GCSE Chemistry C3 Revision Guide
GCSE Chemistry C3 Revision Guide
1) Practice all the maths and ‘working scientifically’ questions – PRACTICE ALL THESE QUESTIONS!
Maths and
Standard Questions – http://WOQOFEY.exampro.net
Science Skills
Higher Questions - http://KOZUHUK.exampro.net
Questions
Our Predictions:
Experiments and graphs are a BIG part of this paper - Practice the maths and ‘working scientifically’ questions
above!
o Don’t forget to reference the data when describing/explaining graphs
o Identify changes in graph – look at how many marks and use this as guidance for how much detail
you need to give
Testing for ions
Organic chemistry
Ethics, e.g. changes in periodic table, water
Trends in reactivity within periodic table
Water, e.g. scum, scale, ethics about what government puts in water
Energy level diagrams
Equilibrium
Flame tests
Ammonia
Titration calculations, bond enthalpy calculations, calorimetry calculations and bond enthalpy calculations
Revise everything in detail as they are likely to throw something ‘new’ at you and you will have to apply your
knowledge to it.
PRACTICE QUIZ
A1 - He arranged all the elements known at the time into a table in order of relative atomic mass.
- Newlands' table showed a repeating or periodic pattern of properties, but this pattern
eventually broke down.
- By ordering strictly according to atomic mass, Newlands was forced to put some elements into
groups which did not match their chemical properties.
Q2 Explain why Newlands’ law was criticised.
A3 - He recognised that there were some elements still to be discovered, so he left gaps in his table.
- He was not afraid to change the order of some elements in the table where it seemed to make
sense.
- He was able use the table to successfully predict the properties of some elements which had
not yet been discovered.
C3.1.2 The modern periodic table
Q4 How are the elements in the periodic table arranged?
A4 - Elements in the periodic table are arranged in order of atomic number (number of protons in
the nucleus).
- Elements in the periodic table are also arranged by their electronic structure.
Q5 How are the electrons in an atom set out?
A5 - Electrons in an atom are set out in shells which each correspond to an energy level.
Q6 What is the group number equal to?
A6 - The group number is equal to the number of electrons in their highest occupied energy level.
A7 - The period number is the same as the number of occupied energy levels.
A8 - Elements become more reactive because the outer electron is more easily lost, since it is
further away from the nucleus
- Elements have lower melting and boiling points.
Q9 What properties do Group 1 elements have in common?
A9 The elements in Group 1 of the periodic table (known as the alkali metals):
- are metals with low density (the first three elements in the group are less dense than water)
- react with non-metals to form ionic compounds in which the metal ion carries a charge of
+1.The compounds are white solids that dissolve in water to form colourless solutions
- react with water, releasing hydrogen
- form hydroxides that dissolve in water to give alkaline solutions
Q10 Explain why there is an increase in reactivity going down Group 1. [H]
A10 - This is because the atoms lower down have more inner shells of electrons.
- These 'shield' the outer electrons from the attraction of the nucleus, and allow the outer
electron to be lost more easily.
- Since metals react by losing electrons, they become more reactive.
Q11 As you go down Group 7, what is the trend in reactivity?
A11 - Elements become less reactive because it is more difficult to gain an extra electron, since the
outer shell is further from the nucleus.
- Elements have higher melting and boiling points.
Q12 What properties do Group 7 elements have in common?
A13 - The electrons become less reactive as we go down the group because the outermost electron
shell gets further away from the influence of the nucleus.
- Due to shielding, an electron is less easily gained.
Q14 What are halides?
A14 - The halogens form 1- ions called halides when they bond with metals.
Q15 The halogens are all non-metals with coloured vapours. Describe the colour of each iof the following
and state how reactive they are.
(a) Fluorine (b) Chlorine (c) Bromine (d) Iodine
A15 (a) Fluorine is a very reactive, poisonous yellow gas.
(b) Chlorine is a fairly reactive, poisonous dense green gas.
(c) Bromine is a dense, poisonous, red-brown volatile liquid.
(d) Iodine is a dark grey crystalline solid or a purple vapour.
Q16 Fill in the blank: A more reactive halogen can ________ a less reactive halogen from an aqueous
solution of its salt.
A16 - displace
A19 - Iron is the catalyst used in the Haber process for making ammonia.
- Manganese oxide is the catalyst used for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
- Nickel is useful for turning oils into fats for making margarine.
A20 - Lather
A21 - Scum
- Scale
Q22 Which dissolved substances does hard water contain?
A23 - Using hard water can increase costs as more soap is needed
- Hard water is good for the development and maintenance of bones and teeth
- Hard water can help to lower the risk of heart disease
- Hard water can improve the taste of water
Q24 What are the disadvantages of hard water?
A24 - More soap is needed to produce lather, which increases costs. This happens with temporary or
permanent hardness.
- Temporary hardness can reduce the efficiency of kettles and heating systems. This is
because limescale (a solid containing calcium carbonate) is produced when the water is
heated.
- The scum produced is unsightly - spoiling the appearance of baths and shower screens, for
example.
Q25 What is the difference between temporary hard water and permanent hard water?
A25 Permanent hard water remains hard when it is boiled. Temporary hard water is softened by boiling.
Q26 What causes temporary hard water to be softened by boiling? Which compound decomposes within
temporary hard water? [H]
A26 Temporary hard water contains hydrogencarbonate ions (HCO3-) that decompose on heating to
produce carbonate ions which react with calcium and magnesium ions to form precipitates.
Q27 Why does using hard water increase costs?
A27 - More soap is needed to get a lather OR limescale formed on elements of appliances.
Q28 What causes the efficiency of heating systems and kettles to be reduced when hard water is heated
in kettles?
A28 - Limescale build up (calcium carbonate) reduces efficiency of the heating element.
Q29 Write down the word equation that demonstrates the formation of calcium hydrogencarbonate.
Q30 Hard water can be made soft by removing the dissolved calcium and magnesium ions. Describe the
TWO methods in which this can be done.
A30 - Adding sodium carbonate, which reacts with the calcium and magnesium ions to form a
precipitate of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.
- Using commercial water softeners such as ion exchange columns containing hydrogen ions or
sodium ions, which replace the calcium and magnesium ions when hard water passes through
the column.
C3.2.2 Purifying water
Q31 Fill in the blanks: Water of the correct quality is essential for life. For humans, drinking water should
have sufficiently _____ levels of _________ ___________ and _______.
A31 - low, dissolved salts, microbes
Q32 In this question you will be assessed on using good English, organising information clearly
and using specialist terms where appropriate.
Explain the stages needed in order to make water clean to drink. (6 marks)
A32 - Screening
o As the water enters the water treatment works, it passes through a screen.
o This is made from bars of metal placed together.
o These catch large objects such as leaves and twigs.
- Settlement Tank
o Sand and soil settle out
- Adding aluminium sulphate and lime to water
o Makes particles of dirt clump together and settle.
- Filter (bed)
o Fine sand filters remaining particles (insoluble solid)
- Chlorination
o Water may contain some harmful bacteria.
o Therefore adding chlorine kills the bacteria.
- Arrival of water to buildings
o The pH of the water is checked and corrected so that it is neutral
o It is then stored in large tanks and service reservoirs ready to be pumped to homes,
schools, offices, factories etc.
Q33 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of adding chlorine and fluoride to drinking water.
A34 - Calcium / magnesium ions are replaced for hydrogen / sodium ions
Q35 How can totally pure water be produced and why is it used to produce tap water?
A35 - Totally pure water with nothing dissolved in it can be produced by distillation.
- Distillation involves boiling water to make steam and condensing the steam.
- Distilled water is used in chemistry labs.
Q36 What are the disadvantages of producing drinking water by distillation?
A36 - It is expensive because large amounts of energy are needed to heat the seawater.
- It increases the use of fossil fuels - which are non-renewable resources.
- Carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels contribute to global warming.
Q37 In this question you will be assessed on using good English, organising information clearly
and using specialist terms where appropriate.
Explain how you would carry out titration to compare the hardness of water samples. (6 marks)
A37 1. Fill a burette with 50cm3 of soap solution.
2. Add 50cm3 of the first water sample into a flask.
3. Use a burette to add 1cm3 of soap solution to the flask.
4. Put a bung in the flask and shake for 10 seconds.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until a lasting lather (bubble cover the surface for at least 30 seconds) is
formed.
6. Record how much soap was needed to create a lasting lather
7. Repeat steps 1 to 6 with the other water samples.
8. Boil, fresh samples of each type of water for 10 minutes, and repeat the experiment.
C3.3.1 Energy from reactions
Q38 Explain how fuel energy is calculated using a calorimeter.
A38 1. Put 50g of water in the copper can and record its (starting) temperature.
2. Heat the water using the flame from the burning fuel
3. Record the final temperature of the water.
4. Weight the spirit burner and lid again.
Q39 Describe how you would carry out the energy changes for neutralisation reactions or for reactions of
solids with water.
A39 To do this experiment:
1. Add a known volume of the first reactant (in solution) to the insulated container
2. Record the starting temperature of the liquid
3. Add the second reactant (either in solution or as a solid powder)
4. Replace the lid and stir the reaction mixture
5. Record the maximum temperature that the reaction mixture reaches
Q40 What formula can used to calculate the amount of energy transferred during a chemical reaction?
You must state the meaning of the letter and the unit(s) used.
A40 Q = mc ΔT
- Q = the heat energy transferred (joule, J)
- m = the mass of the liquid being heated (grams, g)
- c = the specific heat capacity of the liquid (joule per gram degree Celsius, J/g°C)
- ΔT = the change in temperature of the liquid (degree Celsius, °C)
Q41 50 cm3 of an acid was added to 50 cm3 of an alkali. The mixture was stirred and the temperature
increased from 18°C to 28°C. What was the amount of energy released in J? (3 marks)
A41 - Step 1: Calculate the temperature change, ΔT
o 28 – 18 = 10°C
- Step 2: Use Q = mc ∆T
o Remember that c = 4.2 J/g°C for liquids (unless you are told otherwise):
o Q = mc ∆T
o Q = (50 + 50) × 4.2 × 10 = 4200 J
Q42 In an experiment, ethanol was burnt from a spirit burner and the energy released was used to heat
50 g of water.
The starting temperature of the water was 19°C but by the end of the reaction, the temperature had
risen to 41°C. The mass of fuel in the spirit burner was initially 40.0 g, but this had decreased to 38.5
g by the end of the reaction.
Calculate the energy change in kJ/g of fuel. (5 marks)
A42 - Step 1: Calculate the temperature change, ΔT
o 41 – 19 = 22 °C
- Step 2: Use Q = mc ∆T
o Remember that c = 4.2 J/g°C for liquids (unless you are told otherwise):
o Q = mc ΔT
o Q = 50 × 4.2 × 22 = 4620 J
o Q = 4.62 kJ
- Step 3: Calculate the mass of fuel burnt
o 40.0 – 38.5 = 1.5 g
- Step 4: Divide energy released by mass of fuel burnt
o Energy change = 4.62 ÷ 1.5 = 3.08 kJ/g
Q43 What happens to the bonds of both products and reactants during a chemical reaction?
A43 During a chemical reaction:
- bonds in the reactants are broken
- new bonds are made in the products
Q44 What does an exothermic reaction show?
In some parts of your answer, you may need to refer to energy level diagrams.
A44 - Exothermic reactions give out heat energy to the surroundings.
- This means that energy is being lost so the products have less energy than the reactants.
Q45 What does an endothermic reaction show?
In some parts of your answer, you may need to refer to energy level diagrams.
A45 - Endothermic reactions absorb heat energy from the surroundings, making the temperature of
the surroundings cooler.
- This means that energy is gained, so the products have more energy than the reactants.
Q46 Label the energy level diagram of figure 1, an exothermic reaction and figure 2, an endothermic
reaction.
Figure 1 Figure 2
A46 Figure 1
1- reactants, 2- products, 3- energy, 4- progress of reaction, 5- released
Figure 2
1-reactants, 2- products, 3- energy, 4- progress of reaction, 5-absorbed
Q47
Figure 3
Label figure 3, showing the energy changes in chemical reactions.
A47 1-activation energy, 2- overall change in energy (△H), 3- products, 4- reactants
Q48 Study figure 3. Explain what is meant by number 1 on the diagram.
A48 - Activation energy represents the minimum energy needed by reacting particles to break their
bonds.
Q49 Draw figure 3 and show on the diagram how a catalyst may have an effect.
A49
figure 4
A66 a- nitrogen from air
b- hydrogen from natural gas
c- compressor
d- hydrogen and nitrogen in
e- iron catalyst beds
f- nitrogen, hydrogen and ammonia out
g- cooling tank/condenser
h- hydrogen and nitrogen
i- liquid ammonia
j- ammonia out
Q67 In this question you will be assessed on using good English, organising information clearly
and using specialist terms where appropriate.
Explain what is happening at each stage of the Haber process. Use the numbers on figure 4 to help
you. (6 marks)
A67 Stage Having obtained the hydrogen and nitrogen gases (from natural gas and the air
1 respectively), they are pumped into the compressor through pipes.
Stage The gases are pressurised to about 200 atmospheres of pressure inside the compressor.
2
Stage The pressurised gases are pumped into a tank containing beds of iron catalyst at about
3 450°C. In these conditions, some of the hydrogen and nitrogen will react to form ammonia.
Stage The unreacted nitrogen and hydrogen, together with the ammonia, pass into a cooling tank.
4 The cooling tank liquefies the ammonia, which can be removed into pressurised storage
vessels.
Stage The unreacted hydrogen and nitrogen gases are recycled by being fed back through pipes to
5 pass through the hot iron catalyst beds again.
Q68 What is a closed system? [H]
A68 - A closed system is a system in which no reactants are added and no products are removed.
Q69 When a reversible reaction occurs in a closed system, what is reached? [H]
A69 - When a reversible reaction happens in a closed system, equilibrium is reached in which the
rate of the forward reaction is the same as the backward reaction.
Q70 What do the relative amounts of all the reacting substances at equilibrium depend on? [H]
A70 - the conditions of the reaction
Q71 Fill in the blanks: In a reversible reaction the position of equilibrium depends very strongly on the
___________ and ____________ surrounding the reaction. [H]
A71 - temperature, pressure (any order)
Q72 What happens when the temperature increases in a reversible reaction? [H]
A72 - If the temperature is increased, the yield from the endothermic reaction increases (and the
yield from the exothermic reaction decreases).
Q73 What happens when the temperature decreases in a reversible reaction? [H]
A73 - If the temperature is decreased, the yield from the endothermic reaction decreases (and the
yield from the exothermic reaction increases).
Q74 What happens when the pressure is raised in a reversible reaction? [H]
A74 - It will encourage the reaction which produces less volume.
Q75 What happens when the pressure is lowered in a reversible reaction? [H]
A75 - It will encourage the reaction which produces more volume.
Q76 Explain why adding a catalyst would not affect the equilibrium position. [H]
A76 - Catalysts speed up both the forward and backward reactions by the same amount.
- So, adding a catalyst means the reaction reaches equilibrium quicker, but you end with the
same amount of product as you would without the catalyst.
Q77 Evaluate the conditions used in industrial processes in terms of energy requirements.
A77 - Less energy is needed to break bonds in the nitrogen and hydrogen molecules than is released
in the formation of the ammonia molecules.
- A low temperature favours the production of ammonia but the reaction is slow.
- A high temperature would make ammonia form faster (and break down faster). A
compromised temperature used is 450˚C.
- A high pressure favours the production of ammonia but the reaction is expensive. A
compromise pressure used is 200 atmospheres.
Q78 Describe the conditions used in the manufacture of ammonia to increase the rate of reaction.
(4 marks)
A78 rate of reaction is increased
iron/powder
acts as catalyst
at higher temperatures
at higher pressures
4
Q79 Describe and explain the conditions used in the manufacture of ammonia to increase the yield.
(7 marks)
A79 yield of ammonia is increased at higher pressure
but there is high cost in manufacturing the plant to withstand very high pressures
yield of ammonia is increased if the ammonia is removed from the reaction mixture
7
C3.6.1 Alcohols
Q80 What are alcohols?
A80 - Alcohols are actually a family of organic compounds, all of which contain a –OH functional
group.
Q81 What is the general formula for an alcohol?
A81 - CnH2n+1OH
Q82 What properties do the first three alcohols share?
A82 - They are colourless liquids that dissolve in water to form a neutral solution
- They react with sodium to produce hydrogen and a salt.
- They burn in the air, releasing energy and producing carbon dioxide and water.
- They are used as fuels and solvents, and ethanol is the main alcohol in alcoholic drinks
Q83 What is methylated spirit and describe its use?
A83 - Ethanol with chemicals (e.g. methanol) added to it.
- It is used to clean paint brushes and as a fuel.
Q84 State the formula and draw the structures for the three alcohols.
A84 methanol ethanol propanol
CH3OH
CH3CH2OH CH3CH2CH2OH
C3.6.2 Carboxylic acids
Q85 What are carboxylic acids?
A85 - The carboxylic acids are a homologous series of organic compounds.
Q86 What functional group do carboxylic acids share?
A86 - Carboxylic acids all contain the same functional group –COOH.
Q87 What do the names of carboxylic acids end in?
A87 - The names of carboxylic acids end in ‘-oic acid’ – eg ethanoic acid.
Q88 Complete the table below:
CARBOXYLIC ACID NUMBER OF C ATOMS STRUCTUAL FORMULA DISPLAYED FORMULA
Methanoic acid
Ethanoic acid
Propanoic acid
A88 CARBOXYLIC NUMBER OF C STRUCTURAL DISPLAYED FORMULA
ACID ATOMS FORMULA
Methanoic acid 1 HCOOH
Q89 Complete the following reaction: ethanoic acid + sodium carbonate ______+ _______
A89 - carbon dioxide + sodium ethanoate
Q90 What is vinegar?
A90 - Vinegar is an aqueous solution containing ethanoic acid.
Q91 How is ethanoic acid formed?
A91 - Ethanoic acid is formed from the mild oxidation of the ethanol (which is an alcohol).
Q92 How is the formation of ethanoic acid achieved?
A92 - The addition of chemical oxidising agents - such as acidified potassium dichromate.
- The action of microbes in aerobic conditions (in the presence of oxygen). This happens on a
small scale when a bottle of wine is left open and exposed to air. On a commercial scale, it is
achieved in a fermenter using acetic acid bacteria.
Q93 Describe the properties of carboxylic acids. [H]
A93 Carboxylic acids:
- dissolve in water to produce acidic solutions
- react with carbonates to produce carbon dioxide
- react with alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst to produce esters
- do not ionise completely when dissolved in water and so are weak acids
- aqueous solutions of weak acids have a higher pH value than aqueous solutions of strong acids
with the same concentration
Q94 How are carboxylic acids useful in industry?
A94 - Carboxylic acids with longer chains of carbon atoms are used to make soaps and detergents.
- Carboxylic acids are also used in the preparation of esters.
C3.6.3 Esters
Q95 What are esters? What functional group do esters share?
A95 - Esters are organic compounds formed by the reaction of an alcohol with a carboxylic acid. They
have the functional group –COO–.
Q96 What properties do esters have in common?
A96 - they are volatile - they are liquids that become vapours easily
- they have distinctive ‘fruity’ smells
Q97 How do the properties of esters make them useful in the industry?
A97 - These properties make esters very useful as food flavourings, and as perfumes in cosmetics.
Q98 How is ethyl ethanoate made?
A98 - Ethyl ethanoate is the ester made from ethanol and ethanoic acid.
- Sulphuric acid is added to act as a catalyst in the reaction.
Q99 What products are formed when ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid?
A99 - Ethyl ethanoate and water are formed as a result of ethanol’s reaction with ethanoic acid.
- This reaction is reversible.
Q100 What products are formed when ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid? This time, write a balanced
symbol equation.
A100 CH3CH2OH(aq) + CH3COOH(aq) CH3CH2OOCCH3(aq) + H2O(l)
Q101 Using your answer to Q100, draw the structural formula for each one.
A101
Q1. Hard water can be softened by two different methods. Describe how each method softens water and compare
the advantages of these two methods.
General:
hard water contains calcium / magnesium (ions)
softening water involves removal of calcium / magnesium (ions).
ion exchange:
resin
contains sodium / hydrogen ions
which are exchanged with calcium / magnesium ions
resin needs periodic replenishment with sodium ions / hydrogen ions or sodium chloride (disadvantage).
increases sodium content of water (if sodium ions used) (disadvantage)
easy / quick method to use (advantage)
continuous process (advantage).
sodium carbonate:
sodium carbonate is added to hard water
calcium / magnesium ions precipitate out
as calcium / magnesium carbonate
batch process (disadvantage)
leaves a residue of precipitated carbonate in the water (disadvantage)
increases sodium content of water (disadvantage)
easy method to use (advantage)
relatively cheap (advantage).
Q2. A group of students had four different colourless solutions in beakers 1, 2, 3 and 4. The students knew that
the solutions were
• sodium chloride
• sodium iodide
• sodium carbonate
• potassium carbonate
but did not know which solution was in each beaker. The teacher asked the class to plan a method that could be
used to identify each solution. She gave the students the following reagents to use:
• dilute nitric acid
• silver nitrate solution.
The teacher suggested using a flame test to identify the positive ions. Outline a method the students could use to
identify the four solutions. You should include the results of the tests you describe.
Test: add (platinum / nichrome) wire (for the flame test). Accept any method of introducing the solution
into the flame, e.g. a splint soaked in the solution or sprayed from a bottle
Result: the sodium compounds result in a yellow / orange / gold flame or the potassium compound
results in a lilac / purple / mauve flame
Q6. Many hydrocarbons are used as fuels. An energy level diagram is shown for the combustion of the
hydrocarbon methane. Describe and explain why the line rises and then falls to a lower level.