Chemistry 5070 · O Level · Fertilisers

Fertilisers — practice question

Fertilisers contain potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate and potassium phosphate.
(a)[2]

Find the percentage by mass of potassium in potassium sulfate, K$_2$SO$_4$.

(b)[2]

Describe a test for sulfate ions. State the test and the result.

(c)[1]

Explain why nitrates from solid fertilisers applied to soil can leach through the soil so readily.

(d)[2]

Nitrates cause eutrophication. What does the term eutrophication mean?

(e)[3]

Dilute phosphoric acid, H$_3$PO$_4$(aq), reacts with aqueous potassium hydroxide to form potassium phosphate: $\text{H}_3\text{PO}_4(aq) + 3\text{KOH}(aq) \rightarrow \text{K}_3\text{PO}_4(aq) + 3\text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$. A student titrates 25.0 cm$^3$ of H$_3\text{PO}_4$(aq) using 0.200 mol/dm$^3$ KOH(aq). 12.5 cm$^3$ of KOH(aq) is needed to react exactly with the H$_3\text{PO}_4$(aq). Calculate the concentration of the H$_3\text{PO}_4$(aq).

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The percentage works out as $(2 \times 39 / 174) \times 100 = 44.8%$ or $45%$.

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