JAMB UTME - Chemistry - 2023

The sum of the oxidation numbers in a neutral compound is always equal to zero.

Oxidation numbers are assigned to each element in a compound to indicate the redistribution of electrons during a chemical reaction.

The oxidation number represents the charge an atom would have if electrons were transferred completely.

In a neutral compound, the total positive charges must balance the total negative charges. Since electrons are neither gained nor lost in a neutral compound, the sum of the oxidation numbers must equal zero.

Therefore, the answer is 0.

In this scenario, we have a gas at an initial pressure of 2.0 atm and an initial volume of 4.0 L. We are told that the temperature is constant throughout the process.

The question asks us to determine the new volume of the gas if the pressure is reduced to 1.0 atm. To do this, we can use the Boyle's Law.

Boyle's Law states that if the temperature of a gas remains constant, then the pressure and volume of the gas are inversely proportional. In other words, as the pressure decreases, the volume increases.

Using Boyle's Law, we can set up the following equation:

P₁ * V₁ = P₂ * V₂

Where:

P₁ = initial pressure

V₁ = initial volume

P₂ = final pressure

V₂ = final volume (what we need to find)

Substituting the given values into the equation, we have:

(2.0 atm) * (4.0 L) = (1.0 atm) * (V₂)

Simplifying the equation:

8.0 L atm = V₂ * 1.0 atm

Since the pressure and volume are inversely proportional, we can solve for V₂ by dividing both sides of the equation by 1.0 atm:

V₂ = 8.0 L

Therefore, the new volume of the gas when the pressure is reduced to 1.0 atm while keeping the temperature constant will be 8.0 L.

The separation technique used to separate different pigments in a mixture based on their affinity for a stationary phase and a mobile phase is chromatography.

Chromatography is a method that takes advantage of the fact that different substances have different affinities for the components of the mixture. It involves two phases: the stationary phase and the mobile phase.

The stationary phase is a solid or a liquid that does not move, while the mobile phase is a liquid or a gas that moves through or over the stationary phase.

When the mixture is applied to the stationary phase, the pigments begin to separate based on their affinity for each phase. Some pigments may have a higher affinity for the stationary phase, causing them to move more slowly, while others have a higher affinity for the mobile phase, causing them to move more quickly.

As the mobile phase moves through the stationary phase, the individual pigments are carried along at different rates, resulting in their separation. The separated pigments can then be collected and analyzed.

In summary, chromatography is used to separate different pigments in a mixture based on their affinity for a stationary phase and a mobile phase. It exploits the fact that each pigment has a different affinity for the phases, allowing for their separation and analysis.

When a substance is oxidized, it loses electrons.

Oxidation is a chemical process in which a substance reacts with another substance or element, resulting in the loss of electrons from the oxidized substance. In other words, the oxidized substance gives away electrons to another substance or element.

This loss of electrons during oxidation is significant because electrons are negatively charged particles that play a crucial role in chemical reactions. By losing electrons, the oxidized substance becomes positively charged or oxidized.

It's important to note that oxidation doesn't necessarily involve the gain of oxygen atoms. While some reactions involving oxidation do include the addition of oxygen, it is not a defining characteristic of oxidation. The key factor is the loss of electrons, regardless of whether oxygen atoms are involved or not.

An example of a primary cell is an alkaline battery.

Primary cells are non-rechargeable batteries, meaning once they have been depleted of their energy, they cannot be recharged and must be replaced. These types of batteries are commonly found in everyday household items like remote controls, toys, and flashlights.

The alkaline battery works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Inside the battery, there are two electrodes - a negative electrode (anode) and a positive electrode (cathode). These electrodes are separated by an electrolyte, which allows the flow of ions between them.

During use, a chemical reaction occurs at the anode, causing zinc ions to be released into the electrolyte. At the cathode, manganese dioxide reacts with the zinc ions and water, producing hydroxide ions. The movement of ions creates an electron flow from the anode to the cathode, generating an electric current.

As the reactions continue, the zinc anode gradually gets consumed, and the battery loses its ability to produce electricity. Once the chemical reactions are complete, the alkaline battery is considered "dead" and needs to be replaced.

In contrast, the other options given are not primary cells:

• A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that continuously converts fuel and an oxidizing agent into electricity. It differs from a primary cell because the reactants can be replenished, allowing it to produce electricity continuously.
• A lead-acid battery is a rechargeable battery, often used in automotive applications. It can be recharged by reversing the chemical reactions that occur during discharge.
• A lithium-ion battery is also a rechargeable battery commonly used in portable electronic devices. Similar to the lead-acid battery, its chemical reactions can be reversed through charging.

The highest entropy change would be expected in the Liquid → Gas reaction.

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. When a substance changes from a state of lower disorder to a state of higher disorder, its entropy increases.

In the Liquid → Gas reaction, the substance is changing from a liquid state (where the particles are more closely packed and have less freedom of movement) to a gas state (where the particles are more spread out and have more freedom of movement).

As the particles transition from being tightly packed in the liquid phase to being more spread out in the gas phase, their randomness increases. This increase in randomness leads to an increase in entropy.

Therefore, the Liquid → Gas reaction would be expected to have the highest entropy change among the given options.

Out of the given statements, the true statement for strong electrolytes is:

They completely dissociate into ions in solution.

Now, let's understand what a strong electrolyte is and why this statement is true.

An electrolyte is a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water or melted. Strong electrolytes are substances that completely dissociate or break apart into ions when dissolved in water.

When strong electrolytes dissolve in water, the bonds holding the molecules together are broken and they separate into their individual ions. These ions are then free to move and carry electrical charge, allowing the solution to conduct electricity.

On the other hand, weak electrolytes partially dissociate or break apart into ions when dissolved in water. Not all of the molecules separate into ions, resulting in a lower concentration of ions in the solution and less conductivity of electricity compared to strong electrolytes.

In summary, strong electrolytes completely dissociate into ions in solution, allowing for effective electrical conductivity. This is why the statement "They completely dissociate into ions in solution" is true for strong electrolytes.

A common property of non-metals is that they tend to gain electrons in chemical reactions.

Non-metals are a group of elements on the periodic table that have certain characteristics in common. One of these characteristics is their tendency to gain electrons during chemical reactions.

Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit around the nucleus of an atom. Non-metals have a higher attraction for electrons compared to metals. This means that when non-metals come into contact with other elements, they have a greater likelihood of taking electrons from those elements.

This process of gaining electrons is called electron gainor electron capture. When non-metals gain electrons, they become negatively charged ions, also known as anions. This electron gain gives them stability and helps them achieve a full outer electron shell, similar to the noble gases.

The tendency of non-metals to gain electrons is an essential characteristic that distinguishes them from metals. Metals, on the other hand, tend to lose electrons during chemical reactions, leading to the formation of positively charged ions called cations.

Therefore, the property that matches the description is "Tend to gain electrons in chemical reactions," making it a common characteristic of non-metals.

A colloid is a type of mixture where tiny particles of one substance are dispersed evenly throughout another substance. The particles in a colloid are larger than the molecules in a solution, which allows them to scatter light and give the mixture a cloudy or opaque appearance. Now let's analyze each option to determine which one is an example of a colloid:

1. Milk: Milk is an example of a colloid. It consists of tiny fat globules (particles) dispersed throughout a watery substance. When light shines through milk, it scatters off of the fat globules, giving it a cloudy appearance.

2. Orange juice: Orange juice is not an example of a colloid. It is a homogenous mixture of water and dissolved molecules, such as sugars and vitamins. The particles in orange juice are too small to scatter light.

3. Saltwater: Saltwater is a solution, not a colloid. It consists of salt (solute) dissolved in water (solvent). In a solution, the particles are very small and evenly distributed, and they do not scatter light.

4. Sugar dissolved in water: Sugar dissolved in water is also a solution, not a colloid. The sugar particles are molecular in size and are completely dispersed in the water.

In conclusion, milk is the only option that is an example of a colloid. The tiny fat globules in milk are larger than the molecules in a solution, causing them to scatter light and give the mixture its cloudy appearance.

An element with an atomic number of 8 and a mass number of 16 has 8 neutrons.

Let's break down the information to understand why.

The atomic number of an element tells you the number of protons in its nucleus. In this case, the element has an atomic number of 8, which means it has 8 protons.

The mass number of an element is the sum of its protons and neutrons. In this case, the mass number is 16.

To calculate the number of neutrons, we subtract the atomic number from the mass number: Number of Neutrons = Mass Number - Atomic Number

So, in this case, the number of neutrons would be: 16 (mass number) - 8 (atomic number) = 8 neutrons.

Therefore, the element in question has 8 neutrons.

A straight-chain structure in organic chemistry refers to a carbon chain where the carbon atoms are connected in a linear or straight fashion, without any branches or loops.

Among the given options, the alkane that has a straight-chain structure is butane (C4H10).

Butane is composed of four carbon atoms (C4) and ten hydrogen atoms (H10). Its carbon atoms are arranged in a straight or linear chain without any branches.

In contrast, the other options have structures that deviate from a straight-chain. Cyclopentane (C5H10) forms a ring or cyclical structure, Isobutane (C4H10) has a branch coming off the main chain, and Benzene (C6H6) has a cyclic structure.

In summary, only butane (C4H10) has a straight-chain structure among the given options.

Calcium belongs to the alkaline earth metals group in the periodic table.

The periodic table is a chart that organizes elements based on their properties and atomic number. It consists of rows, called periods, and columns, called groups or families.

The alkaline earth metals group is found in the second column of the periodic table, specifically group 2. This group includes elements such as beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium.

So, why does calcium belong to the alkaline earth metals group? It's because of its characteristics and behavior.

Firstly, alkaline earth metals are highly reactive and relatively soft metals. Calcium, like other elements in this group, readily loses its two outermost electrons to form a positive ion with a +2 charge.

Secondly, alkaline earth metals have similar chemical properties. They all react with water to form alkaline solutions and with non-metals to form compounds.

Lastly, calcium is found abundantly in Earth's crust, mainly as calcium carbonate in limestone and chalk. It is an essential element for living organisms and is involved in various biological processes, such as muscle contraction and bone formation.

In conclusion, calcium belongs to the alkaline earth metals group in the periodic table due to its reactivity, similar chemical properties to other group members, and abundance on Earth.

The Filtration method is commonly used to remove suspended impurities from water.

When water is obtained from natural sources such as rivers, lakes, or groundwater, it often contains various suspended impurities. These impurities can include particles like sand, clay, silt, and organic matter. These impurities make the water cloudy or turbid and can also affect its taste and smell.

Filtration is the process of passing water through a porous material or medium to separate and remove the suspended impurities. The porous material used in filtration is typically sand, activated carbon, or a combination of different layers of materials.

As the water flows through the filtration medium, the suspended impurities get trapped and retained in the tiny pores or gaps within the material. This effectively removes the impurities from the water, resulting in clearer and cleaner water.

Filtration is a widely used method in water treatment plants, households, and industries to improve the quality of water. It is an essential step in the treatment of drinking water to ensure that it is safe for consumption.

Other methods mentioned, such as Fluoridation, Chlorination, and Distillation, serve different purposes in water treatment:

In conclusion, Filtration is the most commonly used method to remove suspended impurities from water, ensuring that it is clear, clean, and suitable for various applications.

The product of the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride (NaCl) using inert electrodes is Hydrogen gas at the cathode and chlorine gas at the anode.

During electrolysis, an electric current is passed through the sodium chloride solution. The solution dissociates into its ions: Na+ (sodium ion) and Cl- (chloride ion).

At the cathode (negative electrode), the positively charged sodium ions are attracted to the electrode. Since sodium is less reactive than hydrogen, it does not get discharged. Instead, hydrogen ions (H+) from the water in the solution are discharged, forming hydrogen gas (H2).

At the anode (positive electrode), the negatively charged chloride ions are attracted to the electrode. Chlorine ions (Cl-) are discharged and form chlorine gas (Cl2).

Therefore, the overall reaction can be summarized as follows:

2H2O + 2NaCl -> 2NaOH + H2 + Cl2

An electrovalent bond, also known as an ionic bond, is a type of chemical bond that forms between two atoms when one atom transfers electrons to another. This creates a bond between the positively charged ion and the negatively charged ion.

Out of the given compounds, NaCl (sodium chloride) is an example of an electrovalent bond.

In NaCl, a sodium atom transfers one electron to a chlorine atom. This results in the formation of a sodium ion (Na+) and a chlorine ion (Cl-). The sodium ion has a positive charge because it lost an electron and the chlorine ion has a negative charge because it gained an electron.

The opposite charges of the sodium and chlorine ions attract each other, resulting in the formation of a strong electrovalent/ionic bond between them. This bond holds the sodium and chloride ions together to form a crystal lattice structure of sodium chloride.

On the other hand, CO2 (carbon dioxide), H2O (water), and CH4 (methane) do not involve the transfer of electrons between atoms. These compounds have covalent bonds, where electrons are shared between atoms.

Understanding the concept of electrovalent bonds is important because it helps explain the properties and behavior of ionic compounds, such as their high melting and boiling points, solubility in water, and ability to conduct electricity when dissolved or molten.

The contact process is used for the industrial production of sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

Sulfuric acid is a very important chemical that is widely used in various industries. It serves as a key raw material for the production of fertilizers, detergents, dyes, and many other products.

The contact process is the main method used to produce sulfuric acid on a large scale. The process involves the conversion of sulfur dioxide (SO2) into sulfur trioxide (SO3), which is then reacted with water to produce sulfuric acid. The reaction between sulfur dioxide and oxygen occurs in the presence of a catalyst, typically vanadium pentoxide (V2O5).

Here is a simplified explanation of the steps involved in the contact process:

1. Burning sulfur or sulfide ores: The process starts with burning sulfur or sulfide ores to produce sulfur dioxide gas (SO2). Alternatively, sulfur dioxide can be obtained from the purification of natural gas or as a byproduct from other industrial processes.

2. Conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide: The sulfur dioxide gas is then oxidized to sulfur trioxide gas by passing it over a catalyst, which is usually vanadium pentoxide (V2O5). This step takes place at a high temperature, typically around 450-500 degrees Celsius.

3. Absorption of sulfur trioxide in sulfuric acid: The sulfur trioxide gas obtained in the previous step is then passed into a tower containing concentrated sulfuric acid. The two substances react to form oleum, which is a solution containing sulfuric acid and excess sulfur trioxide.

4. Dilution of oleum with water: The oleum is then diluted with water to produce the final product, which is sulfuric acid. The dilution process also generates a large amount of heat, which is typically recovered and used in other parts of the industrial plant.

Overall, the contact process allows for the efficient and large-scale production of sulfuric acid, which is an essential chemical in various industrial processes.

Eutrophication is the excessive growth of algae in water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, due to an increase in nutrients in the water. These nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, come from various sources including agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and soil erosion.

When there is an excess of nutrients in the water, it acts as a fertilizer for algae and other aquatic plants. These plants grow rapidly and form dense colonies on the water surface, resulting in what we commonly call an "algal bloom".

During the algal bloom, the water becomes green or murky and can sometimes emit an unpleasant odor. This excessive growth of algae can have several negative impacts on the aquatic ecosystem.

As the algae die and decompose, they consume a large amount of oxygen from the water, leading to oxygen depletion. This reduction in oxygen levels can be harmful to fish and other organisms that depend on oxygen to survive. It can lead to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms, creating what is known as a "dead zone".

Furthermore, the dense layer of algae on the water surface can block sunlight from penetrating into the water, limiting photosynthesis for other aquatic plants and organisms. This can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, affecting the biodiversity of the water body.

In summary, eutrophication is caused by an excess of nutrients in the water, leading to the rapid growth of algae and the subsequent negative impacts on oxygen levels and biodiversity in the aquatic ecosystem.

The correct statement regarding the melting and boiling points of pure substances is that the melting and boiling points can vary depending on the substance.

The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a solid to a liquid state. On the other hand, the boiling point is the temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid to a gas state.

Both melting and boiling points are unique for each substance. The melting and boiling points are influenced by the strength of the forces of attraction between the molecules or atoms that make up the substance.

Substances with strong intermolecular forces will have higher melting and boiling points, while substances with weak intermolecular forces will have lower melting and boiling points. For example, metals tend to have high melting and boiling points because the metallic bonds between the metal atoms are strong.

Ionic compounds also have high melting and boiling points because of the strong electrostatic attraction between the positively and negatively charged ions. In contrast, molecular substances generally have lower melting and boiling points because the forces of attraction between their molecules are weaker.

This is why substances like water (H2O) have lower melting and boiling points compared to metals or ionic compounds. So, to summarize, the melting and boiling points of pure substances are not always the same and can vary depending on the substance.

The strength of the intermolecular forces determines the melting and boiling points, with substances having stronger forces generally having higher melting and boiling points.

The organic compound responsible for the characteristic aroma of fruits is ester.

Esters are organic compounds that are formed when an alcohol reacts with an organic acid in the presence of a catalyst. They have a pleasant fruity, floral, or sweet smell, which is why they are often used in perfumes and flavorings. Esters are volatile compounds, meaning they easily evaporate and contribute to the aroma of fruits.

On the other hand, alkanes and alkynes are hydrocarbons that do not have a specific aroma. They are odorless and are typically found in substances like petroleum and natural gas.

Amines, although they can have distinct odors, are not primarily responsible for the characteristic aroma of fruits. Amines often have a fishy or ammonia-like smell and are found in substances like rotten eggs or urine.

Therefore, the correct answer is ester, as it is the organic compound that gives fruits their delightful scent.

The common name for ethanoic acid is acetic acid.

Acetic acid is a clear, colorless liquid with a strong, pungent odor. It is a weak acid commonly found in vinegar, giving it its sour taste and distinct smell. Acetic acid is also used in many industries, such as food production, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning products.

The name "acetic acid" is derived from the Latin word "acetum," which means vinegar. This is because acetic acid is the main component of vinegar.

In summary, the common name for ethanoic acid is acetic acid, which is a weak acid found in vinegar and used in various industries.

The atomic number of aluminium is 13.

Each atom of an element is uniquely identified by its atomic number. The atomic number represents the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom. In the case of aluminium, it has 13 protons in its nucleus.

The atomic number is a fundamental property of an element and helps in organizing the elements in the periodic table. It provides information about the position of the element in the periodic table and its chemical characteristics.

In summary, aluminium has an atomic number of 13, which signifies that it has 13 protons in its nucleus.

The trace gas in the atmosphere that plays a significant role in the greenhouse effect is carbon dioxide.

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that helps to regulate the Earth's temperature. When sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, some of it is absorbed and warms the planet. However, some of this heat is also radiated back into space.

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, trap some of this heat and prevent it from escaping into space. They act like a blanket around the Earth, keeping it warm. Without these greenhouse gases, the Earth would be much colder and life as we know it would not be possible.

However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, have been increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This excessive amount of carbon dioxide has enhanced the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.

Global warming is the long-term increase in Earth's average temperature due to the increased levels of greenhouse gases. It is causing changes in climate patterns, melting of polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events.

So, in summary, carbon dioxide is the trace gas in the atmosphere that plays a significant role in the greenhouse effect and contributes to global warming.

The position of equilibrium shifts to the left.

The reaction where benzene is converted to toluene by the addition of a methyl group is an example of electrophilic substitution. In electrophilic substitution reactions, a hydrogen atom in the benzene ring is replaced by an electrophile (electron deficient species) to form a new compound.

Here, the methyl group is the electrophile that replaces one of the hydrogen atoms in the benzene ring, resulting in the formation of toluene.

During the reaction, the benzene ring undergoes a series of steps:

1. An electrophile, in this case, the methyl group, is attracted to the electron-rich benzene ring.
2. The electrophile forms a bond with one of the carbon atoms in the benzene ring, breaking the aromaticity of the ring.
3. This leads to the formation of a sigma complex, where the electrophile is attached to the benzene ring.
4. Finally, the sigma complex is converted back into an aromatic compound by the loss of a proton, resulting in the formation of toluene.

Therefore, the addition of a methyl group to benzene to form toluene is an example of electrophilic substitution.