AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 1
ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATIONS AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
a) An element with its highest energy electron (1)
in an s-orbital (1)
b) (i)

+2 / 2+ (1)
Lose mark if no sign or if more than one oxidation number is quoted.

(ii) Two electrons in the outer s-subshell / s-orbital (1)

(iii)
Sr
Ca2+

1s
2
2

2s
2
2

2p
6
6

3s
2
2

3p
6
6

3d
10
0

4s
2
0

4p
6
0

4d
10
0

5s
2
0

5p
0
0

(1)
(1)

c) Smaller (1)
There are fewer outer shell electrons in a cation (1)
The positive nuclear charge is the same for both atom and cation of a given element (1)
in a cation the outer shell electrons are more strongly attracted towards the nucleus (1)
Or
Smaller (1)
When a cation is formed, electrons are lost (1)
leaving a vacant outer shell (1)
The positive nuclear charge is the same for both atom and cation (1)
d) Melting temperatures
Decrease down a group (1)
Metal ions increase in size on descending a group ()
but charge is fixed ()
Or surface charge density on the ions decreases (1)
metallic bonding becomes weaker (1)
less energy / heat is needed for melting (1)
Densities
Increase down a group (1)
Mass of the atoms / no. of protons and neutrons increases (1)

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 2
IONISATION ENERGIES
a) Higher (1)
Mg has greater nuclear charge / more protons in the nucleus (1)
Mg has a smaller atomic radius (1)
the outer shell electrons of Mg are held more strongly (1)
b) (i)

The minimum energy change / energy required to remove 1 mole of electrons (1)
from 1 mole of gaseous singly charged cations (1)
M+(g) M2+(g) + e- (1)

(ii) Both decrease (1)

On descending the group, the nuclear charge / number of protons increases (1)
but the outer electrons are less strongly attracted (1)
because of their greater distance from the nucleus (1)
and the shielding effect of inner shells (1)
Maximum 4 marks
c) (i)

(ii)

They are reducing agents (1)

These elements have relatively low ionisation energies (1)
and are readily oxidised (1)
4Na
+
Reducing agent (1)

TiCl4

Oxidising agent (1)

4NaCl + Ti (1)

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 3
REACTIONS OF THE ELEMENTS WITH OXYGEN AND CHLORINE

a) (i)

Equation for sodium oxide

4Na(s) + O2(g) 2Na2O(s) (1)

Equation for sodium peroxide

2Na(s) + O2(g) Na2O2(s) (1)
Examiners may accept equations without state symbols.
(ii) Burn sodium in excess oxygen / air (1)
(iii) Oxidation number in sodium oxide
-2 (1)
Oxidation number in sodium peroxide -1 (1)
(iv) Ba2+ is the largest of the Group 2 cations (1)
Peroxide ions are too big (1)
to fit closely around the smaller Group 2 cations (1)
b) (i)

Burn the metal in (a gas jar of) chlorine (1)

(ii) Difference Charge (1)

Similarity Electronic configuration (1)
(iii) Completed 2s and 2p subshells / outer octet / noble gas configuration (1)
is stable (1)
(iv) As the metal changes to metal ions, electrons are lost ()
the metal is oxidised ()
As chlorine changes to Cl- ions, electrons are gained ()
chlorine is reduced ()
(v) ON of Na = +1 (1)
ON of Mg = +2 (1)

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 4
REACTIONS OF THE ELEMENTS WITH WATER
a) Conditions
Observations

Pass steam (1) over heated magnesium (1)

Bright / white light (1) and formation of white ash (1)

Equation
Mg(s) + H2O(g) MgO(s) + H2(g)
Award (1) for formulae and (1) for state symbols.
b) Conditions

Add barium to cold water in a large trough (1)

Equation
Ba(s) + 2H2O(l) Ba(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)
Award (1) for formulae and (1) for state symbols.
c) Difference 1 Reaction with Ba is easier / more rapid / occurs at a lower temperature (1)
Explanation

Ba is a stronger reducing agent than Mg / the standard electrode potential of Ba is of greater magnitude (1)

Difference 2 Reaction with Mg gives the oxide / reaction with Ba gives the hydroxide (1)
Explanation
d) (i)

At the high temperature needed for Mg to react, Mg(OH)2 decomposes into MgO (1)

More reactive (1)

(ii) First ionisation energy required to form Na+ (1)

is low (1)
compared with the total of 1st and 2nd ionisation energies required to form Mg2+ (1)

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 5
REACTIONS OF THE ELEMENTS WITH DILUTE ACIDS
a) For the production of chlorophyll / to promote leaf growth (1)
b) (i)

Mg(s) Mg2+(aq) + 2e- (1)

2H+(aq) + 2e- H2(g) (1)

(ii) Mg(s) + 2H+(aq) Mg2+(aq) + H2(g) (1)

(iii) Mg(s) + H2SO4(aq) MgSO4(aq) + H2(g) (1)
State symbols are essential in (iii).
c) (i)

High cost of electricity (1)

Magnesium in manufactured by electrolysis (1)

(ii) Method

Equation

Dissolve MgCO3 in dilute sulphuric acid (1)

Filter off excess / undissolved MgCO3 (1)
Crystallise the filtrate (1)
Maximum 2 marks
MgCO3(s) + H2SO4(aq) MgSO4(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l) (1)
State symbols are not essential.

d) Barium becomes coated with a protective layer (1)

of insoluble BaSO4 (1)
e) Explosion risk (1)
Sodium is more reactive than magnesium (1)

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 6
OXIDES, PEROXIDES AND SUPEROXIDES
a) (i)

MgO (1)
Magnesium has the smallest cation (1)
Electrostatic force of attraction between Mg2+ and O2- ions is high / high lattice enthalpy (1)
Melting involves supplying energy to overcome these bonding forces (1)
Maximum 3 marks

(ii) For the manufacture of firebricks / furnace linings (1)

Strong ionic bonding prevents melting / decomposition at high temperatures (1)
b) (i)

Element

Monoxide

Li
Na
K
Cs
Ca
Ba

Peroxide

Superoxide

()
()
()
()
()
()

(ii) If ionic structures consist of anions and cations of similar size they are more stable than otherwise (1)
Down a group cationic size increases (1)
Anions increase in size O2- < O22- (1)
Peroxides are more stable when anions are bonded to larger cations (1)
Maximum 3 marks
(iii)

(2) Deduct 1 mark for each error

Oxidation state - (1)

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 7
GROUP 2 OXIDES WITH WATER AND DILUTE ACIDS
a) (i)

Oxide dissolves / reacts with water to give the hydroxide (1)

[OH-] > [H+](1)

(ii) O2-(s) + H2O(l) 2OH-(aq) (1)

(iii) Increasing solubility (1)
increasing [OH-] (1)
(iv) Type of reaction
Reason

Neutralisation / acid-base (1)

A proton is transferred (1)
from a water molecule to an oxide ion (1)

b) Calcium and hydrochloric acid

Ionic equation

Ca(s) + 2H+(aq) Ca2+(aq) + H2(g) (1)

Classification
Justification

Redox / oxidation-reduction (1)

As Ca changes to Ca2+ it loses electrons and is oxidised (1)
As H+ changes to H2 it gains electrons and is reduced (1)

Calcium oxide and hydrochloric acid

Ionic equation

CaO(s) + 2H+(aq) Ca2+(aq) + H2O(l)(1)

Classification
Justification

Neutralisation / acid-base (1)

HCl donates protons and thus behaves as an acid (1)
O2- accepts protons and thus behaves as a base (1)

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 8
HYROXIDES
a) Reaction is neutralisation / acid-base reaction (1)
HNO3 donates protons and is thus an acid (1)
OH- accepts protons and is thus a base (1)
b) (i)

2NaOH(aq) + H2SO4(aq) Na2SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l)

(ii) 2NaOH(aq) + 2H2SO4(aq) 2NaHSO4 + 2H2O(l)

Or NaOH(aq) + H2SO4(aq) NaHSO4(aq) + H2O(l)
(iii) 2NaOH(aq) + (NH4)2SO4(aq) Na2SO4(aq) + 2NH3(g) + 2H2O(l)
(iv) 2NaOH(aq) + MgSO4(aq) Mg(OH)2(s) + Na2SO4(aq)
In each case award (1) for formulae and (1) for state symbols.
(Deduct (1) in each case for incorrect balance.)
c) (i)

Mg(OH)2(s) MgO(s) + H2O(g)(1)

(ii) Higher temperatures (1)

(iii) No decomposition / melts without decomposing (1)
d) Solubility increases (1)

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 9
CHLORIDES
a) (i)

Polarising power
Variation

The ability of a cation to distort an anion (1)

Decrease down the group (1)

(ii) They have a similar charge density on their surfaces / similar ratio of charge to ionic radius / (radius)2 (1)
(iii) Mg2+, being small with a 2+ charge, is fairly strongly polarising (1)
It polarises H2O molecules of hydrated Mg2+ ions (1)
causing deprotonation / ionisation to release hydrogen ions (1)
Na+, being larger with a single + charge, has hardly any polarising power (1)
(iv) Magnesium chloride underwent hydrolysis / reaction with water (1)
to form some hydroxide / oxide / Mg(OH)Cl (1)
which gave an alkaline / basic solution (1)
b) The charge density on a Group 2 cation is greater than that on a Group 1 cation from the same period (1)
Therefore the forces of hydration in solution are stronger (1)
Therefore some water molecules are not released by Group 2 cations during crystallisation / are incorporated within
the chlorides crystals (1)

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 10
SULPHATES OF GROUP 2
a) Reagents and techniques

Add MgO to dilute H2SO4 (1)

until no more will dissolve (1)
Filter off excess MgO (1)
Boil MgSO4(aq) in an evaporating basin to concentrate it (1)
then allow to cool and crystallise (1)
Do not accept evaporation to dryness
Or leave MgSO4(aq) at room temperature (1)
to crystallise it (1)
Filter off crystals (1)
Wash (1)
and dry (1)
Maximum 7 marks

Equation

MgO(s) + H2SO4(aq) MgSO4(aq) + H2O(l) (1)

b) Reagents and techniques

Equations

Dissolve BaO in H2O / dilute HCl / dilute HNO3 (1) Not dilute H2SO4
Add dilute H2SO4 / Na2SO4(aq) / other soluble sulphate (1)
until there is no more precipitation (1)
Filter off BaSO4 (1)
Wash (1)
and dry (1)
Maximum 5 marks

BaO(s) + H2O(l) Ba(OH)2(aq) (1)

Or BaO(s) + 2HCl(aq) BaCl2(aq) + H2O(l) (1)
Ba(OH)2(aq) + H2SO4(aq) BaSO4(s) + 2H2O(l) (1)
Or variant as appropriate, if balanced

Examiners may accept the above equations without state symbols.

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 11
CARBONATES
a) Comparison
Explanation

b) (i)

Group 2 carbonates are less soluble / insoluble (1)

Group 2 cations are smaller () and have a higher charge ()
Or Group 2 cations have a higher charge density (1)
Lattice enthalpy of Group 2 carbonates is greater in magnitude (1)

Li2CO3(s) Li2O(s) + CO2(g) (1)

(ii) No reaction (1)

(iii) MgCO3(s) MgO(s) + CO2(g) (1)
c) Bubble through limewater (1)
Limewater goes milky / cloudy / a white precipitate is formed (1)
d) BaCO3 would require a higher temperature (1)
Mg2+ has a higher charge density / charge : radius ratio than Ba2+ (1)
Mg2+ polarises / strains the bonds in CO32- (which aids decomposition) (1)
Also, lattice enthalpy of MgO is of greater magnitude than that of BaO (1)
Maximum 3 marks
e) (i)

A white () precipitate () would be seen

Ra(OH)2(aq) + CO2(g) RaCO3(s) + H2O(l) (1)
Precipitate is RaCO3 / RaCO3 is insoluble (1) Allow if RaCO3(s) is shown in the equation.

(ii) Precipitate would dissolve / a clear solution would be obtained (1)

RaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) RaCl2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
Or RaCO3(s) + 2H+(aq) Ra2+(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O (l) (1)
Radium chloride is soluble (1) Allow if RaCl2(aq) is shown in an equation.

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 12
HARDNESS OF WATER
a) (i)

Ca2+(aq) (1) Mg2+(aq) (1)

State symbols are not essential

(ii) Ca2+ or Mg2+ ions react with stearate ions / anions in the soap to form calcium stearate or magnesium stearate (1)
The stearate is insoluble / forms a scum / stearate ions are removed from solution (1)
b) (i)

Solid

Calcium carbonate (1)

Equation Ca(HCO3)2(aq) CaCO3(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(l) (1)

Accept magnesium for calcium here and elsewhere.
(ii) CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) CaCl2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l) (1)
CO2(g) + Ca(OH)2(aq) CaCO3(s) + H2O(l) (1)
(iii) CaCO3(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(l) Ca(HCO3)(aq) (1)
State symbols are not essential in any of these equations.
(iv) Permanent hardness is due to sulphates or chlorides of Ca2+ and Mg2+ (1)
which are thermally stable (1)
c) Type(s) of hardness removed Both (1)
Explanation Ca2+ or Mg2+ ions are removed as insoluble (1) carbonates (1)
Or CaCO3 / MgCO3 (1) is precipitated (1)
Or Ca2+(aq) + CO32-(aq) CaCO3(s) (2)
Award (1) for equation and (1) for state symbols.

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 13
NITRATES
a) (i)

4LiNO3(s) 2Li2O(s) + 4NO2(g) + O2(g) (1)

(ii) 2NaNO3(s) 2NaNO2(s) + O2(g) (1)

(iii) 2Ca(NO3)2(s) 2CaO(s) + 4NO2(g) + O2(g) (1)
State symbols are not essential for any of these
Identification of gases
NO2 is a brown gas (1)
which turns wet blue litmus paper pink / red (1)
O2 relights a glowing splint (1)
b) n (O2 ) = 30.0/24000 = 1.25 10-3 mol (1)
n (MNO3) = 2 1.25 10-3 = 2.50 10-3 mol (1)
If X is NaNO3, amount = 0.253/85 = 2.98 10-3 mol
But if X is KNO3, amount = 0.253/101 = 2.50 10-3 mol
X is KNO3 (1)
c) (i)

(1)

Thermal stability increases down Group 2 (1)

because cations have the same charge but increase in size / their charge density decreases (1)
and their polarising power decreases (1)
there is less weakening of NO bonds in NO 3 ions / NO 3 ions are less readily decomposed (1)
Also, lattice enthalpy of the resulting oxide decreases in magnitude down the group (1)
Maximum 4 marks

(ii) Thermal stability increases from Mg(NO3)2 to NaNO3 (1)

From Mg2+ to Na+ the ionic charge decreases () while the size increases () / charge density decreases (1)
and the NO 32 ion cannot be further decomposed (1)
Also, lattice enthalpy of MgO is greater in magnitude than that of Na2O (1)
Maximum 3 marks

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 14
ATYPICAL CHARACTER OF BERYLLIUM
a) (i)

Name of X
Name of Y
Name of Z

Beryllium hydroxide (1)

Beryllium sulphate (1)
Sodium beryllate / sodium hydroxoberyllate / sodium tetrahydroxoberyllate(II) (1)

(ii) Character of beryllium oxide

Character of other Group 2 oxides
b) (i)

Amphoteric (1)
Basic (1)

Be2+ is a small cation / has a high surface charge density (1)

and exerts a strong attraction for ligands / lone pairs of electrons (1)
so that a strong coordinate / dative covalent bond is formed (1)

(ii) Outer shell of Be2+ has four vacant orbitals (1)

can accept only four lone pairs of electrons (1)
c) (i)

Melt (1)
Insert inert electrodes / apply a p.d. (1)
No current flows (1)

(ii) Be has a low atomic radius (1)

with high ionisation energies (1)
Energy required to form Be2+ ion would not be offset by lattice enthalpy released on forming Be2+(Cl-)2(s) (so that
ionic bonding would be energetically unfavourable) (1)
Or Be2+ has a low ionic radius (1)
and a high polarising power (1)
Cl- would be polarised (so that an ionic bond would become covalent) (1)
(iii)

Cl
Be

Cl
Be

Cl

(2)
Cl

Award (1) for structure and (1) for bonding.

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 15
FLAME TEST
a) Apparatus

Platinum / nichrome wire (1)

Bunsen burner (1)

Reagents

Concentrated hydrochloric acid (1)

Procedure

1. Wear safety glasses ()

2. Dip wire into acid, place wire in flame ()
3. Repeat until flame colour is unaffected ()
4. Dip wire into acid, dip in substance, place in hot part of flame and observe colour ()
5. Between samples repeat steps 2 and 3 ()
6. If sodium present, view flame through blue glass / blue plastic ()
Maximum 2 marks

b) Heat / energy from the flame converts some ions into atoms (1)
then promotes the outer s-electron to a p-orbital (1)
The promoted electron jumps back into the original orbital (1)
releasing energy of a particular frequency / wavelength (1)
Or emitting light of a particular colour (1)
Maximum 3 marks
c) (i)

Identity of A Sodium nitrate / NaNO3 (1)

Equation
2NaNO3(s) 2NaNO2(s) + O2(g) (2)

(ii) Identity of B Barium chloride / BaCl2 (1)

Equation
BaCl2(aq) + 2AgNO3(aq) 2AgCl(s) + Ba(NO3)2(aq) (2)
(iii) Identity of C Calcium carbonate / CaCO3 (1)
Equation
CaCO3(s) CaO(s) + CO2(g) (1)
(iv) Identity of D Potassium sulphate / K2SO4 (1)
Equation
K2SO4(aq) + BaCl2(aq) BaSO4(s) + 2KCl(aq) (2)
(v) Identity of E Strontium nitrate / Sr(NO3)2(1)
Equation
2Sr(NO3)2 2SrO(s) + 4NO2(g) + O2(g) (2)
For equations, award (1) for formulae and (1) for balance.
(State symbols are not essential.)

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 16
USES OF GROUP 2 COMPOUNDS
a) Calcium hydroxide.

To neutralise acid soil (1)

Magnesium hydroxide.

As an antacid / indigestion remedy (1)

Calcium carbonate.

In the manufacture of glass or cement / to neutralise heavy acidic soils / to absorb SO2 from
flue gases / in the manufacture of paints or putty (1)

Magnesium oxide.

As a refractory compound / in furnace linings (1)

Barium sulphate.

In 'barium meals' for X-ray patients (1)

b) (i)

Collect gas in squeezed out teat pipette (1)

by holding the tip of the pipette in the gas / above the surface of the reacting mixture (1)
Dip the pipette in limewater in a second tube (1)
and gently squeeze the pipette / slowly bubble the gas through the limewater (1)

(ii) Calcium carbonate / CaCO3 ()

reacts with water and carbon dioxide ()
to give calcium hydrogencarbonate / Ca(HCO3)2()
which is soluble ()
Allow full marks for an equation with state symbols.
(For an equation without state symbols award 1)
c) (i)

Sulphate / SO 24 (1)

(ii) White () precipitate ()

(iii) Ba 2+ (aq) + SO 24 (aq) BaSO4(s) (1)
State symbols are essential
(iv) To prevent the precipitation of BaCO3 / BaSO3 / other insoluble salts of barium (1)
Or to destroy CO32- / SO32- ions (which would invalidate the test) (1)

AS Level

TOPIC 10 ANSWERS & MARK SCHEMES

QUESTIONSHEET 17
TEST QUESTION
a) Protected by a layer / layers of impervious rock (1)
eg NaCl in Cheshire (1)
Deposits formed by drying up of lakes or inland seas (1)
eg Na2CO3 in East Africa (1)
Accept other examples
b) (i)

Compound A

Mg(OH)2 (1)

Ionic equation

Mg2+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) Mg(OH)2 (s) (1) (State symbols are essential)

(ii) CaCO3(s) CaO(s) + CO2(g) (1) (State symbols can be omitted)

(iii) CaO(s) + H2O(l) Ca(OH)2 (s) (1) (State symbols can be omitted)
(iv) Hsolution = Hlattice + Hhyd(cation) + Hhyd(anion) (1)
where Hlattice is enthalpy supplied to separate gaseous ions in the crystal (1) (Or words to this effect)
On descending Group 2, cations become larger / cationic radii increase (1)
charge density / charge : radius ratio decreases (1)
and Hlattice decreases in magnitude(1)
Hhyd(cation) also decreases in magnitude (1)
but to a lesser extent (1)
Hsolution becomes more exothermic / more ve down the group (1)
(so that solubility increases)
Maximum 5 marks
(v) Add hydrochloric acid / HCl(aq) (1) NOT just HCl
Mg(OH)2(s) + 2HCl(aq) MgCl2(aq) + 2H2O(l) (1) (State symbols can be omitted)
(vi) Cathode reaction Mg2+ + 2e- Mg (1)
Anode reaction
2Cl- Cl2 + 2e- / Cl- Cl2 + e- (1)
If cathode and anode reactions are interchanged, lose 1 mark.