Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · 1.1

1.1 — practice question

Chromium, Cr, together with its compounds, is used extensively in many chemical reactions.
(a(i))[1]

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

(a(ii))[1]

Describe how an atom of chromium-54 differs from an atom of chromium-52. Refer to 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 other information is required to calculate the relative atomic mass, $A_r$, of Cr.

(a(iv))[1]

Atoms of $^{52}\mathrm{Cr}$, $^{53}\mathrm{Cr}$ and $^{54}\mathrm{Cr}$ make up more than 95% of naturally occurring chromium atoms. The $A_r$ of naturally occurring Cr is 51.996. Suggest what these statements imply about the relative isotopic mass of the fourth stable isotope of chromium.

(b(i))[1]

The shorthand electronic configuration of chromium is $[\mathrm{Ar}]\,3d^5 4s^1$. 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 oxidise methanal, $\mathrm{CH_2O}$, to carbon dioxide. Electron transfer for the relevant species is shown in the following half-equations: half-equation 1: $\mathrm{CH_2O + H_2O \rightarrow CO_2 + 4H^+ + 4e^-}$; half-equation 2: $\mathrm{Cr_2O_7^{2-} + 14H^+ + 6e^- \rightarrow 2Cr^{3+} + 7H_2O}$. 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 $-30\,^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ but carbon dioxide is a gas at this temperature. Explain why.

(d(i))[1]

In acidic conditions, a dynamic equilibrium is established between $\mathrm{CrO_4^{2-}(aq)}$ and $\mathrm{Cr_2O_7^{2-}(aq)}$: $\mathrm{2CrO_4^{2-}(aq) + 2H^+(aq) \rightleftharpoons Cr_2O_7^{2-}(aq) + H_2O(l)}$ $\Delta H > 0$. State what is meant by dynamic equilibrium.

(d(ii))[1]

Identify the condition necessary to establish dynamic equilibrium.

(d(iii))[4]

In the equilibrium $\mathrm{2CrO_4^{2-}(aq) + 2H^+(aq) \rightleftharpoons Cr_2O_7^{2-}(aq) + H_2O(l)}$ $\Delta H > 0$, $\mathrm{CrO_4^{2-}(aq)}$ ions are yellow and $\mathrm{Cr_2O_7^{2-}(aq)}$ ions are orange. State what is observed when the following changes are made to an equilibrium mixture of acidified $\mathrm{CrO_4^{2-}(aq)}$ and $\mathrm{Cr_2O_7^{2-}(aq)}$ ions. Explain your answers: (1) The equilibrium mixture is warmed gently. (2) Dilute $\mathrm{HCl(aq)}$ is added to the equilibrium mixture.

(e)[2]

Chromium(IV) fluoride, $\mathrm{CrF_4}$, is a covalent molecule that shows similar chemical properties to $\mathrm{SiCl_4}$. Suggest the type of reaction that occurs when $\mathrm{CrF_4}$ is placed in water. Construct a relevant 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 and 24 electrons are present.

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