Contest 33

Round 1A
1. Give the difference (if any) in the reaction of HCl with each of cyclopropane and propane

Ans: Cyclopropane will react with HCl (addition reaction)

Propane does not react

2. Give the difference if any when chlorine gas reacts with each of ethane and ethene under
sunlight
Ans: Ethene undergoes addition reaction with chlorine gas
Ethane undergoes substitution reaction with chlorine gas

3. Give the difference in products formed if any when the molecule A–B undergoes each of
homolytic and heterolytic cleavages
Ans: A–B undergoes homolytic cleavage to produce free radicals
A–B undergoes heterolytic cleavage to produce ions (cations and anions)

Round 1B
1.A 0.010 moldm-3 aqueous solution of a weak acid HX has a pH of 5.00. What is the
percentage dissociation of HX in solution?

Ans: 0.10%
[H+] dissociated = 1.0×10-5 moldm-3
Percentage dissociation = 1.0×10-5 / 0.010 × 100% = 0.10%

2. Calculate the pH of 0.010 moldm-3 of a weak monoprotic acid given that the acid
dissociation constant, Ka is 1.0 × 10-6 at 25 °C.
Ans: pH = 4.0
Assuming amount dissociated is very small compared to initial amount of base,
Amount dissociated = [H+] = (1.0 × 10-6 × 0.010)½ = 1.0 × 10-4 moldm-3
Hence pH = 4.0
3. At 25 °C, 1.0 × 10-5 moldm-3 of OH– is produced from the dissociation of 0.010 moldm-3 of
a weak monoprotic base. Calculate the dissociation constant of the base.
Ans: 1.0 × 10-8
Assuming amount dissociated is very small compared to initial amount of base,
Dissociation constant = (concentration of OH–)2 / concentration of base
Dissociation constant = (1.0 × 10-5)2 /0.010 = 1.0 × 10-8
 Contest 33

Round 2
1. Given the following standard reduction potentials:
Fe3+ + e → Fe2+ is 0.771 V
Sn4+ + 2e → Sn2+ is 0.154 V.
Calculate the standard electromotive force of the cell with the following reaction:
2Fe3+ + Sn2+ → 2Fe2+ + Sn4+

Ans: +0.617 V (plus not needed)

Hence cell potential = +0.77 – 0.154 = +0.617 V

2. When heated, 21 g of MgCO3 decomposes to form MgO and CO2. What mas of CO2 is
formed? Molar mass (g/mol) of MgCO3, MgO and CO2 are 84, 40 and 44 respectively.
Ans: 11 g
Moles of MgCO3 = mass/ molar mass = 21/84 = 0.25 mol
Mass of CO2 = 0.25 × 44 = 11 g

3. What is the change in oxidation state when H5P3O10 is converted to H3PO3?

Ans: +5 to +3 (decrease of 2)

Round 4A

1. Adding deionized water to an aqueous solution of a base, increases the value of its pH

Ans: F

2. Adding deionized water to an aqueous solution of an acid, increases the value of its pH

Ans: T

3. Adding deionized water to an aqueous solution of a salt, has no effect on the value of its pH

Ans: F
 Contest 33

Round 4B

1. The C=C is stronger than the C–C Ans: T

2. The C=C has a longer length than the C–C Ans: F

3. The C=C is more reactive than the C–C Ans: T

Round 5

1. I am a nitrogen-containing compound

2. I am one of the most soluble gases in water

3. I am an important raw material in the Ostwald’s process

4. I am most widely used in making fertilizers

5. I react with hydrochloric acid to form dense white fumes

Who am I?

Ans: Ammonia (gas)