Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Analytical techniques

Analytical techniques — practice question

Naturally occurring phosphorus has a single isotope, $^{31}\text{P}$. Naturally occurring chlorine has two isotopes, $^{35}\text{Cl}$ and $^{37}\text{Cl}$, present in the ratio of $3 : 1$.
(a(i))[3]

In the mass spectrum of $\text{PCl}_3$, a number of peaks appear because several molecular fragments are present. Propose the isotopic make-up of the fragments with mass numbers 101, 103 and 105.

(a(ii))[1]

State the relative ratios of the heights of the three peaks for these fragments.

(b(i))[2]

Draw a ‘dot-and-cross’ diagram to represent the bonding in $\text{PCl}_5$. Show only the outer electrons.

(b(ii))[3]

Draw diagrams to show the shapes of $[\text{PCl}_4]^+$ and $[\text{PCl}_6]^-$.

(c(i))[2]

Phosphorus(III) oxide, $\text{P}_4\text{O}_6$, has no P-P or O-O bonds. In the $\text{P}_4\text{O}_6$ molecule, all oxygen atoms are divalent and all phosphorus atoms are trivalent. Sketch a structure for $\text{P}_4\text{O}_6$.

(c(ii))[2]

$\text{P}_4\text{O}_6$ can act as a ligand. What does the term ligand mean?

(d(i))[1]

Write an expression for the solubility product, $K_{sp}$, of $\text{Ca}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2$.

(d(ii))[4]

At $298\ \text{K}$, the solubility of $\text{Ca}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2$ is $2.50 \times 10^{-6}\ \text{mol dm}^{-3}$. Calculate the solubility product, $K_{sp}$, of $\text{Ca}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2$ at this temperature. Include the units.

(e(i))

What is meant by the term lattice energy?

(e(ii))[3]

Explain why the lattice energy of calcium phosphate is less exothermic than that of magnesium phosphate.

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