JAMB UTME - Chemistry - 2024

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Biodegradable pollutants are substances that can be broken down by natural processes and microorganisms. However, when they are present in water systems, they can lead to several environmental and health issues. One of the main concerns is their potential to cause ill health. Here's why:

When biodegradable pollutants such as organic waste are introduced into water bodies, they are decomposed by bacteria and other microorganisms. This process consumes dissolved oxygen in the water. As the oxygen levels decrease, aquatic life such as fish and plants may suffer or die due to a lack of oxygen, disrupting the entire aquatic ecosystem.

This situation is known as eutrophication, which can lead to the excessive growth of algae, commonly referred to as algal blooms. These blooms often produce toxins that are harmful to both aquatic life and humans. Furthermore, when this polluted water is used for drinking, agriculture, or recreational purposes, it poses serious health risks to humans. These risks may include gastrointestinal infections, neurological disorders, and skin problems.

In addition, as the pollutants decompose, foul smells may be released, which can affect air quality in the vicinity, although the primary concern with biodegradable pollutants in water is related to how they affect water quality and health.

Therefore, it is crucial to properly manage and treat biodegradable pollutants before they enter water systems to prevent these health hazards. Failure to do so can result in significant environmental and health issues.

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In the Contact Process, the catalyst used for the conversion of sulphur(IV) oxide (SO₂) to sulphur(VI) oxide (SO₃) is vanadium(V) oxide, also chemically represented as V₂O₅. This catalyst is preferred because it is more cost-effective and significantly more durable under reaction conditions than other catalysts such as platinum. Moreover, while platinum is also an effective catalyst, it is prone to poisoning by impurities that may be present in the reaction mixture. Vanadium(V) oxide, on the other hand, offers a better balance of efficiency, cost, and durability, making it the catalyst of choice in industrial applications of the Contact Process.

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An air pollutant is any substance in the air, introduced by natural or human activity, that causes harm or discomfort to living organisms, or damages the environment. Let's analyze the substances mentioned:

1. O₂ (Oxygen)
Oxygen is the gas we need to breathe. It's not considered an air pollutant because it is essential for human and animal life, as well as many natural processes.

2. CO (Carbon Monoxide)
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by burning fuel (like in cars and factories). This gas can be very dangerous if there is a lot of it, as it can prevent oxygen from entering the bloodstream. Because of its harmful effects, it is considered an air pollutant.

3. H₂ (Hydrogen)
Hydrogen, while a flammable gas, is generally not harmful to the air or to organisms when it is released into the environment. Therefore, it is not considered an air pollutant.

4. O₃ (Ozone)
Ozone is a bit tricky because it is both good and bad. Higher up in the atmosphere, it forms a layer that protects us from the sun’s UV radiation. However, at ground level, it is a harmful air pollutant. Ground-level ozone can cause health problems such as respiratory difficulties, so in this context, it is considered an air pollutant.

In conclusion, the substances that are considered air pollutants in this context are Carbon Monoxide (CO) and ground-level Ozone (O₃).

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The chemical formula for potassiumhexacyanoferrate(II) is K₄Fe(CN)₆.

Let's break down the name to understand why:

1. Potassium (K): The compound includes potassium ions. In this case, four potassium ions are present, indicated by the subscript 4 in K₄.

2. Hexacyano: The prefix "hexa" means six, which signifies there are six cyanide ions (CN^-) in the complex. This is represented as (CN)₆.

3. Ferrate (II): The word "ferrate" suggests the presence of iron (Fe). The Roman numeral (II) indicates that the iron is in the +2 oxidation state.

Overall, the complex ion is [Fe(CN)₆] with a charge of 4-, so to balance the charge, four potassium ions (each with a charge of +1) are needed, resulting in the formula K₄Fe(CN)₆.

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Scandium is not regarded as a transition metal because its ion has no electron in the d-orbital.

To understand this, let's first define a transition metal. A transition metal is defined as an element that has an incomplete d-subshell in either its elemental form or in any of its common oxidation states.

When Scandium (Sc) loses electrons to form its most common ion (Sc³⁺), it loses three electrons. These electrons are removed from the 4s and 3d orbitals. The electron configuration for Scandium is [Ar] 3d¹ 4s². Upon losing three electrons to form Sc³⁺, the resulting electron configuration is [Ar], which means there are:

• No electrons in the 3d sublevel
• No electrons in the 4s sublevel

As a result, there are no electrons in the d-orbital of the Scandium ion, which does not meet the criteria for a transition metal.

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To determine the percentage of hydrogen in the sixth member of aliphatic alkanes, we first need to understand the general formula for alkanes. Aliphatic alkanes are a class of hydrocarbons with the general formula C_nH_2n+2, where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms.

The sixth member of this series will have n = 6. Therefore, the molecular formula for the sixth member is C₆H₁₄.

To find the percentage of hydrogen, we first calculate the molar mass of C₆H₁₄:

• Molar mass of 1 carbon atom = 12
• Molar mass of 6 carbon atoms = 6 × 12 = 72
• Molar mass of 1 hydrogen atom = 1
• Molar mass of 14 hydrogen atoms = 14 × 1 = 14

Total molar mass of C₆H₁₄ = 72 + 14 = 86

Next, we calculate the percentage of hydrogen:

Percentage of hydrogen = (Molar mass of hydrogen atoms / Total molar mass) × 100

Percentage of hydrogen = (14 / 86) × 100 = 16.28%

Therefore, the percentage of hydrogen in the sixth member of the aliphatic alkanes is 16.28%.

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The general formula RCOR' represents a class of organic compounds known as ketones. In this formula, R and R' are alkyl groups, which are chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms. The CO in the middle is a carbonyl group, which consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom. Therefore, with the presence of two alkyl groups on either side of the carbonyl group, the compound is categorized as a ketone, scientifically referred to as an alkanone.

Here is a simple breakdown of the terms:

• Alkanone: A term used to describe ketones, which have the general formula RCOR'.
• Alkanal: Represents aldehydes, which contain the functional group RCHO with at least one hydrogen attached to the carbon atom of the carbonyl group.
• Alkanoate: Typically refers to esters, which have the general form RCOOR'.
• Alkanoic acid: Refers to carboxylic acids, which are denoted by the functional group RCOOH.

Hence, by looking at the general formula RCOR', the organic compound in question is undoubtedly an alkanone.

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When a concentrated sodium chloride solution is electrolyzed using a mercury cathode and graphite anode, the products are hydrogen gas at the cathode and chlorine gas at the anode

At the anode, 2Cl− ${}^{-}$  →  Cl2 ${}_2$ +  2e− ${}^{-}$

At the cathode, 2H+ ${}^{+}$ +  2e− ${}^{-}$ →  H2 ${}_2$

During the electrolysis, hydrogen and chloride ions are removed from solution whereas sodium and hydroxide ions are left behind in solution. This means that sodium hydroxide is also formed during the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution.

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**Fog** is a type of colloid, which is a mixture where very small particles of one substance are evenly distributed throughout another substance. In the case of fog, it consists of tiny **liquid droplets** that are dispersed in a **gas**. Specifically, these are tiny droplets of water suspended in the air. When you walk through fog, you are essentially walking through air that contains these minute water droplets.

Thus, the correct description of fog as a colloid is that it consists of **liquid particles dispersed in a gas medium**. The liquid here is water, and the gas is air.

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A titration is a process used to determine the concentration of an unknown solution by adding a solution of known concentration. The indicator used in a titration is a substance that changes color at the specific pH level of the solution, which usually happens at the equivalence point.

For a titration between a strong acid and a weak base, the solution at the equivalence point is slightly acidic. This is because the salt formed as a result of the neutralization reaction can undergo hydrolysis, producing an excess of hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) which makes the solution acidic.

Among the provided indicators, methyl orange is the most suitable for indicating this type of reaction because it changes color in an acidic pH range of about 3.1 to 4.4. It shifts from red at a pH below 3.1 to yellow at a pH above 4.4.

Therefore, for a titration involving a strong acid and a weak base, methyl orange is the appropriate indicator as it can show the end point effectively when the solution is slightly acidic. The pH at the equivalence point falls within the color change range of methyl orange.

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An example of a physical change is the boiling of water. Let me explain why this is considered a physical change:

A physical change is a change where the substances involved do not change their chemical composition, meaning they remain the same substance, just in a different form or appearance. In the case of boiling water, when water is heated to its boiling point, it changes from a liquid to a gas (steam), but it is still comprised of water molecules (H₂O). The change is reversible, so the gas can condense back into liquid water without any new substance being formed.

On the other hand:

• Exposing sodium metal to air: This is a chemical change as sodium reacts with components in the air, such as oxygen, forming new substances like sodium oxide.
• Dissolving calcium metal in water: This is a chemical change because calcium reacts with water to produce calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, forming new substances.
• Burning of kerosene: This is a chemical change as kerosene reacts with oxygen in the air to form new substances like carbon dioxide and water, and this transformation is irreversible.

Thus, boiling water is an excellent example of a physical change as it involves only the change in the state of matter without altering the substance's identity.

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To determine how much of a radioactive element remains after a certain period, we use the concept of half-life. The half-life of a substance is the time it takes for half of the initial amount of a radioactive element to decay. In this example, the half-life is given as 50 days.

We want to know how much of a 5g sample remains after 200 days. First, calculate how many half-lives occur in 200 days:

Number of half-lives = Total time elapsed / Half-life
                      = 200 days / 50 days
                      = 4 half-lives

Next, we calculate the remaining amount after each half-life period:

• Initial amount: 5g
• After first half-life (50 days): 5g / 2 = 2.5g
• After second half-life (100 days): 2.5g / 2 = 1.25g
• After third half-life (150 days): 1.25g / 2 = 0.625g
• After fourth half-life (200 days): 0.625g / 2 = 0.3125g

After 200 days, 0.31g of the radioactive element remains.

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To find the molecular formula of a hydrocarbon given its empirical formula and molar mass, you need to compare the empirical formula mass with the given molar mass.

The empirical formula given is CH₃. The molar mass of the empirical formula is calculated as follows:

• Carbon (C): 1 atom × 12 g/mol = 12 g/mol
• Hydrogen (H): 3 atoms × 1 g/mol = 3 g/mol

Total empirical formula mass = 12 + 3 = 15 g/mol

The provided molar mass of the compound is 30 g/mol. To determine how many empirical units are in the molecular formula, divide the molecular mass (given) by the empirical formula mass:

Number of empirical units = 30 g/mol / 15 g/mol = 2

Therefore, the molecular formula is twice the empirical formula:

Empirical formula: CH₃

Molecular formula: (CH₃)₂ = C₂H₆

The correct molecular formula is C₂H₆.

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The relationship between the two compounds is that they are isomers.

To understand why these compounds are isomers, let's break down their structures and definitions:

1. Structures of the Compounds:

• The first compound, CH₃-CH₂-OH, is known as ethanol. This compound is composed of two carbon atoms (C), six hydrogen atoms (H), and one oxygen atom (O).
• The second compound, CH₃-O-CH₃, is known as dimethyl ether. This compound also consists of two carbon atoms (C), six hydrogen atoms (H), and one oxygen atom (O).

2. Definitions:

• Isomers: Compounds that have the same molecular formula (same types and numbers of atoms) but different structural arrangements and properties.
• Allotropes: Different physical forms of the same element (e.g., carbon can exist as diamond, graphite, etc.).
• Isotopes: Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei.
• Isobars: Atoms of different elements that have the same atomic weight (mass number) but different atomic numbers.

Both compounds have the same molecular formula: C₂H₆O. However, they have different arrangements of their atoms. Ethanol has a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to an ethyl group (CH₃-CH₂-), while dimethyl ether involves two methyl groups (CH₃-) bonded to an oxygen atom (O). This difference in structure leads to different chemical and physical properties, despite having the same molecular formula. Hence, these two compounds are classified as isomers.

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The compound of copper that is commonly used as a fungicide is **Copper(II) sulfate**, which is represented by the chemical formula **CuSO₄**.

Let's break this down for better understanding:

• Copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄): This is a blue-colored, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water, making it easy to apply as a fungicide. It is often used in a mixture called Bordeaux mixture, which is a blend of copper sulfate and slaked lime (calcium hydroxide). This mixture is effective in controlling fungal infections on crops like grapes, melons, and berries.

The other compounds listed do not serve as common fungicides:

• Copper(II) carbonate (CuCO₃): This compound is mainly used as a pigment or for other industrial applications, not as a fungicide.
• Copper(II) nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂): This compound is primarily used in industrial processes, such as electroplating or as a catalyst, rather than in agriculture.
• Copper(II) chloride (CuCl₂): While it is used in a variety of chemical applications, it is not the standard choice for a fungicide in agricultural practices.

Therefore, the correct and widely used copper compound as a fungicide is Copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄).

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The compound in question is K₄[Fe(CN)₆]. To name this complex using IUPAC nomenclature, let's break it down into parts:

• Potasium (K₄): This denotes four potassium ions. Potassium is not part of the complex ion; it is a counter ion that balances the charge of the complex ion.
• Fe(CN)₆: This is the complex ion.
• The ligand CN is the cyanide ion, which is named as cyano.
• Hexacyano: The prefix 'hexa-' indicates that there are six cyanide ligands attached to the central metal atom.

Next, consider the oxidation state of Fe:

• The formula of the complex is [Fe(CN)₆]^4-. Because each cyanide ion has a charge of -1, the total charge contributed by the six cyanide ions is -6.
• The overall charge is -4 due to the four potassium ions (K⁺), thus Fe must have a charge of +2 to balance the charge.

Finally, we consider the oxidation state of the iron. Since calculations show that it is +2, the complex ion is named based on its oxidation state.

Hence, the IUPAC name of this compound is potassium hexacyanoferrate(II).

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To determine the solubility of sodium chloride (NaCl) in mol/dm³ at the given temperature, you need to first calculate the number of moles of NaCl dissolved.

Step 1: Calculate the molar mass of NaCl.

The molar mass of a compound is found by adding the atomic masses of its constituent elements:

- Sodium (Na) has an atomic mass of 23.

- Chlorine (Cl) has an atomic mass of 35.5.

Thus, the molar mass of NaCl = 23 + 35.5 = 58.5 g/mol.

Step 2: Calculate the number of moles of NaCl.

The formula to calculate moles is:

Number of moles = Mass (g) / Molar mass (g/mol)

Given mass of NaCl = 127 g,

Number of moles = 127 g / 58.5 g/mol ≈ 2.17 mol

Step 3: Calculate the solubility in mol/dm³.

Since the sodium chloride is dissolved in 1.0 dm³ of water, the solubility is the same as the number of moles, since the volume is already 1.0 dm³.

Therefore, the solubility of sodium chloride at that temperature is 2.17 mol/dm³.

Rounded to the options given, 2.17 mol/dm³ is approximately equal to 2.2 mol/dm³.

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To understand the effect of increased pressure on the equilibrium position of the given reaction:

CuO(s) + H₂(g) ⇌ Cu(s) + H₂O(g)

We need to consider Le Chatelier's Principle. According to this principle, if a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in pressure, temperature, or concentration, the system will adjust itself to counteract the effect of the change and re-establish equilibrium.

For the reaction in question, let's consider the number of gas molecules on each side of the equation:

• Left side (reactants): 1 molecule of H₂(g)
• Right side (products): 1 molecule of H₂O(g)

Since both sides of the equation have the same number of gas molecules, an increase in pressure will not favor a shift to either the left or the right because the number of moles of gas on both sides of the equilibrium is the same.

Therefore, the effect of increased pressure on the equilibrium is that there is no effect. The position of the equilibrium remains unchanged, and pressure changes do not influence the production of more H₂(g) or H₂O(g) in this specific reaction.

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Water pollutants are substances that, when introduced into the water, cause harm to ecosystems, human health, and the overall quality of the water. Each of the options provided has the potential to be considered a water pollutant, except for one. Let's explain them:

1. Inorganic fertilizers: These are substances mainly composed of synthetic chemicals, including nitrates and phosphates. When these fertilizers enter water bodies, they can lead to nutrient pollution, which causes excessive growth of algae (eutrophication), leading to a decrease in oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life.

2. Warm water affluent: This refers to the discharge of heated water into natural water bodies. This heat contamination can change the temperature of the water, affecting the metabolism of aquatic life and leading to thermal pollution.

3. Oxygen gas: Oxygen gas is a fundamental component of the Earth's atmosphere and is not considered a water pollutant. In fact, dissolved oxygen is crucial for the survival of aquatic organisms. Rather than causing any harm, adequate levels of dissolved oxygen in water bodies are essential for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems.

4. Biodegradable waste: These are organic materials that decompose in the environment. When introduced in large quantities into water bodies, they can consume a significant amount of dissolved oxygen as they decompose, which can lead to depletion of oxygen levels and cause harm to aquatic life, making them pollutants in aquatic ecosystems.

Given the explanations above, oxygen gas is the option that is not a water pollutant. It is vital for the health of aquatic ecosystems, unlike the other options, which can all lead to some form of pollution in water bodies.

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To determine the half-life of a first-order reaction, you can use the formula:

Half-life (\(t_{1/2}\)) = \(\frac{0.693}{k}\)

where \(k\) is the rate constant of the reaction. For the given problem, the rate constant (\(k\)) is 4.5 x 10^-3 s^-1.

Substituting the value of \(k\) into the formula, we have:

\(t_{1/2} = \frac{0.693}{4.5 \times 10^{-3}}\)

Perform the division:

\(t_{1/2} = \frac{0.693}{4.5 \times 10^{-3}} \approx 154\) s

Therefore, the half-life of the reaction is 154 seconds.

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Kerosene is commonly used as a solvent for paints. Let me explain why in a simple way:

Kerosene is a type of fuel that is composed of hydrocarbons, which are molecules made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These hydrocarbons give kerosene the ability to dissolve other similar substances.

Paints often contain oils and other hydrocarbon-based compounds. Since kerosene is also hydrocarbon-based, it can effectively dissolve and thin these compounds. This makes it suitable for use as a solvent in paints, allowing the paint to be thinned or cleaned up after use. This property makes kerosene a good choice for cleaning brushes and other painting tools or for dissolving dried paint.

On the other hand, sulphur, gums, and fats are typically not dissolved effectively by kerosene because of their different chemical properties. Therefore, kerosene as a solvent is primarily useful in the context of working with paints and similar hydrocarbon-based materials.

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To determine how many moles of carbon dioxide (CO₂) are produced when ethanol is burnt with 6g of oxygen, we need to understand the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of ethanol. The reaction is as follows:

C₂H₅OH + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 3H₂O

This equation tells us that 1 mole of ethanol (C₂H₅OH) reacts with 3 moles of oxygen (O₂) to produce 2 moles of carbon dioxide (CO₂).

First, let's calculate how many moles of oxygen 6 g represents. The molecular weight of oxygen (O₂) is approximately 32 g/mol. Therefore, the number of moles of oxygen is:

Number of moles of O₂ = 6 g / 32 g/mol = 0.1875 moles

According to the balanced equation, 3 moles of O₂ produce 2 moles of CO₂. Hence, the relationship between moles of O₂ and moles of CO₂ is:

2 moles of CO₂ / 3 moles of O₂ = x moles of CO₂ / 0.1875 moles of O₂

Solving for x, we have:

x = (2/3) * 0.1875 = 0.125

Therefore, 0.125 moles of CO₂ are produced when 6g of oxygen is used to burn ethanol.

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The shape of the molecule of Carbon(IV) oxide, also known as carbon dioxide (CO₂), is linear. This is because of the following reasons:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) consists of one carbon atom covalently double bonded to two oxygen atoms.
• Carbon, being the central atom, has no lone pairs of electrons. It forms double bonds with each of the two oxygen atoms.
• The double bonds between carbon and the two oxygen atoms are on opposite sides of the carbon atom. This creates a structure where the atoms are aligned in a straight line, producing a linear shape.
• The bond angle between the oxygen-carbon-oxygen atoms is approximately 180 degrees, further confirming its linear nature.

Due to this arrangement, carbon dioxide has a symmetric shape, making it non-polar despite having polar covalent bonds. The pulling forces of the two oxygen atoms on either side of the carbon atom cancel each other out, reinforcing its linear configuration.

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When a candle burns under a limited supply of air, it doesn't get enough oxygen to completely burn the hydrocarbons in the wax. In complete combustion (with enough air), the candle would ideally produce water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). However, under limited air supply, the process is incomplete and results in the formation of soot and carbon monoxide (CO).

Here's why:

• Soot is composed of tiny particles of carbon that are given off when some of the wax does not fully combust. This happens because there isn't enough oxygen to ensure complete combustion.
• Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas produced alongside soot when the hydrocarbon in the wax doesn't get enough oxygen to form CO₂. Instead of converting to carbon dioxide, carbon remains only partially oxidized, resulting in CO.

In summary, under limited air conditions, the combustion of a candle primarily forms soot and carbon monoxide (CO).

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The Biuret test is a chemical test used for detecting the presence of proteins. When you perform a Biuret test, you are looking for peptide bonds, which are the connections between the amino acids in a protein. This is how it works:

• When a solution containing proteins is mixed with Biuret reagent, which contains copper sulfate, a chemical reaction occurs.
• In this reaction, the copper ions form a complex with the peptide bonds present in the protein.
• This complex gives the solution a characteristic purple color if proteins are present.
• The intensity of the purple color can often indicate the amount of protein present in the sample.

The test is specifically tailored to proteins because carbohydrates, amines, and alkanoates do not exhibit the required peptide bonds necessary for this color change. Therefore, the Biuret test is not suitable for detecting these compounds.

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Gay Lussac’s Law of Combining Volumes states that when gases react, they do so in volumes which bear a simple ratio to one another, and to the volume of the product(s) formed if gaseous, provided the temperature and pressure remain constant. 

                                      C2 ${}_2$H4(g) ${}_{4(g)}$  +  3O2(g) ${}_{2(g)}$ → 2CO2(g) ${}_{2(g)}$  +  2H2 ${}_2$O(g) ${}_{(g)}$

                                         1 mole      :       3 moles

Total volume required:     10 cm3 ${}^3$          50 cm3 ${}^3$

Reacted Volume:              10 cm3 ${}^3$          30 cm3 ${}^3$

Residual volume:               0                    (50 - 30) = 20 cm3

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The question is asking about the pH of a 0.001 mol dm⁻³ solution of H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid). To find the pH, we need to understand how sulfuric acid dissociates in water.

Step 1: Dissociation of H₂SO₄
Sulfuric acid, H₂SO₄, is a strong acid and dissociates completely in water in two steps:

1. The first dissociation: H₂SO₄ → H⁺ + HSO₄^-

2. The second dissociation: HSO₄^- → H⁺ + SO₄^2-

For dilute solutions, particularly below 0.1 M, the first dissociation provides the major contribution to the H⁺ concentration. The second dissociation also contributes slightly to the acidity, but for simplicity and due to the dilute nature of this solution, the first step's contribution is primarily considered.

Step 2: Calculate the H⁺ Concentration
Since this is a strong acid and dissociates completely, for every 1 mole of H₂SO₄, we get 2 moles of H⁺. Therefore, for a 0.001 mol dm⁻³ solution of H₂SO₄, the concentration of H⁺ ions will be:

2 x 0.001 = 0.002 mol dm⁻³

Step 3: Calculate the pH
The pH is calculated using the formula: pH = -log[H⁺]

Substitute the H⁺ concentration:

pH = -log(0.002)

We know that log(10^-2) = -2 and log(2) = 0.3 (as provided), so:

pH = -(log(2) + log(10^-3))

pH = -(0.3 - 3)

pH = 3 - 0.3

pH = 2.7

Therefore, the pH of the 0.001 mol dm⁻³ H₂SO₄ solution is 2.7.

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The low melting and boiling points of covalent molecules are primarily due to the presence of weak intermolecular forces between the molecules. While covalent molecules consist of atoms bonded together by strong covalent bonds, the forces between separate molecules, known as van der Waals forces or London dispersion forces, are much weaker. These weak forces require significantly less energy to overcome, which explains why covalent molecules tend to have lower melting and boiling points.

Although covalent molecules have definite shapes and possess shared electron pairs, these characteristics have little influence on the melting and boiling points. The focus is instead on how much energy is needed to separate the molecules from one another.

Covalent molecules are not typically three-dimensional structures like ionic compounds or metals which form intricate lattices and require more energy to disrupt. Thus, the primary reason for their lower melting and boiling points is the presence of weak intermolecular forces that can be more easily overcome with minimal energy input.

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ROH' and ROR' can form functional group isomers because they are the functional groups of alcohols and ethers, respectively.

Ethers have a pair of alkyl or aromatic groups attached to a linking oxygen atom. ROH is the functional group of alcohols, which are derivatives of water with one hydrogen atom replaced by an alkyl group.

Alcohols (ROH) and ethers (ROR') can form functional group isomers because they have the same chemical formula but different functional groups. E.g CH3 ${}_3$CH2 ${}_2$OH and CH3 ${}_3$OCH3

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In the conductance of aqueous CuSO₄ solution, the current carriers are the hydrated ions.

Here's why:

• CuSO₄ in Water: When copper sulfate (CuSO₄) is dissolved in water, it dissociates into copper ions (Cu²⁺) and sulfate ions (SO₄^2-).
• Role of Water: In an aqueous solution, these ions become surrounded by water molecules. This surrounding by water is known as "hydration."
• Conductivity: The movement of these hydrated copper ions and sulfate ions through the solution constitutes the current in the solution. They are the mobile charge carriers that allow electric current to flow.

The other options can be understood as follows:

• Mobile Electrons: These are the primary current carriers in metallic conductors, not in ionic solutions like CuSO₄.
• Metallic Ions: This term generally refers to ions in a metallic lattice. In an aqueous solution, the relevant ions are hydrated, not metallic.
• Hydrated Electrons: This is not a correct term for describing the charge carriers in an aqueous CuSO₄ solution.

The correct answer is therefore hydrated ions because they enable the conduction of electricity through the aqueous solution.

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The group VIII elements, also known as the noble gases, are called inert gases primarily because they all have completely filled valence shells. In a very simplified explanation:

1. Complete Valence Shells: All the noble gases have their outermost shells completely filled with electrons. This configuration is considered very stable and requires no additional electrons to reach stability, unlike other elements that may gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a full valence shell.

2. Highly Stable: Due to this completely filled valence shell, the noble gases do not readily react with other elements to form compounds. Their stability comes from the fact that they do not need to bond with other elements to achieve a more stable state.

3. Examples: For instance, Helium (He) has two electrons filling its first shell, Neon (Ne) has eight electrons in its second shell, and similarly, other noble gases also have fully occupied outer shells.

This property is why the noble gases are termed "inert," which means they are largely non-reactive.

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When water reacts with calcium ethynide, the gas produced is ethyne (also known as acetylene), which is represented by the chemical formula C₂H₂.

The chemical reaction involved is as follows:

CaC₂ + 2 H₂O → C₂H₂ + Ca(OH)₂

Let's break down this process to make it understandable:

• Calcium ethynide (CaC₂), often called calcium carbide, is a compound composed of calcium and the acetylide ion (C₂^2-).
• When water (H₂O) is added to calcium carbide, a chemical reaction occurs.
• The reaction produces **ethyne (C₂H₂)**, a colorless gas with a distinctive odor.
• Another product of this reaction is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), which is a solid.

The key point to remember here is that the gas produced is **ethyne (C₂H₂)**, which is useful in various industrial applications, such as welding and as a precursor for other chemicals.

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In the context of chemical reactions, the spontaneity of a reaction is determined by the Gibbs Free Energy change, represented by the symbol ΔG. A chemical reaction is considered to be spontaneous if it proceeds on its own without needing continuous external input of energy.

For a reaction to be spontaneous, the value of ∆G must be negative. This is based on the Gibbs Free Energy equation:

ΔG = ΔH - TΔS

Where:

• ΔG is the change in Gibbs Free Energy.
• ΔH is the change in enthalpy (heat content).
• T is the temperature in Kelvin.
• ΔS is the change in entropy (degree of disorder).

A negative value for ΔG indicates that the process releases energy and will proceed spontaneously. This means the system is moving towards a lower energy and more stable state, naturally favoring the products over the reactants.

In contrast, a positive ΔG indicates that the reaction is non-spontaneous and requires energy input. If ΔG is zero, the system is at equilibrium, meaning there is no net change taking place, but this doesn't indicate spontaneity.

Therefore, in summary, for a reaction to be spontaneous, ∆G must be negative.

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In the process of extracting iron in a blast furnace, CaCO3, or calcium carbonate, plays a crucial role in forming slag. Here is a simple and comprehensive explanation of how it works:

1. Role of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3):

Calcium carbonate is commonly used as a flux in the blast furnace. When it is introduced into the furnace, it undergoes a decomposition reaction due to the high temperatures, breaking down into calcium oxide (CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

2. Formation of Slag:

The calcium oxide (CaO) produced then reacts with silicon dioxide (SiO2) present in the iron ore. This reaction forms a liquid slag of calcium silicate. The slag serves two main functions:

• Removal of Impurities: It captures impurities such as silica from the ore and other materials, thereby purifying the iron.
• Protection and Insulation: The slag forms a layer over the molten iron, protecting it from oxidation and acting as an insulating layer to retain heat.

Thus, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is crucial for forming slag by providing the necessary calcium oxide (CaO) that reacts with impurities to form slag during the extraction of iron in a blast furnace.

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One of the major effects of oil pollution in coastal water is the destruction of aquatic life.

When oil spills into a water body, it forms a thin layer called a sheen on the surface of the water. This oil layer blocks sunlight from reaching aquatic plants and phytoplankton, inhibiting their ability to perform photosynthesis. As a result, these plants and microorganisms suffer, impacting the entire food chain.

Moreover, oil can coat the feathers of birds and the fur of marine mammals, which affects their insulation and buoyancy, leading to hypothermia, drowning, or inability to fly. Additionally, the toxic components in oil are harmful if ingested, causing internal damage to fish and other marine organisms. These combined effects can lead to significant mortality in aquatic ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and the natural balance of coastal waters.

Therefore, oil pollution can severely affect the health and survival of aquatic life, creating disruptions that can persist for many years.

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To solve this problem, we must consider the concept of electrochemistry and Faraday's laws of electrolysis. These laws are crucial for determining the mass of a substance liberated during electrolysis.

Faraday's first law states that the mass of a substance liberated is directly proportional to the quantity of electricity that passes through the electrolyte. The mass can be calculated using the formula:

m = (Q * M) / (n * F)

Where:

• m = mass of substance liberated
• Q = total electric charge (in Coulombs)
• M = molar mass of the isolated element
• n = number of moles of electrons required to reduce 1 mole of ions of the element
• F = Faraday's constant (approximately 96500 C/mol)

For silver (Ag), the chemical reaction at the cathode is:

Ag⁺ + e⁻ → Ag

This shows that **1 mole of electrons** is required to discharge **1 mole** of silver ions.

For magnesium (Mg), the chemical reaction at the cathode is:

Mg²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Mg

This means that **2 moles of electrons** are required to discharge **1 mole** of magnesium ions.

Given:

• Mass of Ag liberated = **16 g**
• Molar mass of Ag (M) = **108 g/mol**
• Molar mass of Mg (M) = **24 g/mol**

First, find the number of moles of Ag liberated:

Number of moles of Ag = 16 g / 108 g/mol = 0.1481 mol

The same quantity of electricity will be used to liberate an equivalent in moles of electrons for Mg.

0.1481 moles of Ag require 0.1481 moles of electrons, equivalent to:

0.1481 moles of electrons for Mg. Since Mg requires 2 moles of electrons for 1 mole of Mg:

Number of moles of Mg = 0.1481 / 2 = 0.07405 mol

Finally, calculate the mass of Mg liberated:

m = 0.07405 mol * 24 g/mol = 1.7772 g

Rounding this to the closest answer provided:

The mass of magnesium that will be liberated is approximately **1.78 g**.

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An Acid anhydride can be defined as a non-metal oxide which forms an acidic solution when reacted with water. 

Sulphur is the element that can combine with oxygen to form an acid anhydride of the form XO2 ${}_2$.

An acid oxide is a compound that forms an acid when it reacts with water. Non-metals in groups 4–7 form acidic oxides.

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Aluminum is extracted from bauxite by electrolysis. The extraction proceeds in two stages;

1. Purification of the Bauxite: The impure bauxite is heated with sodium hydroxide solution to form soluble sodium tetrahydroxy aluminate (iii). The impurities in the ore which are iron (iii) oxide and trioxosilicate (iv) compounds are not soluble in the alkali. They are therefore filtered off as a sludge. 

Aluminum hydroxide crystals is then added to filtrate, NaAl(OH)4 ${}_4$ solution to induce the precipitation of Aluminum hydroxide.

2. The electrolysis of the pure alumina

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An example of an amphoteric oxide is Al₂O₃ (aluminum oxide).

Amphoteric oxides are special because they can act as both acidic and basic oxides. This means they can react with both acids and bases to form salts and water, showcasing their dual behavior.

Here is how it works:

• Reacts with Acids: When aluminum oxide reacts with an acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), it behaves like a base and forms a salt. For example, it will react to form aluminum chloride and water:
  Al₂O₃ + 6 HCl → 2 AlCl₃ + 3 H₂O.


• Reacts with Bases: When it reacts with a strong base, like sodium hydroxide (NaOH), it acts like an acid and also forms a salt and water. An example reaction might be:
  Al₂O₃ + 2 NaOH + 3 H₂O → 2 NaAl(OH)₄.

In contrast, oxides like CuO (copper(II) oxide) are basic oxides, and K₂O (potassium oxide) is a basic oxide as well. They don't exhibit both acidic and basic properties.

Therefore, the amphoteric nature of Al₂O₃ is what distinguishes it from common oxides that are strictly acidic or basic. This property is crucial in various chemical processes and applications.

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When the **purity of solutes** is of utmost importance, the most preferred separation technique is **recrystallization**. This method is widely used in chemistry for purifying solid compounds.

Here's a simple explanation of **recrystallization**:

1. **Dissolving the Impure Compound**: The impure solid is dissolved in a suitable hot solvent. The choice of solvent is crucial; it should dissolve the compound well at high temperatures but poorly at low temperatures.

2. **Cooling the Solution**: The solution is slowly cooled. As it cools, the solubility of the compound in the solvent decreases, causing the pure compound to form crystals and precipitate out of the solution.

3. **Collection and Drying of Crystals**: The pure crystals are collected through filtration and then allowed to dry, separating them from any remaining impurities that stay dissolved in the solvent.

The **advantage** of recrystallization is that it allows for the **removal of impurities** that are either more soluble than the desired compound at low temperatures or less soluble at high temperatures, resulting in a more purified product. Therefore, when achieving high purity is a priority, **recrystallization** is often the method of choice.