CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL AS & A LEVEL CHEMISTRY: COURSEBOOK

Exam-style questions and sample answers have been written by the authors. In examinations, the way marks are awarded
may be different.

Coursebook answers
Chapter 11
Exam-style questions
1 A [1] the attraction between the electrons
2 a 1s2 2s2 [2] and the positively charged ions is less. [1]
b 2Be + O2 → 2BeO [2] The metallic bond in beryllium is
stronger than in radium and therefore a
[1 mark for correct symbols and
higher temperature is needed to melt it. [1]
formulae; 1 mark for balancing]
2Ra + O2 → 2RaO [2] [Total: 18]
[1 mark for correct symbols and 3 a i Ca(OH)2 [1]
formulae; 1 mark for balancing] ii It neutralises acids; [1]
c before bonding: so lowers acidity of soil. [1]
 [2] b Barium hydroxide is more soluble
(in water) than calcium hydroxide [1]
Be O
so produces a higher concentration of
hydroxide ions in solution (OH−(aq)). [1]
[1 mark for Be; 1 mark for O] [Total: 5]
after bonding: 4 G
 uidance: if the oxidation number of
2+ 2– an element increases, it is oxidised in the
reaction. If the oxidation number of an
Be O
element decreases, it is reduced in the
reaction. Note: if the oxidation number
of an element increases and decreases,
it disproportionates in the reaction
no electrons in the outer shell of Be2+ [1] (see Chapter 12).
8 electrons in the outer shell of O2− [1] a Sr is oxidised, Cl is reduced [1]
the two dots distinguished from the
oxidation numbers:
crosses in O2− [1]
reactants: Sr 0; Cl 0 [1]
d e– e
–
e
–
e
–
products: Sr +2; Cl −1 [1]
2+ – 2+ – 2+ – 2+ –
e e e e b Sr is oxidised, H is reduced [1]
– – –
e e e
2+ 2+ 2+ oxidation numbers:
– – –
e e e reactants: Sr 0; H +1 [1]
– – – –
e e e e
2+ 2+ 2+ + products: Sr +2; H 0 [1]
– – – 2 –
e e e e c Mg is oxidised, C is reduced [1]
for layers of positive ions [1] oxidation numbers:
for 2+ ions [1] reactants: Mg 0; C +4 [1]
for e− present between ions [1] products: Mg +2; C 0 [1]
e In radium, the charge density on the [Total: 9]
positive ions is less than in beryllium; [1]

1 Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry © Cambridge University Press 2020