1.

The graph below shows the first ionisation energy of the atoms of elements in the
Periodic Table. The first ionisation energy is the amount of energy needed to remove
the most loosely held electron in the atom to form a positive ion.

Example of the first two elements is given as follows:

H → H+ + e First ionisation energy = 1250 kJ/mol

He → He+ + e First ionisation energy = 2300 kJ/mol

a) Based on the graph,

(i) Which element is the least reactive between the proton number of 10 to 20?
[1]

Argon

Range 1300 to 1400 accepted

(ii) Estimate the first ionisation energy of Krypton. [1]

 (iii) Suggest an explanation for the difference in the first ionisation energy
between beryllium and magnesium. [2]

The two valence electrons of magnesium are in the third shell that is
further away from nucleus as compared to beryllium’s valence electrons
in second shell which is nearer to the nucleus.

Hence, attraction between the valence electron and the positively

charged nucleus is less strong in magnesium and needs lesser
ionization energy.

b) Oxygen contains two isotopes, O-16 and O-18. Do you think that the first ionisation
energy of both isotopes is the same? Give a reason for your answer. [1]

Should be the same. As the difference between rhe two istopoes is only
in the number of neutrons. The number of protons and electrons (and
shells) is the same, so attractive forces shld be the same.

[Total:5]
 2. Read the information about the oxides of elements in Period 3 of the Periodic Table.
The formulae and the chemical properties of the oxides and chlorides of the
elements change across Period 3.

element Metal/non- Formula of Bonding in Formula in Bonding in

metal main oxide oxide chloride chloride
Na Metal Na2O ionic NaCl ionic
Mg Metal MgO ionic MgCl2 ionic
Al Metal Al2O3 ionic AlCl3 covalent
Si Non-metal SiO2 covalent SiCl4 covalent
P Non-metal P4O10 covalent PCl3 covalent
S Non-metal SO3 covalent S2Cl2 covalent
Cl Non-metal Cl2O7 covalent Cl2 covalent

Electronegativity refers to the tendency of an atom to attract electrons to itself. Metals tend
to have low electronegativities while non-metals have high electronegativities. The
electronegativity values of Period 3 elements are shown in the table below.

element electronegativity

Na 0.9

Mg 1.2

Al 1.6

Si 1.8

P 2.1

S 2.5

Cl 3.0

Oxygen has electronegativity of 3.5. The difference in the electronegativities between each
element and oxygen can be calculated. Some examples are shown the table below.
formula Difference in electronegativities
between each element and oxygen
Na2O 2.6
MgO 2.3
 Al2O3 2.1

(a) Describe the pattern for the difference in electronegativities between each element
and oxygen across Period 3. [2]
The difference in electronegativity between each element and oxygen
decreases from 2.6 for Na to 0.5 for Cl across the period. Trend [1], quote data
[1]

(b) With reference to atomic structure, give reason(s) why the electronegativity of oxygen
is higher than that of any element in Period 3. [2]

Oxygen atom has one lesser electron shell (2 electron shells) than each
element in Period 3 [1] Hence there is a stronger electrostatic attraction
between the positively charged nucleus and the valence electrons [1]

(c) A student wrote the following conclusion by studying the results.

“The bonds in the oxides and chlorides are covalent when the difference in
electronegativities is less than 2.0.”
Do you agree with this conclusion? Use the results to explain your reasoning. [4]

The student’s conclusion is true for oxides. The difference in

electronegativities between Si, P and Cl and O is less than 2.0 and bond
character is covalent. [1] His conclusion does not apply for chlorides. The
difference in electronegativities between Mg and Cl is less than 2.0 at 1.8 and
the bond is ionic. [1] Data cited for both statements [1]

(d) The electronegativity of beryllium is 1.57. Predict the bonding in beryllium chloride
and beryllium oxide. Explain your answer. [2]

Bond nature in beryllium chloride is covalent and that in beryllium oxide is

ionic .[1] Since the electronegativity of beryllium is approximately same as
aluminium. [1]

(e) Suggest, with reason(s), an electronegative value for argon. [2]

0.0 [1] Argon is unreactive as it has a stable complete electronic configuration

and hence unlikely to attract electrons to itself.[1]

[Total:12]
A1 Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element. Most elements have several
naturally occurring isotopes.
(a) Define the term ‘isotopes’. [1]

atoms of the same element with the same number of protons

but different number of neutrons / nucleon number ;

(b) Hydrogen, deuterium and tritium are isotopes of one another. Using this information,
complete the table below. [3]

Name formula No of No of No of
protons neutrons electrons

Hydrogen 1
1 H 1 0 1
atom
2 +¿
Deuterium ion 1 H ¿ 1 1 0

3 +¿
Tritium ion 1 H ¿ 1 2 2

(c) The table below gives the relative abundance of each isotope in a mass spectrum of
sample of germanium, Ge.

mass 70 72 74

Relative abundance 24.4 32.4 43.2

(%)

Use the data in the table to calculate the relative atomic mass (Ar) of this sample of
germanium. [2]

Ar of Ge = ( (24.4/100) x 70) + ((32.4/100) x 72) +((43.2/100) x 74) ;

= 72.4 (3sf)

(d) A student commented, “Isotopes of an element should all have the same chemical
properties.”
Do you agree with the student? Give a reason for your answer. [1]

Agree, all isotopes of the same element have the same number of valence
electrons
[Total: 7]