Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Group 2

Group 2 — practice question

Calcium, magnesium and radium are all Group 2 elements. Radium shows the same patterns as the other Group 2 members.
(a)[1]

Identify the occupied orbital with the highest energy in a calcium atom. Sketch the shape of that orbital. Identify the highest-energy orbital in Ca. State the shape.

(b(i))[1]

Write the equation that shows the thermal decomposition of calcium nitrate.

(b(ii))[1]

Suggest which of the Group 2 nitrates, calcium, magnesium or radium, needs the highest temperature for decomposition. Explain your answer.

(c)[1]

Predict what you would observe when aqueous radium chloride is mixed with aqueous sodium sulfate. Do not mention temperature changes in your answer.

(d(i))[1]

$^{25}_{12}\text{Mg}$ is an isotope of magnesium. Determine the numbers of protons and neutrons in an atom of $^{25}_{12}\text{Mg}$.

(d(ii))[1]

State the complete electronic configuration of an atom of $^{25}_{12}\text{Mg}$.

(e(i))[1]

The relative atomic mass, $A_r$, is found by comparing the average mass of an element’s isotopes with the unified atomic mass unit. Define the unified atomic mass unit.

(e(ii))[2]

Calculate the mass of X. Use the data in Table 1.1 and $A_r(\text{magnesium}) = 24.31$ in your calculation. Show your working.

(e(iii))[2]

State one similarity and one difference in the properties of these isotopes of magnesium. Explain your answer.

(f(i))[1]

Magnesium, Mg, burns in oxygen, $\text{O}_2$. The activation energy, $E_a$, for this reaction is $+148\,\text{kJ mol}^{-1}$. State one observation you would make when magnesium burns in oxygen. Do not mention temperature changes in your answer.

(f(ii))[3]

On Fig. 1.1, sketch a reaction pathway diagram for the reaction of Mg with $\text{O}_2$, and label the diagram to show the enthalpy change, $\Delta H$, and the activation energy, $E_a$, for the reaction.

(g)[2]

Cold water reacts slowly with a piece of Mg to produce bubbles of $\text{H}_2(g)$. Cold water reacts rapidly with burning Mg to produce $\text{H}_2(g)$ in an explosive mixture. $\text{Mg} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{Mg(OH)}_2 + \text{H}_2$ Explain why the rate of reaction of cold water with burning magnesium is greater.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 17-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Identify the highest-energy orbital in Ca as $4s$

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