cm 3 with distilled water. 25.0 cm 3 of the diluted vinegar
solution was withdrawn and titrated against 0.10 M sodium hydroxide
solution with phenolphthalein as indicator.’
(i) (1) Name apparatus Y.
(2) Suggest ONE reason for diluting the vinegar.
(ii) State the colour change at the end point of the titration.
(iii) The student carried out four titrations altogether. The titration results are listed
in the table below:

Titration 1 2 3 4
Burette reading
Final reading/ cm 3 23.90 23.60 23.10 23.60
Initial reading/ cm 3 3.00 3.50 3.10 3.40
(1) Based on the titration results, calculate a reasonable average for the
volume of the sodium hydroxide solution used.
(2) Calculate the concentration, in moldm −3 , of ethanoic acid in the vinegar.
(iv) Explain why vinegar can be used as a food preservative.
(9 marks)

7. (b) (i) (1) † Volumetric flask 1

(2) To save chemicals 1
or, the concentration of the titrant should be comparable to that
of the titrate (1)
(ii) From colourless to pink / purple / red 1
(iii) (1) titration 1: volume used = 23.90 – 3.00 = 20.90 cm 3
3
titration 2: volume used = 23.60 – 3.50 = 20.10 cm

3
titration 3: volume used = 23.10 – 3.10 = 20.00 cm

3
titration 4: volume used = 23.60 – 3.40 = 20.20 cm

The result of titration 1 is inaccurate and is discarded. 1

The reasonable average for the volume of NaOH used
= (20.10 + 20.00 + 20.20)/3 (1)
3
= 20.10 cm 1

(Also accept 20.1 cm 3 ; 0 marks for missing out the unit.)

(2) CH 3CO 2 H + NaOH → CH 3CO 2 Na + H 2 O 1
or, 1 mol of CH 3CO 2 H requires 1 mol of NaOH for complete
neutralization (1)
concentration of CH 3CO 2 H in vinegar
0.1 × 20.1
= × 10
25.0 1
= 0.804 ( moldm −3 ) (or 0.80 moldm −3 )
1
(iv) The low pH of vinegar can prevent / inhibit the growth of bacteria /
micro-organisms germs. 1
(Also accept vinegar can kill bacteria.)

8. (a) The diagram below shows the longitudinal section of a zinc-carbon cell.
 (i) Write a half-equation for the reaction that occurs at the zinc case of the cell
during discharge.
(ii) State the function of following substances in a zinc-carbon cell.
(1) carbon rod
(2) manganese(IV) oxide
(iii) Suggest a chemical test to show the presence of ammonium ions in the moist
paste of ammonium chloride.
(iv) Explain whether you agree with the following statement.
‘Zinc-carbon cells cause more environmental problems than nickel-cadmium
cells do.’
(v) Complete and balance the following half-equations for the reactions that occur
at the electrodes of a nickel-cadmium cell.
Cd + OH − → Cd (OH) 2
NiO 2 + H 2 O → Ni(OH) 2 + OH −
(9 marks)

8. (a) (i) Zn → Zn 2 + + 2e − 1
(ii) (1) as a conductor of electricity/ cathode/ positive pole/ electrode 1
(2) as an oxidizing agent/ to remove hydrogen produced
(Part (2) of the question has been deleted)
(iii) Warm the paste with NaOH(aq) 1
Evolution of a gas (ammonia) which turns moist pH paper (red 1
litmus) blue / gives white fumes with HCl(g) indicates the presence of 1
NH 4 +
(1 mark for using NaOH; 1 mark for evolution of gas; 1 mark for a
correct chemical test for ammonia.)
(iv) open-ended question:
Yes, zinc-carbon cells will produce more (solid) wastes because zinc- 1
carbon cells are not rechargeable 1
or, No, cadmium / cadmium compounds are toxic and disposal of Ni-
Cd cells can cause pollution problems (2)
(Award 1 mark for imprecise answer, such as Ni-Cd cells are toxic.)
(v) Cd + 2OH − → Cd(OH ) 2 + 2e − 1
2e − + NiO 2 + 2 H 2 O → Ni(OH ) 2 + 2OH − 1

(b) Manufacturing ammonia by the Haber process involves the following exothermic
reaction:
N 2 (g ) + 3H 2 (g ) 2 NH 3 (g )
(i) (1) Name a catalyst used in the process.
(2) Suggest how the heat liberated in the reaction can be used in the process.
(ii) A sufficient amount of hydrogen and 6.0 × 10 9 dm 3 of nitrogen, measured at
room temperature and pressure, are allowed to react in the reaction chamber to
give ammonia.
Suppose that the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia is 15%. Calculate the mass
of ammonia formed.
 (iii) Upon reaction with a suitable chemical, ammonia gives a nitrogeneous
fertilizer. Write a chemical equation for such a reaction.
(iv) Most window cleaners contain ammonia solution as an active ingredient.
(1) Explain why ammonia solution is used in window cleaners.
(2) State ONE reason for using ammonia solution instead of sodium
hydroxide solution in window cleaners.
(Relative atomic masses: H = 1.0, N = 14.0; molar volume of gas at room temperature
and pressure = 24.0 dm 3 )
(9 marks)

8. (b) (i) (1) †Iron / iron(III) oxide 1

(2) To heat up the reactant gases before passing into the reaction
chamber. 1
(Also accept heat exchanging)
(ii) 6 × 10 9
No. of moles of N 2 =
24 1
= 2.5 × 108
No. of moles of NH 3 produced
= 2 × 2.5 × 108 × 0.15
7
= 7.5 × 10 1

Mass of NH 3 produced

= (14 + 3) × 7.5 × 10 7 g
6 9
= 1.275 × 10 kg (or 1.275 × 10 g) 1

(Also accept 1.3 × 10 6 kg and 1.28 × 10 6 kg; 0 marks for missing out
the unit.)
(iii) 2 NH 3 + H 2SO 4 → ( NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 1
(Accept any correct chemical equation for the formation of an
ammonium salt from NH 3 )
(iv) (1) Ammonia solution is alkaline and can assist the hydrolysis of 1
oily dirt / can react with oily dirt to form soluble compounds 1
(soaps / detergents)
(2) Ammonia is volatile / will not leave stain on glass 1
or, sodium hydroxide is corrosive to skin / can attack glass (1)

9. (a) In an experiment to prepare sulphur dioxide, a mixture of copper turnings and

concentrated sulphuric acid was heated in a test tube as shown in the diagram below:

(i) Write a chemical equation for the reaction that occurred in the test tube.
(ii) Decide which of the following set-ups, (I), (II) or (III), should be connected to
the delivery tube to collect the sulphur dioxide produced. Explain your
decision.
 (iii) (1) State and explain the observation when a piece of wet blue litmus paper is
added to a gas jar of sulphur dioxide.
(2) State the observation when a few drops of bromine water are added to a
gas jar of sulphur dioxide. Write a chemical equation for the reaction that
occurs.
(8 marks)

9. (a) (i) Cu + 2 H 2SO 4 → CuSO 4 + 2 H 2 O + SO 2 1

+ 2+
or, Cu + H 2SO 4 + 2 H → Cu + 2 H 2 O + SO 2 (1)
(ii) (I) 1
(II) is not used because SO 2 is denser than air 1
(III) is not used because SO 2 is soluble in water 1
(iii) (1) The blue litmus paper turns red because SO 2 is acidic 1+1
(2) Bromine water changes from orange / brown / yellow / red to
colourless 1
SO 2 + Br2 + 2 H 2 O → 2 HBr + H 2SO 4 1
or, SO 32 − + Br2 + H 2 O → 2 Br − + SO 4 2 − + 2 H + (1)
or, HSO 32 − + Br2 + H 2 O → 2 Br − + SO 4 2 − + 3H + (1)

(b) Cracking of naphtha gives alkane X (relative molecular mass 44), alkene Y (relative
molecular mass 42) and other products.
(i) What is the meaning of the term ‘cracking’?
(ii) Suggest a chemical test to distinguish between X and Y.
(iii) Deduce the molecular formula of Y.
(iv) Y can be used as a starting material for the production of plastic Z.
(1) Write the chemical equation for the formation of Z from Y.
(2) Suggest how plastic cups can be made from Z.
(v) Suggest an advantage and a disadvantage of using plastic wastes as an energy
source.
(Relative atomic masses: H = 1.0, C = 12.0)
(10 marks)

9. (b) (i) Breaking down of large hydrocarbon (molecules) to small

hydrocarbon (molecules) by heat and with the help of a catalyst 1
or, Breaking down of heavy petroleum fractions (long chain carbon
compounds) into light petroleum fractions (short chain carbon
 compounds) (1)
(Accept equivalent answers.)
(ii) Treat compounds with bromine in 1,1,1-trichloroethane / bromine
water. 1
Y can cause the bromine solution to change from brown / orange to
colourless rapidly 1
or, treat compounds with acidified KMnO 4 (1)
Only Y can cause the KMnO 4 solution to change from purple to
colourless (1)
or, treat compounds with neutral KMnO 4 (1)
Only Y can give a brown precipitate (1)
(Do NOT accept combustion.)
(iii) General formula of alkene is C n H 2 n 1
12n + 2n = 42
n=3 (1)
Y is C 3 H 6 1
(iv) (1)
CH3 H CH3 H
n C C C C
H H n
H H
1
(2) Apply heat to Z until it softens/ melts 1
Compress molten Z to the shape of a cup in a mould and allow
it to cool. 1
(v) Advantage: to reduce the consumption of non-renewable energy
sources / fossils fuels 1
(Also accept reduction of solid waste for landfill.)
Disadvantage: Burning plastic wastes produces air pollutants /
toxic gases 1
or, the cost to remove the pollutants produced by burning plastic
wastes is high. (1)

END OF PAPER