Chapter 11 – Answers to questions (for in-chapter questions)

1 a F 1s2, 2s22p5, Cl 1s2, 2s22p6, 3s23p5

b Both F and Cl have electron structures with one less electron than a noble gas. This
means that their atoms are very keen to accept one more electron and act as strong
oxidising agents.
c –1

2 a H+, F–, K+
b Anode (+) 2F–(l)  F2(g) + 2e–
c The fluorine produced at the anode will react with the graphite anode.
C(graphite) + 2F2(g)  CF4(l)
This means that the anode will wear away and must be replaced from time to time.

3 a Because MnO2 will only act as an oxidising agent in the presence of H+ ions.
b The high proportion of water in dilute H2SO4 would interfere with the reaction.
Diluting the acid will weaken the oxidising action of MnO2, the solid halides will
dissolve in the aqueous acid becoming less susceptible to oxidation and the halogens
produced will tend to dissolve in and react with the water.
c In order to see more clearly when the gas jar is full of Cl2.
d By fractional distillation.
e To provide a cold surface on which I2 can solidify and improve sublimation.

4 a black, b solid, c 210 – 220, d (210 ± 20) C, e (40 ± 5) kJ mol–1

f 1s2, 2s22p6, 3s23p63d10, 4s24p64d104f14, 5s25p65d10, 6s26p5

5 a Any three of the following:

The number of electrons in the outer shell.
The position of the halogen in Group VII.
The distance of the outermost electrons from the nucleus.
The positive charge on the nucleus.
The bond energy of the Hal – Hal bond.
The strength of the halogen as an oxidising agent.
b See sections 11.5 and 11.6.

6 b

7 a Cl–, Br–, I–, At–

b I–

Chemistry in Context (Seventh edition) 1 Answers

 8 a OCl– + 1, Cl– –1, ClO3– +5
b 3OCl–  2Cl– + ClO3–
c –1
d Cl2O7 or NaClO4 both contain Cl in oxidation state +7. NaClO2 contains Cl in
oxidation state +3.

9 a NaBr(s) + H3PO4(l)  NaH2PO4(s) + HBr(g)

b Because H3PO4 does not act as an oxidising agent like H2SO4.

10 b

11 a Because OCl– ions are very strong bases which can remove H+ ions from water.
b Because HOCl molecules (unlike OCl– ions) can pass through the cell walls of
bacteria. Once inside the cell, HOCl oxidises molecules involved in metabolism and
structure which destroys the cell.
c i

Chemistry in Context (Seventh edition) 2 Answers