HKCEE PAST PAPER 87-94/SECTION 2/LQ/PAGE 1

Section 2 Common Metals

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1987 Q.3(a)

Two iron rods A and B are partly plated with silver and zinc respectively. They are then separately
placed in a gel containing potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) and phenolphthalein [out of syllabus].

After some time, what would be observed around each rod? Explain the observation.
(5/10 marks)
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1989 Q.3(b)

The results of experiments with iron and three other metals X, Y, Z and their oxides are
summarized in the following tables:

Metal Iron X Y Z
Experiment
Action of metal on iron(II) No immediate reaction Iron is deposited A gas is evolved No reaction
sulphate solution

Metal oxide Fe2O3 XO Y2O Z2O

Experiment
Action of metal on heating No reaction No reaction No reaction Metal Z is formed

(i) What was the gas evolved in the reaction of Y with iron(II) sulphate solution? Write an
equation for the reaction involved. (State symbols should be given.)

(ii) Arrange the four metals in descending order of reactivity, and briefly explain your answer.

(iii) One of the three metals, X, Y and Z, was used to form a chemical cell with an iron rod, as
shown in the diagram below:

(1) Which of the three metals, X, Y and Z, would be the most suitable as the metal strip?
Give TWO reasons for your choice.

(2) Suggest ONE reason why aqueous sodium sulphate solution is used in this cell.

(3) Write an ionic equation for the oxidation reaction taking place in the cell.
 HKCEE PAST PAPER 87-94/SECTION 2/LQ/PAGE 2

(4) Explain how the principle behind this experiment cab be applied to protect iron from
rusting.
(12 marks)
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1990 Q.5(a)

The set-up below was used to investigate the corrosion of iron:

After some time, the solution from each tube was tested with potassium hexacyanoferrate(III)
solution. It was found that corrosion of iron occurred only in tubes A and B.

(i) State the colour change when the solution from tube A was tested with potassium
hexacyanoferrate(III) solution.

(ii) When the iron nail in tube B corroded,

(1) indicate what cation and anion were produced, and

(2) write the half equation to show the formation of each ion.

(iii) In which of the tube would bubbles of gas be observed? Write an equation for the reaction
involved.

(iv) Explain why corrosion of iron did not occur in

(1) tube C.

(2) tube D.
(9 marks)
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1991 Q.4(a)

A student used the following set-up to determine the empirical formula of an oxide of iron.

Before the experiment, the student was instructed to see whether the iron powder was rusty and
to remove any rust from it.

After weighing a sample of pure iron powder, the student then heated it strongly in a crucible,
opening and closing the lid from time to time until the reaction was complete. He then reweighed
the content after cooling.

The following results were obtained:

 HKCEE PAST PAPER 87-94/SECTION 2/LQ/PAGE 3

mass of crucible + lid 25.27 g

mass of crucible + iron powder before heating 26.16 g
mass of crucible + lid + content after cooling 26.50 g

(i) If the iron powder were rusty, describe briefly how the rust could be removed chemically.
Write an appropriate equation for the reaction.

(ii) Give TWO reasons why the crucible lid was opened and closed from time to time during
heating.

(iii) Calculate the empirical formula of the oxide of iron from the above data.
(Relative atomic masses: O=16.0; Fe=56.0)
(9 marks)
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1992 Q.1(b)

The table below give some information about three metals, A, B and C.

Metal Rate of corrosion in moist air Electrical conductivity Strength of metal Cost per tonne
A fast very good moderate $13400
B fast good good $13800
C slow very good moderate $37000

(i) Based on the information given above, explain which metal is most suitable for making

(1) electrical cable.

(2) windows frames.

(ii) Suggest one method to reduce the rate of corrosion of metal in moist air.

(iii) Why can metals conduct electricity?

(7 marks)
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1993 Q.1(a)

Aluminium and iron can be used in making windows frames.

(i) Describe an experiment to show that aluminium is more reactive than iron.

(ii) Although aluminium is more reactive than iron, explain why most window frames are now
made of anodized aluminium instead of painted iron.
(5 marks)
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1994 Q.1

The table below lists some information about three metals, X, Y and Z.

Metal X Y Z
Atomic number 12 20 ---
Action of cold water No apparent change A colourless gas slowly evolves No apparent change
Action of 0.1M A colourless gas evolves --- No apparent change
hydrochloric acid

(a) To which group in the Periodic Table does Y belong?

(b) (i) Write an equation for the reaction between X and 0.1M hydrochloric acid. (An ionic
equation will NOT be accepted for this reaction.)

(ii) Draw electronic structures for the TWO products formed in (i) above, showing electrons
in the outermost shell ONLY.
 HKCEE PAST PAPER 87-94/SECTION 2/LQ/PAGE 4

(c) What would be observed when Y is added to 0.1M hydrochloric acid?

(d) Based on the results of the reactions given in the above table, arrange the three metals in
descending order of reactivity. Explain your answer.

(e) When Z is heated with concentrated sulphuric acid, a colourless gas evolves and the solution
turns blue.

(i) What gas is evolved? Suggest a chemical test for the gas.

(ii) What would be observed if a piece of metal X is added to the blue solution?
(12 marks)
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<END OF SECTION 2>