This diagram is a model for carbon dioxide released when limestone reacts with acid. Fig. 1 shows one carbon atom joined to two oxygen atoms. The gas is pas...
Question 1 Report
This diagram is a model for carbon dioxide released when limestone reacts with acid. Fig. 1 shows one carbon atom joined to two oxygen atoms. The gas is passed through limewater during a school investigation.
(a) Complete the formula of carbon dioxide: CO__. [1]
(b) Name the type of bond represented by each pair of lines. [1]
(c) Suggest why carbon dioxide has a low boiling point compared with diamond. [3]
Answer Details
(a) Carbon dioxide has one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms, so its formula is \(\mathrm{CO_2}\). The missing subscript is 2. [1 mark]
(b) Each pair of lines represents a double covalent bond. Two pairs of electrons are shared between carbon and each oxygen atom. [1 mark]
(c) Carbon dioxide consists of small, separate molecules. The forces between these molecules are weak intermolecular forces, so relatively little energy is needed to overcome them when carbon dioxide boils. Diamond has a giant covalent structure, in which many strong covalent bonds extend throughout the structure; far more energy is needed to overcome this structure. Therefore carbon dioxide has a much lower boiling point. [3 marks]
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