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 This question is about elements in Period 3 and their compounds.
1.
(a) When a piece of sodium is added to 200 cm3 of water in a large beaker a vigorous reaction
occurs. The temperature of the water increases by 25 oC

Give an equation, including state symbols, for the reaction of sodium with water.

Suggest why it is dangerous to react a similar piece of sodium with 10 cm3 of water in a
boiling tube.

Equation

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Why it is dangerous __________________________________________________

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(2)

(b) Give an equation for the reaction of phosphorus(V) oxide with water.

Suggest a pH for the solution formed.

Equation

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pH _______________________________________________________________
(2)

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(c) Explain, in terms of crystal structure and bonding, why silicon(IV) oxide has a higher
melting point than phosphorus(V) oxide.

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(4)

(d) An element in Period 3 forms an oxide that is insoluble in water.

This oxide reacts with sulfuric acid and with aqueous potassium hydroxide.

Give the formula for this oxide.

Give an equation for the reaction of this oxide with sulfuric acid.

Formula ___________________________________________________________

Equation

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(2)

(e) Give the formula of a hydroxide of an element in Period 3 used in medicine.

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(1)

(f) Identify the element in Period 3, from sodium to chlorine, that has the largest atomic radius.

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(1)
(Total 12 marks)

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 The elements sodium to sulfur in Period 3 all react with oxygen to form oxides.
2.
(a) Give an equation and two observations made for the reaction that occurs when sodium is
heated in oxygen.

Equation ___________________________________________________________

Observation 1 _______________________________________________________

Observation 2 _______________________________________________________
(2)

(b) Give an equation and one observation made for the reaction that occurs when phosphorus
is heated in oxygen.

Equation ___________________________________________________________

Observation _________________________________________________________
(2)

(c) The melting points of the highest oxides of the elements sodium to sulfur are shown in the
table.

Highest oxide of

sodium magnesium aluminium silicon phosphorus sulfur

Melting
1548 3125 2345 1883 573 290
point / K

Explain the increase in melting point from sodium oxide to magnesium oxide.

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 (d) Explain why the melting point of the oxide of silicon is much higher than that of the highest
oxide of phosphorus.

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(3)

(e) A sample of the highest oxide of phosphorus was prepared in a laboratory.

Describe a method for determining the melting point of the sample.

State how the result obtained could be used to evaluate its purity.

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(3)
(Total 12 marks)

This question is about some Period 3 elements and their oxides.

3.
(a) Write an equation for the reaction of phosphorus with an excess of oxygen.

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(1)

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(b) Describe a test you could carry out in a test tube to distinguish between sodium oxide and
the product of the reaction in part (a)

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(3)

(c) State the type of crystal structure shown in silicon dioxide and in sulfur trioxide.

Silicon dioxide _______________________________________________________

Sulfur trioxide _______________________________________________________

(2)

(d) Explain why silicon dioxide has a higher melting point than sulfur trioxide.

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(4)

(e) Write an equation for the reaction of sulfur trioxide with potassium hydroxide solution.

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(1)

(f) Write an equation for the reaction of an excess of magnesium oxide with phosphoric acid.

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(1)
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 (g) Draw the displayed formula of the undissociated acid formed when sulfur dioxide reacts
with water.

(1)
(Total 13 marks)

(a) Explain why the atomic radii of the elements decrease across Period 3 from sodium to
4. chlorine.

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(2)

(b) Explain why the melting point of sulfur (S8) is greater than that of phosphorus (P4).

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(2)

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 (c) Explain why sodium oxide forms an alkaline solution when it reacts with water.

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(2)

(d) Write an ionic equation for the reaction of phosphorus(V) oxide with an excess of sodium
hydroxide solution.

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(1)
(Total 7 marks)

This question is about the elements in Period 3 from sodium to phosphorus (Na to P) and their
5. oxides.

(a) Element X forms an oxide that has a low melting point. This oxide dissolves in water to
form an acidic solution.

(i) Deduce the type of bonding in this oxide of X.

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(1)

(ii) Identify element X.

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(1)

(iii) Write an equation for the reaction between this oxide of X and water.

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(1)

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(b) Element Y reacts vigorously with water. An oxide of Y dissolves in water to form a solution
with a pH of 14.

(i) Deduce the type of bonding in this oxide of Y.

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(1)

(ii) Identify element Y.

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(1)

(iii) Write an equation for the reaction of element Y with water.

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(1)

(iv) Write an equation for the reaction of this oxide of Y with hydrochloric acid.

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(1)

(c) Element Z forms an amphoteric oxide that has a very high melting point.

(i) Deduce the type of bonding in this oxide of Z.

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(1)

(ii) Write the formula of this amphoteric oxide.

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(1)

(iii) State the meaning of the term amphoteric.

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(1)

(iv) Write two equations to show the amphoteric nature of the oxide of Z.

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(2)
(Total 12 marks)

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