Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Chemical energetics

Chemical energetics — practice question

When an ionic compound dissolves in water, an energy change occurs; this is the enthalpy change of solution, $\Delta H_{sol}$. $$\text{MgCl}_2(s) + aq \rightarrow \text{Mg}^{2+}(aq) + 2\text{Cl}^-(aq)$$
(a)[2]

Describe, in terms of bond breaking and bond making, what occurs to the solid ionic lattice when an ionic compound dissolves in water.

(b(i))[1]

What does the term enthalpy change of solution, $\Delta H_{sol}$, mean?

(b(ii))[2]

Use the data below to calculate the standard enthalpy change of hydration, $\Delta H^{\circ}_{hyd}$, of chloride ions, $\text{Cl}^-(g)$. It may help to draw an energy cycle. Data given: $\Delta H^{\circ}_{hyd}(\text{Mg}^{2+}(g)) = -1925\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}$; lattice energy of $\text{MgCl}_2(s) = -2524\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}$; enthalpy change of solution for $\text{MgCl}_2(s) = -155\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}$. Hence determine $\Delta H^{\circ}_{hyd}(\text{Cl}^-(g))$.

(b(iii))[2]

The enthalpy change of hydration for $\text{Na}^+$, $\Delta H^{\circ}_{hyd}(\text{Na}^+(g))$, is $-410\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}$. Suggest an explanation for why the $\Delta H^{\circ}_{hyd}$ of the $\text{Na}^+$ ion is less exothermic than the $\Delta H^{\circ}_{hyd}$ of the $\text{Mg}^{2+}$ ion.

(c)[4]

Describe and explain how the solubility of the Group II sulfates changes down the group.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: ionic bonds between $\mathrm{Mg^{2+}}$ and $\mathrm{Cl^-}$ break

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