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Giant Structures
Question Paper

Course CIE IGCSE Chemistry

Section 2. Atoms, Elements & Compounds
Topic Giant Structures
Question Set Theory Questions

Time Allowed 240

Score /194
Percentage /100

Check your answers

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Easy Questions
Question 1
Extended Only
Complete the following table.

electrical conductivity electrical conductivity

type of structure particles present example
of solid of liquid
positive and negative
ionic poor ........................ ........................
ions
atoms of two different
macromolecular elements in a giant poor poor ........................
covalent structure

........................ and
metallic good ........................ copper
........................

[6]
[6 marks]

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Question 2a
Diamond and graphite are different forms of the same element, carbon.
Explain the following in terms of their structure.
Graphite is a soft material which is used as a lubricant.
[2 marks]

Question 2b
Diamond is a very hard material which is used for drilling and cutting.
[2 marks]

Question 2c
Graphite is a good conductor of electricity and diamond is a poor conductor.
[2 marks]

Question 3a
For each of the following elements give one physical property and one chemical property.
bromine (Br2)
physical property .....................................
chemical property ....................................
[2 marks]

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Question 3b
carbon graphite (C)
physical property ...........................
chemical property .........................
[2 marks]

Question 3c
manganese (Mn)
physical property .................................
chemical property ................................
[2 marks]

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Question 4a
Two macromolecular forms of carbon are graphite and diamond. The structures of graphite and diamond are given below.

Explain in terms of its structure why graphite is soft and is a good conductor of electricity.
[3 marks]

Question 4b
State one use of graphite which depend on the above property.
It is soft .............
[1 mark]

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Question 4c
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
Silicon(IV) oxide also has a macromolecular structure.
i) Describe the macromolecular structure of silicon(IV) oxide.
[1]
ii) Predict two physical properties which diamond and silicon(IV) oxide have in common.
[2]
[3 marks]

Question 5a
Extended Only
The diagram shows part of the structures of caesium chloride and carbon dioxide.

Caesium is a metal.

Describe two properties that are characteristic of most metals.

[2 marks]

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Question 5b
Extended Only
Magnesium is a metal.

Name and describe the bonding in magnesium.

name:
description of bonding:
[4 marks]

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Medium Questions
Question 1a
Extended Only
For each of the following unfamiliar elements predict one physical and one chemical property.
Caesium (Cs)
Physical property ..............................................................................................................
Chemical property .............................................................................................................
[2 marks]

Question 1b
Vanadium (V)
Physical property ..............................................................................................................
Chemical property .............................................................................................................
[2 marks]

Question 1c
Fluorine (F)
Physical property ..............................................................................................................
Chemical property .............................................................................................................
[2 marks]

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Question 2a
Extended Only
The following table gives information about six substances.
electrical
electrical
substance melting point / °C boiling point / °C conductivity as a
conductivity as a solid
liquid
A 839 1484 good good
B –188 -42 poor poor
C 776 1497 poor good
D –117 78 poor poor
E 1607 2227 poor poor
F -5 102 poor good

Which substance could be a metal?

[1 mark]

Question 2b
State all the substances that are liquid at room temperature.
[1 mark]

Question 2c
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
Which substance could have a macromolecular structure similar to that of silicon(IV) oxide?
[1 mark]

Question 2d
Which substance could be propane?
[1 mark]

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Question 2e
Which substance could be sodium chloride?
[1 mark]

Question 3a
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
Carbon dioxide and silicon(IV) oxide are oxides of Group IV elements.
Complete the following table.
carbon dioxide silicon (IV) oxide
formula SiO2
melting point / °C –56 1610
physical state at 25 °C gas
conduction of electricity non-conductor
structure macromolecular
[4 marks]

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Question 3b
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
i) Name the type of bonds that exist between the atoms in silicon(IV) oxide.
[1]
ii) Explain why silicon(IV) oxide has a very high melting point.
[1]
iii) Explain, in terms of attractive forces between particles, why carbon dioxide has a very low melting point.
[1]
iv) Explain, in terms of particles, why carbon dioxide is a non-conductor of electricity.
[1]
[4 marks]

Question 3c
Separate: Chemistry Only
i) Name the type of chemical reaction in which carbon dioxide is produced from fossil fuels.
[1]
ii) Name the chemical process in which green plants convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates.
[1]

[2 marks]

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Question 4a
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
The table below shows the elements in the third period of the Periodic Table, the number of electrons in their outer energy
level, their oxidation state in their common compounds and their melting points.

Element Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Ar
Number of outer electrons 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Oxidation state +1 +2 +3 +4/-4 -3 -2 -1 0
Melting point / oC 98 650 660 1414 317 115 -101 -189

Describe and explain the variation in oxidation state across the period.
[3 marks]

Question 4b
Extended Only
The first three elements, Na, Mg and Al, are metals.
Describe the structure of a typical metal.
[3 marks]

Question 4c
Extended Only
Explain why Na, Mg and Al are good conductors of electricity.
[1 mark]

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Question 4d
Which element exists as diatomic molecules of the type X2?
[1 mark]

Question 4e
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
Silicon has a similar structure to diamond.
Explain why silicon has the highest melting point in the period.
[2 marks]

Question 4f
Extended Only
Sodium chloride is a crystalline solid with a high melting point. It dissolves in water to give a neutral solution. Phosphorus
trichloride is a liquid at room temperature. It reacts with water to form an acidic solution.

Suggest an explanation for these differences in properties.

[2 marks]

Question 4g
Describe how you could show that magnesium oxide is a basic oxide and not an amphoteric oxide.
[2 marks]

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Question 4h
Extended Only
Draw a dot-and-cross diagram showing the bonding in magnesium oxide. Show outer electrons only.
[3 marks]

Question 5a
The table shows the melting points, boiling points and electrical properties of five substances, A to E.

Electrical Electrical
Substance Melting point / oC Boiling point / oC conductivity conductivity
of solid of liquid
A -7 59 poor poor
B 1083 2567 good good
C 755 1387 poor good
D 43 181 poor poor
E 1607 2227 poor poor

Choose a substance from the table above to match each of the following descriptions. A substance may be used once,
more than once or not at all. Justify each choice with evidence from the table.

One has been completed as an example.

This substance is covalent and is a solid at room temperature (25 °C): D
Evidence: Its melting point is above room temperature. It has a low melting point and it does not conduct as a liquid,
so it is covalent.

This substance has a giant covalent structure:

Evidence:
[3 marks]

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Question 5b
Extended Only
This substance is a metal:
Evidence:
[2 marks]

Question 5c
This substance is a liquid at room temperature.
[3 marks]

Question 5d
This substance is an ionic solid.
[3 marks]

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Question 6a
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
Carbon and silicon are elements in Group IV. They both form oxides of the type XO2
Silicon(IV) oxide, SiO2, has a macromolecular structure.
i) Describe the structure of silicon(IV) oxide
[3]
ii) State three properties which silicon(IV) oxide and diamond have in common.
[3]
iii) How could you show that silicon(IV) oxide is acidic and not basic or amphoteric?
[2]
[8 marks]

Question 6b
Explain why the physical properties of carbon dioxide are different from those of diamond and silicon(IV) oxide.
[1 mark]

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Question 7a
Germanium is an element in Group IV. The electron distribution of a germanium atom is 2 + 8 + 18 + 4. It has oxidation states
of +2 and +4.
Germanium forms a series of saturated hydrides similar to the alkanes.
i) Draw the structural formula of the hydride which contains three germanium atoms per molecule.
[1]
ii) Predict the general formula of the germanium hydrides.
[1]
[2 marks]

Question 7b
Draw a diagram showing the arrangement of the valency electrons in one molecule of the covalent compound
germanium(IV) chloride, GeCl4.

Use o to represent an electron from a chlorine atom.

Use x to represent an electron from a germanium atom.
[2 marks]

Question 7c
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
Describe the structure of the giant covalent compound germanium(IV) oxide, GeO2.
It has a similar structure to that of silicon(IV) oxide.
[3 marks]

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Question 7d
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
Is the change GeCl2 to GeCl4 reduction, oxidation or neither? Give a reason for your choice.
[2 marks]

Question 8a
The first three elements in Group IV are carbon, silicon and germanium.
The elements and their compounds have similar properties.
The compound, silicon carbide, has a macromolecular structure similar to that of diamond.
i) A major use of silicon carbide is to reinforce aluminium alloys which are used in the construction of spacecraft.
Suggest three of its physical properties.
[3]
ii) Complete the following description of the structure of silicon carbide.

Each carbon atom is bonded to four ................................. atoms.

Each silicon atom is bonded to ................................. carbon atoms.

[2]
[5 marks]

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Question 8b
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
Germanium(IV) oxide, GeO2, has the same macromolecular structure as silicon(IV) oxide. Draw the structural formula of
germanium(IV) oxide.
[3 marks]

Question 8c
Germanium forms a series of hydrides comparable to the alkanes.
i) Draw the structural formula of the hydride which contains four germanium atoms per molecule.
[1]
ii) Predict the products of the complete combustion of this hydride.
[2]
[3 marks]

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Question 9a
The properties of five alkenes at room temperature are shown in Table 1.1
Table 1.1

number of
state at room density boiling point
alkene carbon atoms
temperature in g / cm3 / °C
in a molecule
ethene 2 gas 0.0012 –104
propene 3 gas 0.0018 –47
butene 4 gas 0.0024
pentene 5 liquid 0.64 30
hexene 6 liquid 0.67 63

Answer this question using only the information in the table.

Suggest why the densities of the first three alkenes are much lower than the density of pentene and hexene.
[1 mark]

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Question 9b
The diagrams show part of the structures of five substances, A, B, C, D and E.

Answer the following question about these structures.

Which one of these structures, A, B, C, D or E, is used in cutting tools?
[1 mark]

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Question 9c
Part of the structure of graphite is shown.

Use the information from the diagram to explain why graphite is used as a lubricant.
[1 mark]

Question 10a
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only

The names of eight substances are given.

aluminium oxide calcium oxide ethanol nitrogen
iron(III) oxide methane oxygen silicon(IV) oxide
State which substance is a macromolecular solid.
[1 mark]

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Question 10b
Carbon is an element which exists in different forms.

Name two forms of the element carbon that have giant covalent structures.
[2 marks]

Question 10c
Extended Only
Magnesium is a metal.

Describe the structure and bonding of metals. Include a labelled diagram in your answer.
[3 marks]

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Hard Questions
Question 1a
In 1985 the fullerenes were discovered. They are solid forms of the element carbon. The structure of the C60 fullerene is
given below.

i) In the C60 fullerene, how many other carbon atoms is each carbon atom bonded to?

[1]
ii) Another fullerene has a relative molecular mass of 840.
How many carbon atoms are there in one molecule of this fullerene?
[1]
[2 marks]

Question 1b
Fullerenes are soluble in liquid hydrocarbons such as octane. The other solid forms of carbon are insoluble.
Describe how you could obtain crystals of fullerenes from soot which is a mixture of fullerenes and other solid forms of
carbon.
[3 marks]

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Question 1c
Extended Only
A mixture of a fullerene and potassium is an excellent conductor of electricity.
i) Which other form of solid carbon is a good conductor of electricity?
[1]
ii) Explain why metals, such as potassium, are good conductors of electricity.
[2]
iii) The mixture of fullerene and potassium has to be stored out of contact with air. There are substances in unpolluted
air which will react with potassium.
Name two potassium compounds which could be formed when potassium is exposed to air.
[2]
[5 marks]

Question 2a
Extended Only
It was reported from America that a turbine engine, the size of a button, might replace batteries. The engine would be built
from silicon which has suitable properties for this purpose.
The engine will run on a small pack of jet fuel. What other chemical is needed to burn this fuel?
[1 mark]

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Question 2b
Extended Only
Silicon has the same type of macromolecular structure as diamond.
i) Explain why one atom of either element can form four covalent bonds.
[2]
ii) Predict two physical properties of silicon.
[2]
iii) Name a different element that has a similar structure and properties to silicon.
[1]
[5 marks]

Question 2c
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
Silicon is made by the carbon reduction of the macromolecular compound, silicon(IV) oxide.
i) Balance the equation for the reduction of silicon(IV) oxide.

SiO2 + .......... C + → Si + ..........CO

[1]
ii) Explain why the silicon(IV) oxide is said to be reduced.
[1]
iii) Describe the structure of silicon(IV) oxide. You may use a diagram.
[3]
[5 marks]

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Question 3a
There are three types of giant structure – ionic, metallic and macromolecular.
Sodium nitride is an ionic compound. Draw a diagram that shows the formula of the compound, the charges on the ions
and the arrangement of the valency electrons around the negative ion.

Use x to represent an electron from a sodium atom.

Use o to represent an electron from a nitrogen atom.
[3 marks]

Question 3b
i) Describe metallic bonding.
[3]
ii) Use the above ideas to explain why:

metals are good conductors of electricity,

metals are malleable.
[3]
[6 marks]

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Question 3c
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
Silicon(IV) oxide has a macromolecular structure.
i) Describe the structure of silicon(IV) oxide (a diagram is not acceptable).
[3]
ii) Diamond has a similar structure and consequently similar properties.
Give two physical properties common to both diamond and silicon(IV) oxide.
[2]
[5 marks]

Question 4a
Carbon and silicon are elements in Group IV. Both elements have macromolecular structures.
Diamond and graphite are two forms of the element carbon.
i) Explain why diamond is a very hard substance.
[2]
ii) Give one use of diamond.
[1]
iii) Explain why graphite is a soft material.
[2]
iv) Give one use of graphite.
[1]
[6 marks]

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Question 4b
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
Two of the oxides of these elements are carbon dioxide, CO2, and silicon(IV) oxide, SiO2.
i) Draw a diagram showing the arrangement of the valency electrons in one molecule of the covalent compound
carbon dioxide.

Use o to represent an electron from a carbon atom.

Use x to represent an electron from an oxygen atom.
[3]
ii) A section of the macromolecular structure of silicon(IV) oxide is given below.
[2]

Use this diagram to explain why the formula is SiO2 not SiO4.

iii) Predict two differences in the physical properties of these two oxides.

[2]
[7 marks]

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Question 5a
The first three elements in Group IV are
Carbon
Silicon
Germanium
The element germanium has a diamond-type structure. Describe the structure of germanium. A diagram is acceptable.
[2 marks]

Question 5b
Unlike diamond, graphite is soft and is a good conductor of electricity.
i) Explain why graphite has these properties.
[3]
ii) Give a use of graphite that depends on one of these properties.

Property .................................

Use .................................
[1]
[4 marks]

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Question 5c
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
Carbon dioxide and silicon(IV) oxide have similar formulae but different types of structure.
i) Give the formulae of these oxides.
[1]
ii) How are their structures different?
[2]
[3 marks]

Question 6a
Extended Only
Lead is an excellent roofing material. It is malleable and resistant to corrosion. Lead rapidly becomes coated with basic
lead carbonate which protects it from further corrosion.
Lead has a typical metallic structure which is a lattice of lead ions surrounded by a ‘sea’ of mobile electrons. This structure
is held together by attractive forces called a metallic bond.
i) Explain why there are attractive forces in a metallic structure.
[2]
ii) Explain why a metal, such as lead, is malleable.
[2]
[4 marks]

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Question 6b
Basic lead(II) carbonate is heated in the apparatus shown below. Water and carbon dioxide are produced.

Silica gel absorbs water. Silica gel often contains anhydrous cobalt(II) chloride. When this absorbs water it changes from
blue to pink.
Suggest a reason.
[1 mark]

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Question 6c
Separate: Chemistry and Extended Only
Basic lead(II) carbonate has a formula of the type xPbCO3.yPb(OH)2 where x and y are whole numbers.
Determine x and y from the following information.

PbCO3 → PbO + CO2

Pb(OH)2 → PbO + H2O
When heated, the basic lead(II) carbonate gave 2.112 g of carbon dioxide and 0.432 g of water.

Mass of one mole of CO2 = 44 g

Mass of one mole of H2O = 18 g

Number of moles of CO2 formed = .....................

[1]
Number of moles of H2O formed = .....................
[1]
x = ..................... and y = .....................

Formula of basic lead(II) carbonate is ........................................................................

[1]
[3 marks]

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Question 7a
Extended Only
An ore of the important metal zinc is zinc blende, ZnS. This is changed into zinc oxide which is reduced to the impure metal
by carbon reduction.
i) How is zinc oxide obtained from zinc sulfide?
[2]
ii) Write a balanced equation for the reduction of zinc oxide by carbon.
[1]
iii) The major impurity in the zinc is cadmium. The boiling point of zinc is 907°C and that of cadmium is 767 °C.
Name a technique which could be used to separate these two metals.
[2]
[5 marks]

Question 7b
In common with most metals, zinc is a good conductor of electricity. It is used as an electrode in cells.
i) Give two other uses of zinc.
[2]
ii) Describe the metallic bonding in zinc and then explain why it is a good conductor of electricity.
[4]
[6 marks]

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