CHEMISTRY

QUESTIONSHEETS

A2 TOPIC 21

INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

A2 Level

Questionsheet

REACTIONS OF PERIOD 3 ELEMENTS WITH WATER

10 marks

Questionsheet

REACTIONS OF PERIOD 3 ELEMENTS WITH OXYGEN

12 marks

Questionsheet

STRUCTURE AND BONDING OF PERIOD 3 OXIDES

16 marks

Questionsheet

PERIOD 3 OXIDES WITH WATER

17 marks

Questionsheet

ACID - BASE CHARACTER OF PERIOD 3 OXIDES

14 marks

Questionsheet

STABILITY OF GROUP 4 OXIDATION STATES

18 marks

Questionsheet

HYDROLYSIS OF GROUP 4 CHLORIDES

14 marks

Questionsheet

DEFINITIONS AND ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATIONS

19 marks

Questionsheet

BONDING IN COMPLEX IONS

17 marks

Questionsheet

10

COLOUR OF COMPLEX IONS

12 marks

Questionsheet

11

ISOMERISM

19 marks

Questionsheet

12

LIGAND EXCHANGE REACTIONS

13 marks

Questionsheet

13

DEPROTONATION THEORY

18 marks

Questionsheet

14

REACTIONS OF CATIONS WITH OH- AND NH3

18 marks

Questionsheet

15

OXIDATION STATES

8 marks

Questionsheet

16

COLORIMETRY

5 marks

Questionsheet

17

LIGAND EXCHANGE AND STABILITY CONSTANTS

20 marks

Questionsheet

18

d-ORBITAL SPLITTING AND LIGHT ABSORPTION

10 marks

Questionsheet

19

VANADIUM CHEMISTRY I

15 marks

Questionsheet

20

VANADIUM CHEMISTRY II

14 marks

Questionsheet

21

CHROMIUM CHEMISTRY I

15 marks

Questionsheet

22

CHROMIUM CHEMISTRY II

15 marks

Questionsheet

23

COBALT CHEMISTRY I

21 marks

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A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 1

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REACTIONS OF PERIOD 3 ELEMENTS WITH WATER

a) (i)

Describe what is observed when sodium is added to a beaker of cold water.

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 Quality of language

[1]

(ii) Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction.

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(iii) Estimate the pH of the resulting solution.
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(iv) What type of chemical reaction occurs?
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b) (i)

Why will magnesium and aluminium not react with cold water?

...........................................................................................................................................................................
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(ii) Suggest how the conditions could be changed so that magnesium or aluminium would react in a similar
way.
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TOTAL / 10

A2 Level

Questionsheet 2

TOPIC 21

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REACTIONS OF PERIOD 3 ELEMENTS WITH OXYGEN

a) Complete the following table for the elements of Period 3.
Na

Mg

Al

Si

Cl

Reaction conditions

Formula of oxide
(or lower oxide)

[6]
b) Write the fully balanced equation for the reaction of the elements with oxygen.
(i)

Na .......................................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Mg ......................................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) Al ........................................................................................................................................................... [1]
(iv) Si ............................................................................................................................................................ [1]
(v) P ............................................................................................................................................................ [1]
(vi) S............................................................................................................................................................. [1]

TOTAL / 12

A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 3

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STRUCTURE AND BONDING OF PERIOD 3 OXIDES

a) State the nature of the bonding in the oxides of Period 3 elements and the type of structure by completing the
following table.
Na2O

MgO

Al2O3

SiO2

P4O10

SO2

Cl2O

Bonding

Structure

[5]
b) On the basis of your answers to a), describe and explain how the melting points of these oxides vary across the
period.
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(c) Why is magnesium oxide used in the manufacture of firebricks for lining high temperature furnaces, rather
than calcium oxide?
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....................................................................................................................................................................... [3]

TOTAL / 16

A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 4

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PERIOD 3 OXIDES WITH WATER

a) On progressing from left to right across a period of the Periodic Table, what outstanding changes are observed
in the behaviour of oxides with water? You should refer to three oxides of elements in either Period 2 (Li F)
or Period 3 (Na Cl), and illustrate your answer by chemical equations.
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b) When a non-metallic element forms more than one oxide, how do these oxides compare in their acidic character?
Refer in your answer to the oxides of carbon and phosphorus, write chemical equations for their reactions (if
any) with water, and give the approximate pH values of the resulting solutions.
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TOTAL / 17

A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 5

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ACID - BASE CHARACTER OF PERIOD 3 OXIDES

a) Complete the following table to show the acid-base character of the oxides of elements in Period 3 of the
Periodic Table.
Oxide

Na2O

MgO

Al2O3

SiO2

P4O6
P4O10

SO2
SO3

Cl2O
ClO2
Cl2O7

Acid - base character

[4]
b) For the oxides of magnesium and aluminium, and one oxide of sulfur, write balanced chemical equations to
illustrate the acid-base character you have described in a).
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c) Write ionic equations, and apply the Bronsted-lowry theory or G.N.Lewis theory (or both), to explain the
difference in acid-base behaviour between magnesium oxide and the oxide of sulfur you have selected in b).
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TOTAL / 14

A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 6

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STABILITY OF GROUP 4 OXIDATION STATES

a) (i)

State the oxidation states which are exhibited by the elements of Group 4.

....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) Tin occurs naturally as cassiterite, SnO2. Lead occurs as galena, PbS, and cerussite, PbCO3. What does
this information suggest is:
the more stable oxidation state of tin? .................................................................................................. [1]
the more stable oxidation state of lead? ................................................................................................ [1]
b) (i)

Predict whether each of the following compounds could be expected to behave as an oxidising agent,
reducing agent or neither.
SnCl2 ...................................................................................................................................................... [1]
PbCl2 ...................................................................................................................................................... [1]
SnO2 ...................................................................................................................................................... [1]
PbO2 ...................................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) For each compound which you have described as an oxidising agent or reducing agent, give one
example of the compound behaving as such. (Balanced equations are not required, but you must indicate
both reactants and products.)
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c) Explain clearly why, on descending Group 4, one of the oxidation states mentioned in a) (i) increases in
stability, while the other decreases.
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TOTAL / 18

A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 7

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HYDROLYSIS OF GROUP 4 CHLORIDES

a) (i)

Write an equation for the reaction of silicon(IV) chloride with water at room temperature and outline the
mechanism of the reaction.
Equation ................................................................................................................................................ [1]
Mechanism

[4]
(ii) Explain why CCl4 does not react in this way.
...........................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
b) (i)

Lead(II) chloride is largely unaffected by cold water, but tin(II) chloride behaves very differently. Describe
what is observed when tin(II) chloride is dissolved in water, write an equation for the reaction that
occurs, and explain how this reaction can be prevented.
Observation ........................................................................................................................................... [1]
Equation ................................................................................................................................................ [1]
Prevention .................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) How do you account for the difference in behaviour of lead(II) chloride and tin(II) chloride with water?
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TOTAL / 14

A2 Level

Questionsheet 8

TOPIC 21

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DEFINITIONS AND ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATIONS

a) Explain the difference between the terms d-block element and transition element.
...........................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
b) State, giving a reason in each case, whether or not scandium is:
(i) a d-block element.
...........................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) a transition element.
...........................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
c) (i)

Give the electron configuration of the following:

3d
4s
4p
Cu

[Ar]

Cu2+

[Ar]

Cr

[Ar]

Cr 3+

[Ar]

[4]

(ii) In what way is the electron configuration of both copper and chromium unusual compared with the other
first row of transition elements? Suggest why this occurs.
Unusual feature .......................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................... [2]
Reason for copper ...................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................... [2]
Reason for chromium ..............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................... [2]
d) (i)

Name two stable cations having the following electronic configuration:

3d

4s

4p

[Ar]
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) What feature makes this electronic configuration stable?
....................................................................................................................................................................... [1]
TOTAL / 19

A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 9

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BONDING IN COMPLEX IONS

a) (i)

What is meant by the term ligand ?

...........................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) Explain what is meant by the terms complex cation and complex anion and give an example of each.
Complex cation ........................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................... [2]
Example ................................................................................................................................................ [1]
Complex anion .........................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................... [2]
Example ................................................................................................................................................ [1]
b) The hydrated chromium(III) ion, Cr3+(aq), is a cationic complex.
(i)

State the shape of this ion and draw its structure

[3]
(ii) What type of bonding exists between the ligands and the chromium(III) ion?
....................................................................................................................................................................... [1]
(iii) Which structural feature of a water molecule and which structural feature of a chromium cation permit
this bonding to occur?
...........................................................................................................................................................................
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....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(iv) Draw appropriate arrows in the following boxes to represent orbital occupation in the hydrated
chromium(III) ion. Label the diagram so as to distinguish between electrons possessed by the simple Cr3+
ion and those originating from the ligands.
3d

4s

4p

Cr 3+ [Ar]

[3]
TOTAL / 17

A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 10

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COLOUR OF COMPLEX IONS

a) Complete the following table:
ION

Cr3+(aq)

Mn2+(aq)

Fe2+(aq)

Fe3+(aq)

Cu2+(aq)

COLOUR

[5]
b) (i)

Give an example to show how, for a given metal in a and a given oxidation state, colour changes as the
ligands are changed.

...........................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
c) (i)

Draw the following electron configurations:

3d

4s

4p

Ti4+ [Ar]
Cu+ [Ar]
Zn2+[Ar]
Ti2+ [Ar]

[4]
(ii) Which of the above ions is/are coloured?
....................................................................................................................................................................... [1]
(iii) Explain the choice you made in c) (ii).
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TOTAL / 12

A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 11

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ISOMERISM
a) [Co(NH3)5Br]SO4 (compound A) and [Co(NH3)5SO4]Br (compound B) are isomeric compounds. Suggest two
simple tests which could be carried out in test tubes to distinguish between them.
Test 1
Reagent ........................................................................................................................................................ [1]
Observation with compound A .................................................................................................................. [1]
Observation with compound B .................................................................................................................. [1]
Test 2
Reagent ........................................................................................................................................................ [1]
Observation with compound A .................................................................................................................. [1]
Observation with compound B .................................................................................................................. [1]
b) There are five compounds of platinum(IV) chloride and ammonia, each containing a different octahedral
complex ion. Details are given below.

(i)

Compound

Molecular formula

No. of chloride ions per mole

PtCl4.6NH3

PtCl4.5NH3

PtCl4.4NH3

PtCl4.3NH3

PtCl4.2NH3

Draw the complex ions in compounds A, B, C and D.

[4]
(ii) Outline a simple experimental method to distinguish between compounds A, B, C and D.
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TOTAL (Continued....)
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A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 11 Continued

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ISOMERISM
c) (i)

The square planar compound [NiCl2(NH3)2] can occur as two geometric isomers. Draw their structures
and label each as cis or trans.

[3]
(ii) The octahedral complex cation [CoCl2(NH3)4]+ can also occur as two geometric isomers. Again, draw
their structures and label each as cis or trans.

[3]

TOTAL / 19

A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 12

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LIGAND EXCHANGE REACTIONS

a) Define the term ligand exchange reaction, as applied to the hydrated cations of transition elements, and give
two reasons why such reactions may occur.
Definition ..........................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
Reason 1 ....................................................................................................................................................... [1]
Reason 2 ...................................................................................................................................................... [1]
 Quality of language

[1]

b) Starting from [Cu(H2O)6]2+, give examples of the following types of reaction. In each case write an ionic
equation, describe the colour change that would be observed, and state the shape of the resulting complex ion.
(i)

Ligand exchange reaction with no change in coordination number

Ionic equation ...................................................................................................................................... [1]
Colour change ..................................................................................................................................... [1]
Shape of resulting complex ion .......................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Ligand exchange reaction accompanied by a change in coordination number

Ionic equation ...................................................................................................................................... [1]
Colour change ..................................................................................................................................... [1]
Shape of resulting complex ion .......................................................................................................... [1]
c) Suggest a reason why there is a change in coordination number in some ligand exchange reactions but not in
others.
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TOTAL / 13

A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 13

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DEPROTONATION THEORY
a) (i)

When iron(III) chloride is dissolved in pure water, how does the pH change?

....................................................................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) Give reasons for any pH change, and support your answer with a balanced ionic equation.
Reasons .....................................................................................................................................................
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............................................................................................................................................................... [3]
Equation ............................................................................................................................................... [1]
(iii) State the type of reaction occurring in a) (ii) and give the chemical functions of both the hydrated metal
ions and the water molecules.
Type of reaction ................................................................................................................................... [1]
Function of hydrated metal ions ........................................................................................................ [1]
Function of water molecules .............................................................................................................. [1]
b) On standing for several weeks, a solution of iron(III) chloride may deposit a small amount of iron(III) hydroxide.
(i)

Write ionic equations (following on from that in a) (ii) ) to represent the formation of iron(III) hydroxide.

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....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) If OH- ions (e.g. from NaOH(aq)) are introduced into iron(III) chloride solution, iron(III) hydroxide is
precipitated copiously and immediately. How do you account for the difference?
....................................................................................................................................................................... [1]
c) The pH value of a solution formed by dissolving copper(II) sulfate in water differs from the pH of a solution of
iron(III) chloride, even when the molar concentrations of the hydrated cations are equal.
(i)

Predict whether the copper(II) sulfate solution is acidic, neutral or basic, giving your reasoning.

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....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) Also suggest, giving reasons, which solution has a pH value further from neutrality.
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TOTAL / 18

A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 14

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REACTIONS OF CATIONS WITH OH- AND NH3

a) Both NaOH(aq) and NH3(aq), when used in limited amounts, behave in the same way when added to aqueous
solutions of transition element salts.
(i)

Why is this?

....................................................................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) Quote three examples from the first row of d-block elements to illustrate this statement, giving your
expected observation and formula of the compound produced in each case.
Example 1 .................................................................................................................................................
Example 2 .................................................................................................................................................
Example 3 ............................................................................................................................................. [3]
b) NaOH(aq) and NH3(aq) behave very differently from each other when they are added to aqueous solutions of
transition element salts until they are eventually present in excess. Excess NaOH(aq) will dissolve some of the
compounds produced at first, while excess NH3(aq) will dissolve others. Illustrate the differences in observations
and underlying chemistry by completing the following table.

Excess dilute NaOH(aq)

Excess NH3(aq)

Example of a compound which will dissolve

Reason for dissolving

Type of reaction occurring

Observation

Formula of the ion produced

[10]
c) (i)

Name two compounds of p-block elements, produced by the action of NaOH(aq) on salt solutions, which
also dissolve when the reagent is present in excess.

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....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) Give the formulae of the ions produced in these reactions.
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TOTAL / 18

A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 15

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OXIDATION STATES
a) Give the oxidation number of the transition element in each of the following chemical species:
(i)

CrO 42- .....................................................................................................................................................

(ii) MnO42- .....................................................................................................................................................

(iii) Fe2Cl6

.....................................................................................................................................................

(iv) VO 2+

.....................................................................................................................................................

(v) VO 3-

.....................................................................................................................................................

(vi) [CrCl(H2O)5]2+ .........................................................................................................................................

(vii) [PtCl(NH3)5]3+ .........................................................................................................................................
(viii) [Co(NH3)4Cl2]2+ ........................................................................................................................................
(ix) Na 2FeO 4 .................................................................................................................................................
(x) K2CuF4

.....................................................................................................................................................
[5]

b) Why do transition elements show a variety of oxidation states in their chemistry?

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TOTAL /

A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 16

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COLORIMETRY

meter reading

a)

0 cm3

100 cm3

volume of 0.1 M CuSO4(aq)

volume of 0.1 M NH3(aq)

100 cm3

0 cm3

The above graph shows the results obtained when aqueous copper(II) sulfate and aqueous ammonia are mixed
together in different proportions in the presence of ammonium sulfate. A complex is formed between ammonia
and the copper(II) ion, which has a different and much more intense colour than [Cu(H2O)6]2+.
(i) What volumes of 0.1 mol dm-3 CuSO4(aq) and 0.1 mol dm-3 NH3(aq), when mixed together, give the highest
concentration of the complex?
Volume of 0.1 mol dm-3 CuSO4(aq) .........................................................................................................
Volume of 0.1 mol dm-3 NH3(aq) ......................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) Calculate the mole ratio of Cu2+ : NH3 in the complex.
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(iii) Write down the formula of the complex.
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TOTAL /

A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 17

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LIGAND EXCHANGE AND STABILITY CONSTANTS

(a) Aqueous nickel(II) sulfate contains the [Ni(H2O)6]2+ ion.
(i) The green nickel(II) sulfate turned blue when treated with aqueous ammonia. This blue solution when
treated with aqueous sodium cyanide turns yellow, but this yellow colour is unaffected by the addition of
excess aqueous ammonia. Explain these observations, stating what is formed and why, but formulae of
any complex ions formed is not required.
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 Quality of language

[1]

(ii) When aqueous ethane-1,2-diamine was added to the blue solution described in part (i) (ie aqueous nickel
sulfate and aqueous ammonia), it turned mauve. However, aqueous ethane-1,2-diamine had no effect on
the yellow solution described in part (i). Explain these observations, stating what is formed and why, but
formulae of any complex ions formed is not required.
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TOTAL (Continued....)
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A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 17 Continued

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LIGAND EXCHANGE AND STABILITY CONSTANTS

(a) Using Stability Constants
Data (Note: en = ethane-1, 2-diamine)
Complex ion

Stability
constant (lgK)

Complex ion

Stability
constant (lgK)

[Cu(NH3)2]+

11

[Co(NH3)6]2+

[Cu(CN)4]3-

27

[Co(NH3)6]3+

34

[Cu(NH3) 4(H 2O) 2]

[Cu(en)2(H2O)2]2+
[Cu(EDTA)]
(i)

2-

2+

3+

13

[Co(CN)6]

20

[Co(EDTA)]2+

19

[Co(EDTA)

64
16
36

The complex ion [Cu(NH2CH2CH2NH2)2(H2O)2]2+ contains the ethane-1,2-diamine ligand, would you
expect it to be displaced by EDTA? Use the data to explain your answer.

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....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) The ion [Cu(H2O)6]2+ reacts with cyanide ions to give the complex ion [Cu(CN)4]3-. Would you expect
the cyanide ions to be replaced by ammonia? Use the data to explain your answer.
...........................................................................................................................................................................
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(iii) 0.02 moles of [Co(H2O)6]3+ was treated with 0.12 moles of potassium cyanide and 0.12 moles of ammonia.
What would be the formula of the complex ion? Show how you get the answer.
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....................................................................................................................................................................... [3]
(iv) 0.02 moles of [Co(H2O)6]3+and 0.02 moles of [Co(H2O)6]2+were mixed with 0.12 moles of ammonia.
What would be the formula of the complex ion?
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TOTAL / 20

A2 Level

TOPIC 21

Questionsheet 18

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d-ORBITAL SPLITTING AND LIGHT ABSORPTION

a) Complete the diagrams below
(i) Write down the electronic structure of Cu2+ in an octahedral complex and hence complete the diagram

dx2y2 d x 2
Adding ligands

Energy

dx2y2 d x 2
Absorbing light

Cu2+ uncomplexed

d xy d xz d yz

d xy d xz d yz

Excited state

Ground state

(ii) Write down the electronic structure of Fe3+ in an octahedral complex and hence complete the diagram

dx2y2 d x 2
Adding ligands

Energy

dx2y2 d x 2
Absorbing light

Fe3+ uncomplexed

d xy d xz d yz

d xy d xz d yz

Excited state

Ground state

(iii)

Write down the electronic structure of V3+ in an octahedral complex and hence complete the diagram

dx2y2 d x 2
Adding ligands

dx2y2 d x 2
Absorbing light

3+

Energy

V uncomplexed

d xy d xz d yz
Ground state

d xy d xz d yz
Excited state

[6]
b) Explain why the following ions form white compounds
(i)

Sc 3+ ..........................................................................................................................................................
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............................................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Zn2+ ..........................................................................................................................................................

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TOTAL / 10

A2 Level

TOPIC 21 Questionsheet 19

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VANADIUM CHEMISTRY I
a) Complete the following table to give the electronic structure of V and V3+.
3d
V

4s

4p

[Ar]

V 3+ [Ar]

[2]

b) Complete the following table by giving the colours and names of the aqueous cations of vanadium.
Oxidation Number

Formula

+2
+3

[V(H 2O) 6]3+

Colour

Name

Violet

Vanadium(II)
Vanadium(III)

+4
+5
[8]
c) What colour changes would you expect to see when a sample of ammonium vanadate(V) is dissolved in warm
aqueous sulfuric acid and zinc is added?
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...........................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [5]

TOTAL / 15

A2 Level

TOPIC 21 Questionsheet 20

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VANADIUM CHEMISTRY II
a) The complex ion [V(H2O)6]3+ is present in aqueous solutions of vanadium(III). State its shape and describe
the types of bonding in this ion.
Shape ............................................................................................................................................................ [1]
Types of bonding..............................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
b) (i)

Predict whether a solution containing [V(H2O)6]3+ would be acidic, basic or neutral. Write an ionic
equation to support your prediction.
Prediction ............................................................................................................................................. [1]
Equation ............................................................................................................................................... [1]
3+

(ii) When a solution containing [V(H2O)6] is treated with NaOH(aq) a green precipitate is obtained. Suggest
the identity of this precipitate and write an ionic equation for its formation.
Identity .................................................................................................................................................. [1]
Equation ............................................................................................................................................... [1]
c) VO2+(aq) can be reduced using an acidic aqueous solution containing sulfite ions.
(i)

Write an ionic half-equation for the reduction of VO2+(aq) in acidic solution to VO2+(aq).
............................................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Write an ionic half-equation for the oxidation of sulfite ions in aqueous acidic solution to form sulfate
ions.
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(iii) Using your answers from parts (i) and (ii), deduce an equation for the reduction of VO2+(aq) in acidic
solution to VO2+(aq) by sulfite ions.
...........................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(iv) Suggest a reagent which could be expected to convert a solution of VO2+(aq) ions to VO2+(aq) ions.
....................................................................................................................................................................... [1]

TOTAL / 14

A2 Level

TOPIC 21 Questionsheet 21

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CHROMIUM CHEMISTRY I
a) When the purple salt, chromium(III) nitrate-9-water, is dissolved in water, a blue-green solution A is obtained.
With the help of an ionic equation, explain the colour change which occurs on dissolving.
Equation ...........................................................................................................................................................
[1]
Explanation ......................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
b) Aqueous sodium hydroxide was added dropwise to a sample of A, followed by an excess of aqueous sodium
hydroxide to form solution B. What observations were made? Write ionic equations to describe the reactions
occurring.
Observations ....................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [3]
Equations ..........................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
c) Zinc metal and aqueous hydrochloric acid were added to a sample of A. What colour change would be seen
to occur? Write an ionic half-equation to describe the reaction occurring to A.
Observations ................................................................................................................................................ [2]
Half-equation ............................................................................................................................................... [1]
d) To B was added aqueous sodium hydroxide and aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The solution was boiled. The
colour of the solution became yellow. Excess hydrogen peroxide was then removed and the solution was
acidified. Finally, an orange colour formed.
(i)

Name the chemical species responsible for the yellow colour.

....................................................................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) Name the chemical species responsible for the orange colour and write a balanced ionic equation for its
formation from the yellow species.
Name ..................................................................................................................................................... [1]
Equation ...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................... [2]

TOTAL / 15

A2 Level

TOPIC 21 Questionsheet 22

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CHROMIUM CHEMISTRY II
When an aqueous solution of chromium(III) chloride is evaporated at room temperature, violet crystals are
formed (compound X). When a hot aqueous solution of chromium(III) chloride crystallises, pale green crystals
(compound Y) are formed. When an excess of silver nitrate is added to 1 mole of either of these salts a white
precipitate of silver chloride is formed. Compound X forms 3 moles of silver chloride and compound Y forms
only 1 mole of silver chloride. Both compounds have the same composition by mass: 19.5% chromium, 40.1%
chlorine and 40.4% water.
a) Calculate the empirical formula of both these salts.
...........................................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [3]
b) Assuming that the empirical formulae are identical with the molecular formulae, what are the formulae and
names of the complex cations present?
...........................................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [4]
c) Why do these compounds have different colours?
...........................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
d) One of these complex ions can exhibit geometric isomerism. Using sketches, explain how such isomerism can
occur.

[4]
e) (i)

Give the formula of a third compound Z which is isomeric with compounds X and Y.

....................................................................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) How many moles of silver chloride would you expect to be precipitated from 1 mole of compound Z on
treatment with excess silver nitrate solution?
...................................................................................................................................................................... [1]
TOTAL / 15

A2 Level

TOPIC 21 Questionsheet 23

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COBALT CHEMISTRY I
a) Explain the meaning of the terms transition element, cationic complex and anionic complex, and illustrate
your answers with examples taken from the chemistry of cobalt.
Transition element ...........................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
Example ........................................................................................................................................................ [1]
Cationic complex.......................................................................................................................................... [2]
Example ........................................................................................................................................................ [1]
Anionic complex ...............................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
Example ........................................................................................................................................................ [1]
b) Sketch the structures of two complex ions of cobalt(II), one of which has an octahedral shape and the other
one a tetrahedral shape.

[2]
c) State the type of bonding occurring between the central metal cation and a ligand. What structural feature
must a ligand possess for this type of bonding to occur?
Type of bonding ........................................................................................................................................... [1]
Feature .......................................................................................................................................................... [1]
d) (i)

Describe what you would observe if concentrated aqueous ammonia were added dropwise (until in
excess) to an aqueous solution of cobalt(II) nitrate.

...........................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [3]
(ii) Using your answer to d) (i), explain the meaning of the term ligand exchange reaction. Include in your
explanation the chemical equation for the reaction involved.
...........................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................... [3]
e) What would you observe if the solution resulting from d) (i) were allowed to stand in air, and how do you
account for the change?
Observation .................................................................................................................................................. [1]
Explanation .................................................................................................................................................. [1]
TOTAL / 21