Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · 1.1

1.1 — practice question

Chromium, Cr, and its compounds are used very widely in many chemical reactions.
(a(i))[1]

The most common isotope of Cr is chromium-52. Work out the numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom of chromium-52.

(a(ii))[1]

Describe how an atom of chromium-54 is different from an atom of chromium-52. Refer to the numbers of particles in your answer.

(a(iii))[1]

The relative isotopic masses of the isotopes of Cr can be found by mass spectrometry. State what extra information is needed to calculate the relative atomic mass, $A_r$, of Cr.

(a(iv))[1]

Atoms of $^{52}_{24}\text{Cr}$, $^{53}_{24}\text{Cr}$ and $^{54}_{24}\text{Cr}$ account for more than 95% of naturally occurring chromium atoms. The $A_r$ of naturally occurring Cr is $51.996$. Suggest what these facts show about the relative isotopic mass of the fourth stable isotope of chromium.

(b(i))[1]

The shorthand electronic configuration of chromium is $[\text{Ar}]\,3d^5 4s^1$. Complete the full electronic configuration of chromium.

(b(ii))[1]

Deduce the total number of unpaired electrons in an atom of chromium.

(c(i))[1]

Acidified dichromate(VI) ions convert methanal, $\text{CH}_2\text{O}$, into carbon dioxide. Electron transfer to or from the relevant species is shown in the half-equations below: Half-equation 1: $\text{CH}_2\text{O} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{CO}_2 + 4\text{H}^+ + 4e^-$. Half-equation 2: $\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7^{2-} + 14\text{H}^+ + 6e^- \rightarrow 2\text{Cr}^{3+} + 7\text{H}_2\text{O}$. Identify the species that is reduced in half-equation 2. Explain your answer.

(c(ii))[1]

The oxidation state of the carbon atom in methanal is $0$. Calculate the oxidation state of carbon in carbon dioxide.

(c(iii))[2]

Construct the ionic equation for the reaction of dichromate(VI) ions with methanal in acidic conditions.

(c(iv))[2]

Methanal is a liquid at $-30\,^\circ\text{C}$ but carbon dioxide is a gas at this temperature. Explain why.

(d(i))[1]

In acidic conditions, a dynamic equilibrium is set up between $\text{CrO}_4^{2-}(aq)$ and $\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7^{2-}(aq)$: $2\text{CrO}_4^{2-}(aq) + 2\text{H}^+(aq) \rightleftharpoons \text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7^{2-}(aq) + \text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$, $\Delta H > 0$. State what is meant by dynamic equilibrium.

(d(ii))[1]

Identify the condition needed to establish dynamic equilibrium.

(d(iii))[4]

Chromate(VI) ions, $\text{CrO}_4^{2-}(aq)$, are yellow and dichromate(VI) ions, $\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7^{2-}(aq)$, are orange. State what you observe when the following changes are made to an equilibrium mixture of acidified $\text{CrO}_4^{2-}(aq)$ and $\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7^{2-}(aq)$ ions. Explain your answers: (1) The equilibrium mixture is warmed gently. (2) Dilute $\text{HCl}(aq)$ is added to the equilibrium mixture.

(e)[2]

Chromium(IV) fluoride, $\text{CrF}_4$, is a covalent molecule with chemical behaviour similar to $\text{SiCl}_4$. Suggest the type of reaction that takes place when $\text{CrF}_4$ is placed in water. Write an equation for this reaction.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 20-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: 24 protons; 28 neutrons; 24 electrons

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