Chemistry 5070 · O Level · Experimental design

Experimental design — practice question

A student carries out an investigation into how the solubility of solid potassium nitrate changes with temperature. The student: step 1 places 100 cm$^3$ of water in a beaker at room temperature step 2 finds the mass of the beaker containing the water step 3 puts some potassium nitrate into the water step 4 stirs the mixture until every part of the potassium nitrate has dissolved step 5 repeats steps 3 and 4 until a small amount of solid is still undissolved in the beaker step 6 finds the mass of the beaker containing the water and potassium nitrate step 7 repeats steps 1 to 6 with water at different temperatures step 8 works out the mass of potassium nitrate dissolved in the water at each temperature.
(a(i))[1]

The student has left out a key measurement. State the measurement that must be taken.

(a(ii))[1]

The student’s data are presented in Table 1.1. Estimate the mass of potassium nitrate dissolved in 100 cm$^3$ of water at $55^\circ$C.

(a(iii))[2]

The student sees a solid in the beaker after the solution made at $75^\circ$C is left at room temperature. Explain why.

(b)[1]

Suggest why the student does not carry out the experiment at $115^\circ$C.

(c)[1]

Explain why the method the student uses gives a value for solubility that is greater than the true value.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: temperature of the water

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