ACIDS - BASES

1.

An aqueous solution of which of the following reacts with magnesium metal?

A.

Ammonia

B.

Hydrogen chloride

C.

Potassium hydroxide

D.

Sodium hydrogencarbonate
(1)

2.

Which is a buffer solution?

3

I. 0.01 mol dm

II. 0.01 mol dm

3.

A.

I only

B.

II only

C.

Both I and II

D.

Neither I nor II

HCl, 0.01 mol dm NaCl

CH3COOH, 0.01 mol dm CH3COONa

(1)

Define the terms strong acid and weak acid. Using hydrochloric and ethanoic acid as examples, write equations to
show the dissociation of each acid in aqueous solution.

(Total 4 marks)

4.

(i)

Calcium carbonate is added to separate solutions of hydrochloric acid and ethanoic acid of the same
concentration. State one similarity and one difference in the observations you could make.
..
..
..
..(

(ii)

2)

Write an equation for the reaction between hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate.
..
..

(2)
1

(iii)

Determine the volume of 1.50 mol dm of hydrochloric acid that would react with exactly 1.25 g of calcium
carbonate.
..
..
..
..
..
..

(iv)

(3)

Calculate the volume of carbon dioxide, measured at 273 K and

5
1.01 10 Pa, which would be produced when 1.25 g of calcium carbonate reacts completely with the
hydrochloric acid.
..
..
..
..
..
..

(2)
(Total 9 marks)

5.

The graph below shows the change in pH when aqueous sodium hydroxide is added to 20 cm of aqueous
hydrochloric acid.

12
11
10
9
8
7
pH

6
5
4
3
2
1
0

10

15
20
3
V o lu m e o f N a O H / c m

25

30

By reference to the graph

(i)

state the [H+] before any alkali is added.

..
..

(ii)

(1)

state by how much the [H+] changes after the addition of 20 cm of aqueous sodium hydroxide.
..
..

(iii)

(1)

determine the volume of the same sodium hydroxide solution needed to neutralize 20 cm of aqueous ethanoic
acid of the same concentration as the hydrochloric acid.
..
..

(1)
(Total 3 marks)

6.

(i)

Define the term buffer solution.

..
..
3

..
..
(ii)

(2)

State a suitable mixture that can act as a buffer solution.

..
..

(2)
(Total 4 marks)

7.

Propanoic acid, CH3CH2COOH is a weak acid.

(a)

Give the equation for the ionization of propanoic acid in water and deduce the expression for the ionization
constant, Ka, of propanoic acid.
.
.
.

(b)

(2)

Calculate the Ka value of propanoic acid using the pKa value in the Data Booklet.
.
.

(c)

(1)

Use your answer from (b) to calculate the [H ] in an aqueous solution of propanoic acid of concentration
3
0.0500 mol dm , and hence the pH of this solution.
.
.
.
.
.
.

(3)
(Total 6 marks)

8.

Which of the following is/are formed when a metal oxide reacts with a dilute acid?
I.

A metal salt

II.

Water

III.

Hydrogen gas

A.

I only

B.

I and II only
4

C.

II and III only

D.

I, II and III
(1)

9.

Four aqueous solutions, I, II, III and IV, are listed below.
3

I.

0.100 mol dm HCl

II.

0.010 mol dm HCl

III.

0.100 mol dm NaOH

IV.

0.010 mol dm NaOH

3
3
3

What is the correct order of increasing pH of these solutions?

10.

A.

I, II, III, IV

B.

I, II, IV, III

C.

II, I, III, IV

D.

II, I, IV, III

(a)

Aqueous XO 4 ions form a precipitate with aqueous silver ions, Ag . Write a balanced equation for the
reaction, including state symbols.

(1)
3

...........................................................................................................................................
(b)

When 41.18 cm of a solution of aqueous silver ions with a concentration of 0.2040 mol dm

(2)
3

is added to a

3
solution of XO 4 ions, 1.172 g of the precipitate is formed.

(i)

Calculate the amount (in moles) of Ag ions used in the reaction.

(1)

............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(ii)

Calculate the amount (in moles) of the precipitate formed.

(1)

............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(iii)

Calculate the molar mass of the precipitate.

............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................

(iv)

............................................................................................................................
Determine the relative atomic mass of X and identify the element.

(2)

............................................................................................................................
5

............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................

(2)
(Total 8 marks)

11.

State what is meant by the term buffer solution.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................

12.

(Total 2 marks)

State and explain whether each of the following solutions will form a buffer solution.
(i)

A 1.0 dm solution containing 0.10 mol NH3 and 0.20 mol HCl
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................

(ii)

(2)

A 1.0 dm solution containing 0.20 mol NH3 and 0.10 mol HCl
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................

2)
(Total 4 marks)

13.

14.

Which substance can be dissolved in water to give a 0.1 mol dm

conductivity?
A.

HCl

B.

NaCl

C.

NH3

D.

NaOH

solution with a high pH and a high electrical

1)
3

A buffer solution can be prepared by adding which of the following to 50 cm of 0.10 mol dm CH3COOH(aq)?

A.

I.

50 cm of 0.10 mol dm CH3COONa(aq)

II.

25 cm of 0.10 mol dm NaOH(aq)

III.

50 cm of 0.10 mol dm NaOH(aq)

I only
6

15.

B.

I and II only

C.

II and III only

D.

I, II and III

(1)

The value of the ionic product constant of water, Kw, at 60C is 5.60 10
(a)

14

mol dm .

State the expression for KW.

.....................................................................................................................................

(b)

(1)

Calculate the values of [H ] and pH in water at 60C.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................

(c)

(3)

The value of [OH ] in water at 60C is greater than the value at room temperature. Explain why water is not
alkaline at 60C.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................

(1)
(Total 5 marks)

16.

Consider the following equilibria in 0.10 mol dm

carbonic acid.

HCO3(aq)

H (aq) + HCO 3 (aq)

HCO 3 (aq)

H (aq) + CO

2
3

(aq)

Which species is present in the highest concentration?

17.

A.

H2CO3(aq)

B.

H (aq)

C.

HCO (aq)

D.

CO

2
3

(aq)

(1)
+

The pH of a solution is 2. If its pH is increased to 6, how many times greater is the [H ] of the original solution?
A.

3
7

B.

C.

1000

D.

10 000
(1)

18.

A 0.01 mol dm
(a)

solution of hydrochloric acid has a pH value of 2. Suggest, with a reason, the Ph values of
3

0.10 mol dm hydrochloric acid.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

0.10 mol dm ethanoic acid.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)

19.

The formula and pKa value of chloroethanoic acid appear in Table 16 of the Data Booklet.
Use this information to answer the following questions.
(a)

Write the equation for the dissociation of chloroethanoic acid in aqueous solution.
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Deduce the Ka expression for the dissociation.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(c)

Calculate the value of Ka for chloroethanoic acid.

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(d)

Arrange the following acids in increasing order of acid strength (starting with the weakest).
(1)

chloroethanoic acid

ethanoic acid

iodoethanoic acid

Order ..........................................................................................................................
(Total 4 marks)

20.

The pH of solution X is 1 and that of Y is 2. Which statement is correct about the hydrogen ion concentrations in the
two solutions?
+

A.

(H ) in X is half that in Y.

B.

(H ) in X is twice that in Y.

C.

(H ) in X is one tenth of that in Y.

D.

(H ) in X is ten times that in Y.

(1)

21.

Which substances could be added to a solution of ethanoic acid to prepare an acidic buffer solution?
I. Hydrochloric acid
II. Sodium ethanoate
III. Sodium hydroxide
A.

I and II only

B.

I and III only

C.

II and III only

D.

I, II and III
(1)

MARKSCHEME
1.

B
[1]

2.

B
[1]

3.

strong acid completely dissociated / ionized;

weak acid only partially dissociated / ionized;
+

HCl(aq) H (aq) + Cl (aq);

+
CH3COOH(aq)
CH3COO (aq) + H (aq);
Insist on both arrows as shown, state symbols not needed.
+
Also accept H2O(1) and H3O (aq) in equations

[4]

4.

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

bubbling / effervescence / dissolving of / gas given off CaCO 3

(do not accept CO2 produced);
more vigorous reaction with HCl / OWTTE;

2HCl(aq) + CaCO3(s) CaCl2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(1);

2
[1] for correct formulas, [1] for balanced, state symbols not essential.

1.25
amount of CaCO3 = 100.09 (no penalty for use of 100);
amount of HCl = 2 0.0125 = 0.0250 mol (allow ECF);
3
3
volume of HCl = 0.0167 dm / 16.7 cm (allow ECF);

1:1 ratio of CaCO3 to CO2 to / use 0.0125 moles CO2 (allow ECF);
3

(0.0125 22.4) = 0.28 dm / 280 cm / 2.8 10 m (allow ECF);

Accept calculation using pV=nRT.

1
[9]

5.

(i)

0.1 (mol dm ) (units not needed but penalize if incorrect);

(ii)

to 0.01 / decreases by factor of 10 / goes down by 0.09;

1
1
9

(iii)

25 cm ;

1
[3]

6.

(i)
(ii)

a solution that resists pH change / maintains a (nearly) constant pH;

when small amounts of acid or alkali are added;

Any suitable example, [1] for each correct component.

e.g. ammonia solution and ammonium chloride;
ethanoic acid and sodium ethanoate;
2
weak acid salt of weak acid / weak base salt of weak base [1 max] blood [1 max]
[4]

7.

(a)

CH3CH2COO + H (no penalty for );

CH3CH2COOH

Accept equation with H2O and H2O .

[CH 3CH 2COO ][H ]

Ka = [CH 3CH 2COOH] ;
(b)

(c)

1.35 10 (mol dm )
Units not needed. No penalty for too many sig figs.

K a [CH 3 CH 2 COOH]
+
[H ] =
;

5
135 10 0.050

= 8.21 or 8.22 104 (mol dm3);

Units not needed, ECF from (b). No penalty for too many sig figs.
(ECF) penalize more than 4 sig figs;
+

pH (= log[H ] = log (8.22 10 ) = 3.1 or 3.09 (ECF) penalize more than 4 sig figs;
+
If expression for [H ] missing but both answers correct, award [3], if one answer
correct, award [2].
[6]

8.

B
[1]

9.

B
[1]

10.

(a)

(b)

3Ag (aq) + XO 4 (aq) Ag3XO4(s);

states;
[1] for balanced equation and [1] for states.
(i)

nAg + = cV = 0.2040 mol dm

0.04118 dm

= 0.008401 / 8.401 10 mol (1 SF)

Ignore units even if wrong, do not award mark unless 4 sig fig.
(ii)

nAg3XO4 =

1
3

nAg+ =

1
3

0.008401 mol
3

= 0.002800 / 2.800 10 mol

ECF from (a) and (b)(i)

(iii)

0.002800 mol weighs 1.172 g

1. 172
1
1 mol weighs 0.002800 mol = 418.6 g mol
418.6;
Accept answer in range 418 to 419.
No penalty for too many sig figs.

10

ECF from (b) (ii)

1
g mol
Do not accept g.

(iv)

(3 107.87) + x + 4 (16.0) = 418.6

therefore, x = 30.99 (accept 31.0 / 31);
P / phosphorous;

2
[8]

11.

resists change in pH;

when small amounts of strong acid or base added to it;

2
[2]

12.

(i)

(ii)

not a buffer;
after reaction, contains 0.10 mol NH4Cl + 0.10 mol HCl /
weak acid + strong acid / a strongly acidic solution / not a weak
acid-conjugate base combination;
Do not award any marks if stated a buffer solution.
a buffer;
after reaction, contains 0.10 mol NH3 + 0.10 mol NH4Cl /
a weak acid and conjugate base;
Do not award marks if stated not buffer solution.

2
[4]

13.

14.

[1]
[1]

15.

(a)

(Kw =)[H ][OH ];

(b)

[H ] =

K W / 5.60 10 14 ;
7

= 2.37 10 (mol dm )
7
(accept 2.3 2.4 10 , no significant figure penalty);
pH = 6.6 (accept 6.60 6.63, no significant figure penalty);
(c)

[H ] = [OH ]/ concentrations or amounts or numbers of;

+

H and OH are the same;

+
Do not award mark if reference to H and OH or ions.

1
[5]

16.

A
[1]

17.

D
[1]

18.

(a)

(b)

(pH =) 1;
+
a tenfold increase in the hydrogen ion /H concentration;
Accept calculation/strong acid / completely ionized
(for reason).

(pH) > 2 and < 7;

(ethanoic acid is a) weak acid / partially ionized in solution;
Accept pH > 1 (ignore reference to <7) / calculation.

2
[4]
11

19.

(a)

CH2ClCOOH
CH2ClCOO + H ;
Ignore state symbols, accept and equation for the reaction with water.

(b)

[CH 2 ClCOO ][H ]

(Ka) = [CH 2 ClCOOH] ;
ECF from (a) if charge(s) missing in equation.

(c)

138 10 ;

1
Accept answer in range 1.3 to 1.4, ignore units.

(d)

ethanoic < iodoethanoic < chloroethanoic;

1
[4]

20.

D
[1]

21.

C
[1]

REPORT
1.

No specific comment available.

2.

No specific comment available.

3.

Most gave a correct description of a strong acid, but fewer candidates received credit for statements relating to a
weak acid. The equilibrium sign was frequently missing in the equation for ethanoic acid.

4.

Some candidates did not describe observations. The differences in rate caused some confusion. The calculations
were usually well done, sometimes missing the factor 2 in (iii), using 44 instead of 22.4 in (iv) or quoting incorrect
units.

5.

(i) was often calculated correctly but the change in (ii), which could have been in absolute or relative terms, proved
to be much more difficult. There were some convoluted calculations presented in (iii).

6.

The definition was often only half correct, missing when small amounts of acid or alkali are added.

7.

The equation in (a) was usually correct, with relatively few missing ionic charges. Most candidates correctly
retrieved the correct pKa value from the Data Booklet but a surprising number could not use their calculators to
produce the correct answer. Quite a number gave their final answer as 10
the calculations in (c), although often badly set out.

8.

No specific comment available.

9.

No specific comment available.

10.

SL

4.87

. There were many correct answers to

Marks scored in this question tended to be either close to the maximum or, more often, close to zero. The principle of
error carried forward (ECF) was applied, although this benefited relatively few candidates. Many simply did not
know how to apply what should have been familiar expressions involving amount of substance.
HL
(a)

Candidates often missed the formula of the precipitate formed as Ag 3XO4(s). The principle of error carried
forward ensured that they were not further penalized if the incorrect stoichiometric ratio was used in part (b).

(b)

Candidates must pay attention to the number of significant figures in calculations. The problem was generally
3
well done, although some candidates did not convert the volume into dm when calculating the amount of
3
3
silver ions, given the volume (in cm ) and the concentration in mol dm .

11.

Most candidates scored at least one mark for knowing the meaning of the term buffer solution.

12.

Few candidates were able to decide which the buffers were. Many of the attempted explanations were wordy but not
12

relevant; the idea that only in (ii) the solution would contain both NH3 and NH4 was rarely seen.
13.

No specific comment available.

14.

It was suggested that this question was too difficult for SL candidates. Although it discriminated well, it was the most
difficult question on the paper. It is considered that it was a fair test of A.S.9.4.2 (describe ways of preparing buffer
solutions).

15.

(a)

Invariably correct, with just a few ions missing charges or [H 2O] appearing as a denominator.

(b)

Many completely correct answers seen.

(c)

Most often correct, with the most common omission being to mention the fact that [H ] and [OH ] would be
equal; it was not sufficient to state that the concentrations of both ions would increase.

16.

No specific comment available.

17.

No specific comment available.

18.

This short question was done well. Many candidates demonstrated a sound knowledge of pH and acids. The pH in
part (a) was usually given correctly, although it was often based on a calculation rather than on the 10-fold increase
in concentration. Many recognized that part (b) involved a weak acid (and some even calculated the pH using the
equilibrium expression).

19.

The equation was usually correct, with relatively few missing ionic charges. Most candidates obtained the correct
pKa value from the Data Booklet, but some could not use their calculators to determine the correct answer. The
weaker candidates had problems in arranging the given acids in the correct order of strength.

20.

No specific comment available.

21.

No specific comment available.

13