THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF MALAWI

BASIC SCIENCES DEPARTMENT

CHEM 1101 GENERAL CHEMISTRY 1A

(GENERIC)

END OF SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS- ONLINE

Date: 9th July, 2020 Time allowed: 12 Hours

12:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Instructions

i. This paper contains FOUR questions. Attempt all questions.

ii. Ensure that your work is neat
iii. Observe the numbering system accordingly
iv. Scan your work and convert the file to PDF for submission
v. A periodic table has been attached at the end of the paper
QUESTION 1 (15 Marks)
(a) i. Balance the equation: Fe2O3 (s) + HNO3 (aq) → Fe(NO3)3 (aq) + H2O (l) [2 marks]
ii. Barium chloride reacts with silver nitrate to form silver chloride and barium nitrate. Write
a balanced equation for the reaction [3 marks]
(b) In considering mass relationships in chemical reactions, the following three chemical
principles are fundamental: The law of conservation of matter, the law of definite proportions
and the law of multiple proportions.
i. Explain how the law of conservation of matter and the law of definite proportions are
applied in balancing chemical equations [4 Marks]
ii. “Elements combine in specific proportions and not randomly”. How do you understand
this statement? [2 Marks]
iii. Using an example for each, show your understanding of how the law of definite proportion
is different from the law of multiple proportions. [4 Marks]

QUESTION 2 (45 Marks)

(c) How is the term formula mass different from molecular mass? [2 Marks]
(d) Calculate the molecular mass (in amu) of Caffeine (C8H10N4O2) [3 Marks]
(e) How many moles of helium (He) atoms are in 6.46g of helium? [2 Marks]
(f) Urea [(NH2)2CO] is used as an inorganic fertilizer for top dressing maize and other crops. Given
that its molar mass is 60.06g, how many hydrogen atoms are present in 20g of urea? [6 Marks]
(g) Magnesium has three natural isotopes, 24Mg, 25Mg and 26Mg; with atomic masses of 23.985042,
24.985837 and 25.982593 amu respectively. If the average atomic mass of magnesium is
24.3050 amu and that 78.99% of all magnesium is 24Mg, calculate the percent abundance of the
other two isotopes. [7 Marks]
(h) Baking soda (NaHCO3) is often used as an antacid. It neutralizes excess hydrochloric acid (HCl)
secreted by the stomach: NaHCO3 (s) + HCl (aq) → NaCl (aq) + CO2 (aq) + H2O (l)
Milk of magnesia, which is an aqueous suspension of magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)2] is also
used as an antacid: Mg(OH)2 (s) + 2HCl (aq) → MgCl2 (aq) + H2O (l)
Which one is more effective antacid per gram? [9 Marks]
KEY: Determine the amount of HCl neutralized per gram of NaHCO3 and per gram of Mg(OH)2.
The one that more amount of HCl is more effective.

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(i) Aluminum hydroxide, 𝐴𝑙(𝑂𝐻)3 , reacts with hydrochloric acid, 𝐻𝐶𝑙 according to the equation
below:
𝐴𝑙(𝑂𝐻)3 (𝑠) + 3𝐻𝐶𝑙 (𝑎𝑞) → 𝐴𝑙𝐶𝑙3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝐻2 𝑂 (𝑙)
i. Determine the limiting reactant if 15.5 g of 𝐴𝑙(𝑂𝐻)3 is combined with 20.5 g
of 𝐻𝐶𝑙. [5 marks]
ii. Calculate the mass of water (in grams) produced from the reaction, if percentage
yield is 90%? [5 Marks]
(j) Ascorbic acid cures scurvy. It is composed of 40.92% C, 4.58% H and 54.50% O by mass.
i. Determine its empirical formula [4 Marks]
ii. If molecular mass is 176 amu, find the molecular formula [2 Marks]

QUESTION 3 (6 Marks)

The two tables below show first and second ionization energies for alkali metals and alkaline earth
metals. Use them to answer the questions that follow:

Table 1. Ionization energies for alkali metals

Property Li Na K Rb Cs

First Ionization 526 504 425 410 380

enthalpy (I) / kJ mol–1

Second Ionization 7296 4563 3069 2650 2420

enthalpy (II) /kJ mol–1

Table 2. Ionization energies for alkaline earth metals

Property Be Mg Ca Sr Ba

First Ionization 899 737 590 549 503

enthalpy (I) / kJ mol–1

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Second Ionization 1757 1450 1145 1064 965

enthalpy (II) /kJ mol–1

i. What is your general observation about the trend for the ionization energies in
both tables as you move across the table and explain why? [3 Marks]
ii. The first ionization energies for alkaline earth metals are higher than the first
ionization energies for alkali metal yet the second ionization energies are lower than
those of alkali metals. Explain the possible cause for this. [3 Marks]

QUESTION 4 (34 Marks)

(a) i. An O-atom has a total number of 8 electrons. Write the four quantum numbers for each of
the 8 electrons in the ground state. [8 Marks]
ii. Write the spectroscopic configuration, shorthand configuration and the orbital diagram
for magnesium. [5 Marks]
iii. Is the element in (ii) above paramagnetic or diamagnetic? Explain your answer. [2 Marks]
(b) Make brief notes on each of the following:
i. The hypotheses of John Dalton’s atomic theory [4 Marks]
ii. How knowledge of waves and electromagnetic radiation helps us understand the Planck’s
Quantum Theory [4 Marks]
iii. How the Heisenberg uncertainty principle improved on the Bohr’s thought of an atom
[3 Marks]
(c) How do the emission spectra and the Bohr’s model of an atom help us understand the dual-
nature of an atom? [8 Marks]

END OF PAPER

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Annex 1: The Periodic Table of the Elements

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