KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

Chemistry Department
SCH 300: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF s- AND p-BLOCK ELEMENTS

Instructions: Answer ALL Questions

Question 1
Use the periodic table of the s and p-block elements to answer the questions that follow:

i). Describe how the nature of oxides (acidic, amphoteric, or basic) formed by the elements
varies across the period. Give a reason the variation described. Cite relevant examples
(5 marks)
ii). Predict how the metallic character of the elements varies down groups citing a relevant
example.
(4 marks)
iii).Suggest how the nature of bonding in the chlorides of the main group elements varies
across the period. Cite relevant examples. Give a reason the variation.
(4 marks)
Question 2
Suggest reasons for the following observations
a) The first ionization energy of group 15 elements is higher than those of group 16.
(2 marks)
b) Aqueous solution of AlCl3 is acidic while that of NaCl is neutral
(2 marks)
c) The diagonal relationship between beryllium and aluminium.
(2 marks)
d) Some p-block elements cannot expand octets. Use the example of Nitrogen to illustrate.
(2 marks)
e) H3PO3 is a dibasic acid while H3PO4 is tribasic acid
(2 marks)
f) CO2 is a gaseous molecular substance, whereas SiO2 is a covalent network solid in which
SiO4 tetrahedra are linked to four neighbouring SiO4 tetrahedra by shared oxygen atoms.
(4 marks)

Question 3
a) Discuss the bonding in diborane (B2H6) and explain why the B-H bridging bonds are longer
than the terminal B-H bonds.
(6 marks)
b) Write equation(s) to show the reaction that takes place when:
i). When magnesium burn in air
(4 marks)
ii). Grignard (C6H5MgBr) reagent reacts with CH3CHO then a proton
(2 marks)
iii).Lithium hydride and aluminium chloride in diethyl ether
(3 marks)
iv). Baking powder raises dough in bakery

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 (3 marks)

Question 4
a) Write chemical equations to show how
i) Hydrogen gas can be prepared in the lab
ii) Sodium hydride can be prepared
iii) Water is broken down electrolytically to release hydrogen
(6 marks)
b) List three properties of diamond, and account for them in terms of structure and nature of
bonding.
(6 marks)
c) Describe the structure and bonding in graphite, and explain why graphite is a good lubricant
and a good electrical conductor.
(6 marks)
-
d) Draw the Lewis structures of CO and CN and hence explain why they are so toxic to
humans
(4 marks)

Question 5
a) Describe a convenient laboratory method for preparing each of the following compounds,
and write balanced equations for all reactions:
i). Sulfur dioxide
ii). Hydrogen sulfide
iii).Sodium hydrogen sulphate
(10 marks)
b) Explain why acid strength increases in the order HIO < HBrO < HClO
(2 marks)
c) Explain why acid strength increases in the order HClO < HClO2 < HClO3 < HClO4
(2 marks)
d) Write a balanced net ionic equation for each of the following reactions:
i) Br2(l) + cold NaOH(aq)
ii) Cl2(l) + cold H2O(l)
iii) Cl2(l) + cold NaOH(aq)
(6 marks)

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