JAMB UTME - Chemistry - 2023

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 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.

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 lanthanides and actinides are located in the f-block of the periodic table.

The periodic table is organized into blocks based on the electron configuration of the elements. The f-block elements are located at the bottom of the periodic table, separated from the rest of the elements.

The lanthanides and actinides are a group of elements that have similar properties and electron configurations. They are also known as the "rare earth elements." These elements have electrons filling the 4f and 5f orbitals, hence they are placed in the f-block.

The f-block elements are very important in many scientific and technological applications. They are used in the production of magnets, catalysts, high-strength alloys, and various electronic devices. Some lanthanides and actinides are also used in medical imaging and cancer treatments.

Overall, the f-block elements play a crucial role in various fields of science and technology, and their placement in the periodic table helps to highlight their unique properties and characteristics.

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.

The reaction involved in the formation of alkanols from alkenes is called addition reaction.

In an addition reaction, two reactants combine together to form a larger product molecule. In this case, the alkene (a hydrocarbon with a carbon-carbon double bond) reacts with a molecule of water (H2O) to form an alkanol (an alcohol).

During the reaction, the carbon-carbon double bond in the alkene breaks, and each carbon atom bonds to a hydrogen atom from the water molecule.

This results in the formation of a single bond between the carbon atoms and a bond between each carbon atom and a hydrogen atom.

The remaining oxygen and hydrogen atoms from the water molecule form a hydroxyl group (-OH) on one of the carbon atoms. This addition reaction is a way to introduce an -OH group and create an alcohol from an alkene.

It is important to note that alkanols are a specific type of alcohol where the hydroxyl group is attached to a saturated carbon atom (a carbon atom bonded to four other atoms).

Therefore, the correct answer is addition reaction.

The type of chemical combination that involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of oppositely charged ions, is ionic bonding.

In an ionic bond, one atom donates electrons to another atom. This happens when one atom has a stronger attraction for electrons than the other. The atom that donates electrons becomes positively charged (known as a cation), while the atom that receives the electrons becomes negatively charged (known as an anion).

The transfer of electrons occurs because atoms want to achieve a stable electron configuration, usually by having a complete outermost electron shell. By transferring electrons, atoms can achieve this stability. The resulting oppositely charged ions are attracted to each other due to the electrostatic force, forming an ionic bond.

For example, in the formation of table salt (sodium chloride), sodium (Na) donates an electron to chlorine (Cl). Sodium becomes a positively charged ion (Na+), and chlorine becomes a negatively charged ion (Cl-). The positive and negative charges attract each other, creating the ionic bond in sodium chloride.

Overall, ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons, resulting in the formation of oppositely charged ions. This type of chemical combination is an essential concept in understanding various compounds and their properties.

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 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 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.

A unique property of water compared to other liquids is that it expands when freezing.

The noble gas that is radioactive and produced as a decay product of uranium and thorium is called Radon.

Noble gases are elements that are found in Group 18 of the periodic table. They are known for their low reactivity and tendency to not form compounds easily. Radon is the heaviest noble gas and is completely colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

Radioactive decay is a process in which the nucleus of an unstable atom releases radiation particles and energy. Uranium and thorium are both radioactive elements found in nature. As these elements undergo radioactive decay, they release various particles, including alpha particles.

Radon is produced as a decay product of the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium. It is formed when uranium and thorium atoms release an alpha particle and transform into radon atoms. This process is known as alpha decay.

Radon gas is highly radioactive and can pose health risks if inhaled in large quantities. It is a major concern as it can accumulate in confined spaces such as basements and cause long-term health problems, including an increased risk of lung cancer.

To summarize, Radon is the noble gas that is radioactive and produced as a decay product of uranium and thorium through the process of alpha decay.

At room temperature and standard pressure, chlorine gas is in the state of matter called gas.

In chemistry, there are three main states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. The state of matter depends on the arrangement and movement of the particles that make up a substance.

Let's consider each state of matter one by one:

Solid: In a solid state, the particles are tightly packed together and have fixed positions. They vibrate in place but do not move around freely. Solids have a definite shape and volume. Examples of solids are a desk, a brick, or a piece of ice.

Liquid: In a liquid state, the particles are more spread out compared to solids. They have some freedom to move, but they still remain close to each other. Liquids can flow and take the shape of the container they are in. However, they still have a definite volume. Examples of liquids are water, milk, or oil.

Gas: In a gas state, the particles are far apart and move freely in all directions. They have much more energy compared to particles in solids or liquids. Gases do not have a definite shape or volume and can expand to fill the entire space they are contained in. Examples of gases are air, oxygen, or carbon dioxide.

Chlorine gas, at room temperature and standard pressure, exists as individual chlorine molecules that are far apart and move freely. Therefore, it is classified as a gas.

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.

When alkanoic acids react with alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst, esterification occurs.

Esterification is a chemical reaction that results in the formation of an ester. An ester is a compound that is formed by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol. In this case, the alkanoic acid and alcohol react together to form an ester.

The reaction is initiated by the acid catalyst, which helps to speed up the reaction and increase the yield of the desired ester product.

During the reaction, the acid catalyst provides a proton (H+) to the alkanoic acid, which makes it more reactive. The alcohol then attacks the carbonyl carbon of the alkanoic acid, resulting in the formation of a new bond.

The final product of the reaction is an ester, which is a compound that has an oxygen atom connected to a carbon atom through a single bond, with the other end of the oxygen atom connected to an alkyl group.

To summarize, when alkanoic acids react with alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst, esterification occurs, resulting in the formation of an ester compound.

The main source of carbon monoxide (CO) in urban areas is vehicle emissions.

When vehicles burn fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, they produce a variety of air pollutants, including carbon monoxide. This occurs because the fuel combustion process is not completely efficient, resulting in the release of carbon monoxide gas into the air.

Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution in urban areas, especially in densely populated cities where there is a high concentration of vehicles. The exhaust from cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles contributes to the elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the surrounding air.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is harmful to human health. It can be particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces, as it can build up to toxic levels and interfere with the body's ability to carry oxygen to vital organs.

To reduce the levels of carbon monoxide in urban areas, it is important to implement measures such as adopting cleaner transportation technologies, promoting public transportation, and improving vehicle emission standards. These efforts can help mitigate the negative impacts of carbon monoxide on air quality and public health.

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 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.

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.

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 type of salt found in antacid medications to relieve heartburn and indigestion is magnesium chloride.

Magnesium chloride is used as an active ingredient in antacids because it has the ability to neutralize excess stomach acid. When you have heartburn or indigestion, it means that there is too much acid in your stomach, causing discomfort and a burning sensation.

Magnesium chloride works by reacting with the excess stomach acid to form magnesium hydroxide. This compound, magnesium hydroxide, is a strong base that can effectively neutralize the acid, reducing the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.

By taking antacid medications that contain magnesium chloride, you can help to balance the acidity in your stomach and provide relief from the discomfort caused by excess acid.

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.

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.

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 valency of an element is a measure of its ability to combine with other elements to form compounds. It is determined by the number of electrons an atom can gain, lose, or share in order to achieve a stable electronic configuration.

In the given electronic configuration 2, 8, 7, the element has a total of 17 electrons. In order to achieve a stable electronic configuration, the element needs to either gain one electron to complete its outermost shell or lose seven electrons to empty its outermost shell.

The valency of an element is typically determined by the number of electrons in its outermost shell, also known as the valence shell. In this case, the element has 7 electrons in its valence shell, which means it needs to gain one electron to achieve a stable configuration.

Therefore, the valency of the element with the electronic configuration 2, 8, 7 is 1, as it needs to gain one electron to achieve stability.

The blue litmus paper turning red when dipped into a solution indicates that the solution is acidic.