Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Group 2

Group 2 — practice question

The elements in Group II, together with their compounds, display a range of patterns in their properties.
(a(i))[3]

Describe and explain the pattern in reactivity of magnesium, calcium and barium with cold water.

(a(ii))[1]

Give the equation for magnesium reacting with cold water.

(a(iii))[1]

Suggest why the water becomes cloudy eventually during the reaction of magnesium with cold water.

(a(iv))[1]

Suggest the equation for hot magnesium reacting with steam.

(b(i))[1]

Give the equation for the reaction of magnesium oxide with nitric acid.

(b(ii))[1]

State the trend in thermal stability of the nitrates of Group II.

(b(iii))[1]

Give the equation for the thermal decomposition of magnesium nitrate.

(b(iv))[3]

By identifying any changes in oxidation number, explain which element is reduced and which is oxidised in the thermal decomposition of potassium nitrate, given by $2\text{KNO}_3 \rightarrow 2\text{KNO}_2 + \text{O}_2$.

(c)[2]

Explain why magnesium oxide has such a high melting point.

(d(i))[2]

Write equations to show how calcium carbonate can be changed into calcium hydroxide by a two-step process.

(d(ii))[1]

Write an ionic equation for the neutralisation reaction between hydrogen ions, $\text{H}^+$, and carbonate ions, $\text{CO}_3^{2-}$.

(d(iii))[2]

Use your equation to calculate the mass of powdered calcium carbonate that must be added to the pond to neutralise the acidity. The pond has a total volume of $8000\ \text{dm}^3$ and a pH of $4$, so the concentration of hydrogen ions is $1 \times 10^{-4}\ \text{mol dm}^{-3}$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 19-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Reactivity becomes greater down the group

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI