Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Group 2

Group 2 — practice question

Radium, $\text{Ra}$, belongs to Group 2 of the Periodic Table. At room temperature it is a crystalline solid and it conducts electricity. Radium chloride, $\text{RaCl}_2$, melts at $900\,^{\circ}\text{C}$ and dissolves in water.
(a)[1]

Predict the lattice type of $\text{RaCl}_2(s)$ from the information given.

(b)[1]

Draw a dot-and-cross diagram to illustrate the outer-electron arrangement in $\text{RaCl}_2$.

(c(i))[1]

Construct the equation for the reaction between $\text{Ra}$ and $\text{H}_2\text{O}$.

(c(ii))[1]

Identify which element, $\text{Ra}$ or $\text{Ca}$, reacts with $\text{H}_2\text{O}$ more rapidly. Suggest how the observations for the two reactions would be different.

(c(iii))[2]

Suggest why these reactions happen at different rates.

(c(iv))[2]

One solution is cloudy once the reaction is complete. Universal indicator is then added to each reaction mixture. Suggest pH values for the solutions formed in both reactions. Explain your answer.

(d)[3]

A sample of aqueous calcium halide, $\text{CaX}_2\text{(aq)}$, contains either chloride, bromide or iodide ions. Complete Table 2.1 to describe a two-step method that could be used to identify the halide ion present.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Identification of a giant ionic structure

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