Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · States of matter

States of matter — practice question

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

The mass spectrum of $\text{PCl}_3$ shows a number of peaks that correspond to different molecular fragments. Suggest the isotopic composition of the fragments with mass numbers 101, 103 and 105.

(a(ii))[4]

State the relative ratios of the peak heights for the three peaks that correspond to these fragments.

(b(i))[3]

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

(b(ii))[3]

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

(c(i))[3]

Phosphorus(III) oxide, $\text{P}_4\text{O}_6$, has no P-P or O-O bonds. Within the $\text{P}_4\text{O}_6$ molecule, every oxygen atom is divalent and every phosphorus atom is 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 is meant by the term ligand?

(d(i))[2]

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

(d(ii))[4]

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

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 27-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Thus, $101=\mathrm{^{35}Cl_2P^+}$, $103=\mathrm{^{35}Cl^{37}ClP^+}$, $105=\mathrm{^{37}Cl_2P^+}$

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