Define the term mass number of an atom.

1.
The mass number of an isotope of nitrogen is 15. Deduce the number of each of the fundamental
particles in an atom of 15N

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(Total 3 marks)

(a) Define the term relative atomic mass.

2.
An organic fertiliser was analysed using a mass spectrometer. The spectrum showed that
the nitrogen in the fertiliser was made up of 95.12% 14N and 4.88% 15N

Calculate the relative atomic mass of the nitrogen found in this organic fertiliser.
Give your answer to two decimal places.

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(4)

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 (b) In a mass spectrometer, under the same conditions, 14N+ and 15N+ ions follow different
paths. State the property of these ions that causes them to follow different paths.

State one change in the operation of the mass spectrometer that will change the path of an
ion.

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(2)

(c) Organic fertilisers contain a higher proportion of 15N atoms than are found in synthetic
fertilisers.

State and explain whether or not you would expect the chemical reactions of the nitrogen
compounds in the synthetic fertiliser to be different from those in the organic fertiliser.
Assume that the nitrogen compounds in each fertiliser are the same.

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(2)
(Total 8 marks)

The manufacturer supplying concentrated ethanoic acid for the production of vinegar also
3. supplied other acids. The label had come off a batch of one of these other acids.
A sample of this unknown acid was analysed and found to contain 54.5% of carbon and 9.10% of
hydrogen by mass, the remainder being oxygen.

(a) Use these data to calculate the empirical formula of the unknown acid.
Show your working.

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(3)

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 (b) A sample of the unknown acid was analysed in a mass spectrometer. The mass spectrum
obtained is shown below.

Use the mass spectrum to determine the Mr of the unknown acid.

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(1)

(c) Use your answers from parts (a) and (b) to determine the molecular formula of the
unknown acid.
(If you could not answer part (b), you should assume that the Mr of the acid is 132.0 but this
is not the correct value.)
Show your working.

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(2)
(Total 6 marks)

A mass spectrometer can be used to investigate the isotopes in an element.

4.
(a) Define the term relative atomic mass of an element.

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(2)

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(b) Element X has a relative atomic mass of 47.9

Identify the block in the Periodic Table to which element X belongs and give the electron
configuration of an atom of element X.

Calculate the number of neutrons in the isotope of X which has a mass number 49

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(3)

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(c) The mass spectrum of element Z is shown below.

Use this spectrum to calculate the relative atomic mass of Z, giving your answer to one
decimal place.

Identify element Z.

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(4)

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 (d) State how vaporised atoms of Z are converted into Z+ ions in a mass spectrometer.

State and explain which of the Z+ ions formed from the isotopes of Z in part (c) will be
deflected the most in a mass spectrometer.

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(4)

(e) Explain briefly how the relative abundance of an ion is measured in a mass spectrometer.

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(2)
(Total 15 marks)

In 1913 Niels Bohr proposed a model of the atom with a central nucleus, made up of protons and
5. neutrons, around which electrons moved in orbits. After further research, the model was refined
when the existence of energy levels and sub-levels was recognised.

(a) Complete the following table for the particles in the nucleus.

Particle Relative charge Relative mass

proton

neutron

(2)

(b) State the block in the Periodic Table to which the element tungsten, W, belongs.

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(1)

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(c) Isotopes of tungsten include 182W and 186W

(i) Deduce the number of protons in 182W

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(1)

(ii) Deduce the number of neutrons in 186W

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(1)

(d) In order to detect the isotopes of tungsten using a mass spectrometer, a sample containing
the isotopes must be vaporised and then ionised.

(i) Give two reasons why the sample must be ionised.

1. ____________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________
(2)

(ii) State what can be adjusted in the mass spectrometer to enable ions formed by the
different isotopes to be directed onto the detector.

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(1)

(e) State and explain the difference, if any, between the chemical properties of the isotopes
182W and 186W

Difference __________________________________________________________

Explanation _________________________________________________________

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(2)

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 (f) The table below gives the relative abundance of each isotope in the mass spectrum of a
sample of tungsten.

m/z 182 183 184 186

Relative abundance /% 26.4 14.3 30.7 28.6

Use the data above to calculate a value for the relative atomic mass of this sample of
tungsten. Give your answer to 2 decimal places.

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(2)
(Total 12 marks)

In one model of atomic structure, the atom has a nucleus surrounded by electrons in levels and
6. sub-levels.

(a) Define the term atomic number.

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(1)

(b) Explain why atoms of an element may have different mass numbers.

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(1)

(c) The table below refers to a sample of krypton.

Relative m/z 82 83 84 86

Relative abundance / % 12 12 50 26

(i) Name an instrument which is used to measure the relative abundance of isotopes.

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(ii) Define the term relative atomic mass.

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 (iii) Calculate the relative atomic mass of this sample of krypton.

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(5)

(d) Give the complete electronic configuration of krypton in terms of s, p and d sub-levels.

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(1)

(e) In 1963, krypton was found to react with fluorine. State why this discovery was unexpected.

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(1)

(f) Use a suitable model of atomic structure to explain the following experimental
observations.

(i) The first ionisation energy of krypton is greater than that of bromine.

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(ii) The first ionisation energy of aluminium is less than the first ionisation energy of
magnesium.

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(4)
(Total 13 marks)

(a) Complete the following table.

7.
Relative mass Relative charge

Neutron

Electron

(2)

(b) An atom has twice as many protons as, and four more neutrons than, an atom of 9Be.
Deduce the symbol, including the mass number, of this atom.

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(2)

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 (c) Draw the shape of a molecule of BeCl2 and the shape of a molecule of Cl2O. Show any
lone pairs of electrons on the central atom. Name the shape of each molecule.

BeCl2 Cl2O

Name of shape ____________________ Name of shape ____________________

(4)

(d) The equation for the reaction between magnesium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid is
shown below.

Mg(OH)2(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + 2H2O(l)

Calculate the volume, in cm3, of 1.00 mol dm–3 hydrochloric acid required to react
completely with 1.00 g of magnesium hydroxide.

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(4)
(Total 12 marks)

Chlorine has two isotopes, 35Cl and 37Cl. The number of molecular ion peaks in the mass
8.
spectrum of a sample of Cl2 is

A 2

B 3

C 4

D 5
(Total 1 mark)

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 (a) Complete the following table.
9.
Relative mass Relative charge

Proton

Electron

(2)

(b) An atom of element Q contains the same number of neutrons as are found in an atom of
27A1.An atom of Q also contains 14 protons.

(i) Give the number of protons in an atom of 27A1.

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(ii) Deduce the symbol, including mass number and atomic number, for this atom of
element Q.

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(3)

(c) Define the term relative atomic mass of an element.

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(2)

(d) The table below gives the relative abundance of each isotope in a mass spectrum of a
sample of magnesium.

m/z 24 25 26

Relative abundance (%) 73.5 10.1 16.4

Use the data above to calculate the relative atomic mass of this sample of magnesium.
Give your answer to one decimal place.

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(2)

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 (e) State how the relative molecular mass of a covalent compound is obtained from its mass
spectrum.

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(1)
(Total 10 marks)

(a) One isotope of sodium has a relative mass of 23.

10.
(i) Define, in terms of the fundamental particles present, the meaning of the term
isotopes.

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(ii) Explain why isotopes of the same element have the same chemical properties.

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(iii) Calculate the mass, in grams, of a single atom of this isotope of sodium.
(The Avogadro constant, L, is 6.023 × 1023 mol–1)

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(5)

(b) Give the electronic configuration, showing all sub-levels, for a sodium atom.

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(1)

(c) Explain why chromium is placed in the d block in the Periodic Table.

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(1)

Wexham School Page 12 of 24

 (d) An atom has half as many protons as an atom of 28Si and also has six fewer neutrons than
an atom of 28Si. Give the symbol, including the mass number and the atomic number, of
this atom.

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(2)
(Total 9 marks)

(a) State the relative charge and relative mass of a proton, of a neutron and of an electron.
11. In terms of particles, explain the relationship between two isotopes of the same element.
Explain why these isotopes have identical chemical properties.

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(7)

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 (b) Define the term relative atomic mass. An element exists as a mixture of three isotopes.
Explain, in detail, how the relative atomic mass of this element can be calculated from data
obtained from the mass spectrum of the element.

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(7)
(Total 14 marks)

Assuming that chlorine exists as two isotopes, and that hydrogen and carbon exist as one
12. isotope each, how many molecular ion peaks will be shown in the mass spectrum of C4H6Cl4?

A 2

B 3

C 4

D 5
(Total 1 mark)

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Mark schemes
Mass number = number of protons + neutrons (in the nucleus/atom)
1.
Not in a substance or compound or element
1

7 protons and 7 electrons

1

8 neutrons
1
[3]

(a) Average/mean mass of (1) atom(s) (of an element)

2. 1

1/12 mass of one atom of 12C

Accept answer in words
Can have top line × 12 instead of bottom line ÷ 12
1

OR

(Average) mass of one mole of atoms

1/12 mass of one mole of 12C

OR

(Weighted) average mass of all the isotopes

1/12 mass of one atom of 12C

OR

Average mass of an atom/isotope compared to C-12

on a scale in which an atom of C-12 has a mass of 12

Allow 95.12 + 4.88 instead of 100

1

= 14.05
If not to 2 d.p. then lose last mark
Not 14.04
1

(b) 15N is heavier/15N has a bigger m/z/different m/z values

Not different no’s of neutrons
Not ionisation potential
1

Electromagnet/electric field/magnet/accelerating
potential or voltage/electric current
1
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 (c) No difference
1

Same no of electrons (in outer orbital/shell/sub shell)/same

electron configuration
M2 dependent on M1
Not just electrons determine chemical properties
Ignore protons
1
[8]

(a) Percentage of oxygen is 36.4%

3.
% of oxygen stated or shown in calculation.
1

Correct calculation of ratios (C 4.54, H 9.10, O 2.28)

Mark is for correct method, dividing % by Ar
1

Empirical formula C2H4O

Allow consequential answer from wrong percentage of oxygen (max
2 marks).
1

(b) 88
Accept 88.0
Do not penalise correct answer in g.
1

(c) Ratio MF / EF of 2 (88 / 44.0 = 2)

If use 132 / 44 = 3, molecular formula C6H12O3 scores 2 marks.
1

Molecular formula is C4H8O2

Accept consequential answers from (a) and (b)
1
[6]

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 (a) Average/mean mass of (1) atom(s) (of an element)
4.
1/12 mass of one atom of 12C
1

If moles and atoms mixes Max = 1

1

OR

(Average) mass of one mole of atoms

1/12 mass of one mole of 12C

OR

(Weighted) average mass of all the isotopes

1/12 mass of one atom of 12C

OR

Average mass of an atom/isotope compared to C-12 on a scale in

which an atom of C-12 has a mass of 12
This expression = 2 marks

(b) d block
Allow 3d/D
Other numbers lose M1
Ignore transition metals
1

[Ar] 3d24s2
1
Can be written in full
Allow subscripts
3d2 and 4s2 can be in either order

27
1

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(c)

(= 1550)
1

(or ∑ their abundances)

If one graph reading error lose M1 and allow consequential M2 and
M3.
If 2 GR errors penalise M1 and M2 but allow consequential M3
If not 17 or ∑ their abundances lose M2 and M3
1

= 91.2
91.2 = 3 marks provided working shown.
1

Zr/Zirconium
M4 -allow nearest consequential element from M3
accept Zr in any circumstance
1

(d) High energy electrons/bombarded or hit with electrons

accept electron gun
1

knocks out electron(s) (to form ions)

1

Z+ = 90 deflected most
If not 90 lose M3 and M4
If charge is wrong on 90 isotope lose M3 only
Accept any symbol in place of Z
1

since lowest mass/lowest m/z

Allow lightest
1

(e) (ions hit detector and) cause current/(ions) accept electrons/cause

electron flow
QWC
1

bigger current = more of that isotope/current proportional to abundance

Implication that current depends on the number of ions
1
[15]

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 (a)
5.
Particle Relative Charge Relative mass

Proton +1 1 1

Neutron 0 1 1

Need +1 for proton

(b) d block/ D block;

Or D or d
1

(c) (i) 74;

Not 74.0
1

(ii) 112;
Not 112.0
1

(d) (i) To accelerate/ make go faster;

1

To deflect/ to bend the beam;

Any order
Not just attract to negative plate
1

(ii) Electromagnet / magnet / electric field /accelerating potential or

voltage;
Not electric current
Not electronic field
1

(e) None/ nothing;

If blank mark on.
If incorrect CE = 0
1

Same number of electrons (in outer orbital/shell)/ both have 74

electrons/same electron configuration;
Not just electrons determine chemical properties
Ignore protons and neutrons unless wrong statement.
1

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 (f)
;
If transcription error then
M1 = AE = –1 and mark
M2 consequentially
1

= 183.90; allow range from 183.90 – 184.00;

1
[12]

(a) Number of protons in the nucleus

6. 1

(b) They may have different numbers of neutrons

1

(c) (i) Mass spectrometer

1

(ii)
× 12
2

(iii) Ar =

= (82 × 12 + 83 × 12 + 84 × 50 + 86 × 26)/100 = 84.16

1

(d) 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6

1

(e) Krypton was thought to be an inert gas

(or has 8 electrons in outer shell)
1

(f) (i) Krypton has more protons than bromine

1

But its outer electrons are in the same shell

(or have similar shielding)
1

(ii) Al electron is in a 3p orbital, magnesium in 3s

1

Energy of 3p is greater than 3s

1
[13]

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 (penalty for sig fig error =1 mark per question)
7.
(a) neutron: relative mass = 1 relative charge = 0
(not ‘neutral’)
1

electron: relative mass = 1/1800 → 0/negligible or

5.56 × 10–4 → 0 relative charge = –1

1

(b) 17O/O17 mass number (Do not accept 17.0)

1

oxygen symbol ‘O’

(if ‘oxygen’ + — ‘mass number = 17’(1))
(if ‘oxygen’+ — ‘mass number = 17’(0))
(if at N 0 given but ≠ 8, treat as ‘con’ for M2)
(if lp on Be, diagram = 0)
(ignore bond angles)
(not dot and cross diagrams)
1

(c)

QoL Linear (1) bent / V-shaped / angular (1)

(mark name and shape independently)
(accept (distorted) tetrahedral)
(if balls instead of symbols, lose M1 – can award M2)
(penalise missing ‘Cl’ once only)
(not ‘non-linear’)
2

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 (d) Mr (Mg(NO3)2 = 58(.3) (if At N 0 used, lose M1 and M2)
1

moles Mg(OH)2 = 0.0172 (conseq on wrong M2) (answer to 3+ s.f.)

1

moles HCl = 2 × 0.0172 = 0.0344 or 0.0343 (mol) (process mark)

1

vol HCl = 3) (unless wrong unit)

= 34.3 – 34.5 (cm
(if candidate used 0.017 or 0.0171 lose M2)
(just answer with no working, if in range = (4).
if, say, 34 then =(2))
(if not 2:1 ratio, lose M3 and M4)
(if work on HCl, CE = 0/4)
1
[12]

B
8.
[1]

(a) Proton mass = 1 charge = +1

9.
Electron mass 1/1800 Or 5.6 × 10–4 charge = –1
(Do not accept +1 for proton mass or ‘g’ units)
2

(b) (i) 13
1

(ii) Si
1

Mass number = 28 and atomic number = 14

(Do not accept 28.1 or 28.0 or ‘Silicon’)
5

(c) Mean (average) mass of an atom / all the isotopes

1/12th mass of atom of 12C
Or Mass of 1 mole of atoms of an element (1)
1/12th mass of 1 mole of 12C (1)
Or Average mass of an atom / all the isotopes (1)
relative to the mass of a 12C atom taken as exactly 12 / 12.000 (1)
(Penalise ‘weight’ once only) (Ignore ‘average’ mass of 12C)

(Do not allow ‘mass of average atom’)

2

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 (d) Ar = (24 × 0.735) + (25 × 0.101) + (26 × 0.164) 1 = 24.4 1
(mark M2 conseq on transcription error or incorrect addition of %)

(e) Mr = highest m/z value 1

(NOT ‘highest/largest/right-hand’ peak)
3
[10]

(a) (i) Atoms with the same number of protons / proton number (1)
10.
NOT same atomic number

with different numbers of neutrons (1)

NOT different mass number / fewer neutrons

(ii) Chemical properties depend on the number or amount of

(outer) electrons (1) OR, isotopes have the same electron
configuration / same number of e–

(iii) 23/6.023 × 1023 (1)

CE = 0 if inverted or multiplied

tied to M1 3.8(2) × 10–23 [2-5 sig figs] (1)

5

(b) 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1 (1)

accept subscripted figures
1

(c) Highest energy e– / outer e–s / last e– in (3)d sub-shell (1)

OR d sub-shell being filled / is incomplete
OR highest energy sub-shell is (3)d
NOT transition element / e– configuration ends at 3d
Q of L
1

(d) N correct symbol (1)

allow

Mass number = 15 AND atomic number = 7 (1)

2
[9]

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 (a) Proton: mass 1, charge + 1 (1)
11. Neutron: mass 1, charge 0 (1)
Electron mass 1/1840, charge -1 (1)
Allow mass = 0, or negligible, or 1/1800 to 1/2000

Isotopes have the same number of protons (1)

OR atomic number

different number of neutrons (1)

Isotopes have the same electronic configuration (1)

OR same number of electrons

Chemical properties depend on electrons (1)

7

(b)
×12 (1)

OR
× 12 or in words

Spectrum gives (relative) abundance (1)

OR % or amount

And m/z (1)

Multiply m/z by relative abundance for each isotope (1)
Allow instead of m/z mass no, Ar or actual value from example

Sum these values (1)

Divide by the sum of the relative abundances (1)
only award this mark if previous 2 given
Max 2 if e.g. has only 2 isotopes
7
[14]

D
12.
[1]

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