ANSWERING TECHNIQUE

Chemistry Paper 2
 SPM CHEMISTY

Answering Technique Workshop (slot I)

2022

Score A+
In SPM
At the end of the workshop, student is able to

• Give accurate answer based on the questions with correct key

word.
• Identify some common mistake among the students.
Answering Technique of Chemistry P2
– Key word of the questions
• State/ Give – meaning/ definition
Example : State the meaning/definition of proton number
Proton number is ____________________________

• Name – give a specific name

Example : Name a monoprotic acid
Hydrochloric acid

Name substance X/ What is X?

Zinc nitrate (not the formula)
• Draw – draw the structure/ set up of apparatus and label correctly

Example 1 : Draw an electron arrangement of sodium atom.

Na, 2.8.1

: Write an electron arrangement of sodium atom

2.8.1

: State an electron arrangement of sodium atom

There are 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 electrons in
the second shell and 1 electron in the valence shell of
an sodium atom.
Example 2 : Draw a set up of apparatus to determine the freezing
point of naphthalene

• Label all the main materials and

apparatus.
• May use formula to label the
material instead of the name.
• No arrow is used to label
• No 3D diagram is drawn
• State the volume and
concentration of solution
• Write chemical eq/ ionic eq/ half eq/ formula/
– write and balance the equation.

Chemical eq : 2AgNO3 (aq) + Zn (s) → Zn(NO3)2 (aq) + 2Ag (s)

Ionic eq : 2Ag+ (aq) + Zn (s) → Zn2+ (aq) + 2Ag (s)

Half eq : Ag+ (aq) + e- → Ag (s) ;

Zn (s) → Zn2+ (aq) + 2e-
• Predict – give an actual value ( no less than or more than)
Example 1 :
Based on the graph given, predict the temperature of water when
2.5 mole of ethanol is burnt completely in excess oxygen.
Temperature of water/ oC

60.0
• Draw dotted line in the graph to show
50.0 how prediction is done.
45.0 • Label clearly the both value
40.0

30.0

20.0
1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Number of mole of
2.5 ethanol/ mol
Example 2 :
Based on the table, predict the voltage of the cell formed by zinc
and copper electrode.

Pair of metals Voltage (v) Negative terminal

Magnesium – Zinc 1.9 Magnesium
Iron – Copper 0.7 Iron
Copper - Silver 0.3 copper

( theory is between 0.7 – 1.9) :

Answer : 1.1 V (an actual value)
• Compare – state differences
• Compare and contrast – state similarities and differences

Example 1 :
Compare the properties between isotopes 35Cl and 37Cl. (2 marks)
Answer : 35Cl 37Cl

Cl-35 has lower boiling point Cl-37 has higher boiling point
It is non radioactive It is radioactive

Example 1 :
Compare and contrast the properties between isotopes 35Cl and 37Cl. (3
marks) Similarity Both isotopes, 35Cl and 37Cl soluble in water to form acidic solution.
Answer : Both isotopes, , 35Cl and 37Cl burn in oxygen to form acidic oxide
Differences 35Cl is non radioactive, while 37Cl is radioactive
35Cl has lower boiling point compares to 37Cl
• Justify – choose your stand (positive or negative) about the issue,
then give a reasonable point of view

Example 1 : Justify the use of plastic in our daily life.

Positive Answer : Yes, it is useful. Plastic is light, cheap and

convenient to use as packaging material in our daily life.

Negative Answer : No, it is not. Most plastic are non-biodegradable

and cause environmental pollution, wildlife deaths and human
health hazards.
• Explain – explain by giving the facts/ concept/ theory of the
problems.

Example 1 : Atom Q and R are isotopes. Explain why?

Answer : Atom Q and R have same number of protons, 8 but

different number of neutrons, 8 and 10 in the nucleus of the atoms.
• Describe a test – Method + reagent + observation + conclusion

• Plan/ describe an experiment – materials + apparatus

– Procedure
– Discussion follow the guidance
given in question
Example : A few pieces of marble chips are put into dilute hydrochloric acid,
effervescence occurs. Describe a test to identify the gas.

Answer :
Flow the gas produce through lime water in a test tube, line water turn cloudy
shows that the gas produced is carbon dioxide gas.

Delivery tube

Dilute hydrochloric acid

Lime water

Marble chips
 SPM CHEMISTY

Answering Technique Workshop (slot II)

2021

Score A+
In SPM
Definition – Give meaning for a statement
At the end of the workshop, student is able to

• State the meaning/ definition for a statement/ concept/ theory

accurately
• State the meaning/ definition for a statement/ concept/ theory
based on the specific example.
1. What is matter?

Suggested answer :
Matter is anything has mass and occupied space.

Student’s mistake :
Has mass and occupied space.
 Temperature, oC

170
Student’s answer :
40 The temperature where substance change
from solid to liquid.

2. The diagram above shows the heating curve of substance X when solid X is
heated from room temperature to 200oC in an oil bath.

a) Based on the diagram, state the meaning of melting point.

Suggested answer :
Melting point is the constant temperature, 40oC where the substance X
turns form solid to liquid in the room condition.
 3

a) State the meaning of proton number.

Suggested answer :
Proton number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Student’s mistake :
the number of protons.
b) Use a suitable example in Diagram 1, state the meaning of nucleon
number.

Suggested answer :
Nucleon number is the total number of protons and number of
neutrons in the nucleus, 16 of atom Q.

Student’s mistake :
• The sum of number of protons and neutrons
• The sum of proton number and number of neutrons
Based on Diagram 1,
c) What is the definition of isotopes?

Suggested answer :
Isotopes are atom Q and R which have same number of protons, 8 but
different number of neutrons, 8 and 10 in the nucleus of the atoms //
different nucleon number, 16 and 18.
Student’s mistake :
• Isotopes are atoms with same number of protons but different
number of neutrons in the nucleus of the atoms.
• Same proton number and different number of neutrons.
Practice 1 :

Isotopes of carbon are carbon atoms with same proton number 6,

different nucleon number 12, 13, 14 //
different number or neutron 6, 7 and 6 in the nucleus of the atom.

Isotopes of lithium are lithium atoms with same proton number 3,

different nucleon number 6, 7, 8 //
different number of neutron 3, 4 and 4 in the nucleus of the atom.
4) Based on the above diagram, what is the meaning of valence electrons?
Suggested answer :
Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost occupied electron
shells/ valence shells, 7 of atom S.

Student’s mistake :
• Electrons which are furthest away from the nucleus.
5. State the meaning of empirical formula.

Suggested answer :
Empirical formula is the chemical formula which shows the simplest
whole number ratio of atoms for each element in a chemical compound.

Student’s mistake :
The simplest ratio of atoms in a chemical compound.
6. State the meaning of molecular formula.

Suggested answer :
Molecular formula is the chemical formula which shows the actual
number of atoms for each element in the molecule of a compound.

Student’s mistake :
The actual number of atoms in a chemical compound.
 SPM CHEMISTY

Answering Technique Workshop (slot III)

2022

Score A+
In SPM
At the end of the workshop, student is able to

• Interpretate correct information from graph/ diagram/ chart/

table/ chemical equation.
• Give correct respond based on the graph/ diagram/ chart/ table/
chemical equation.
• Draw and label diagram of set up of apparatus correctly.
• Draw the atomic structure of an atom accurately.
• Sketch a graph accurately.
Interpreting Information/ Data
 Temperature, oC

170
Mistake :
40 • T1 and T3
• T1 - T2; T3 – T4
• BC; DE
T1 T2 T3 T4

1. The diagram above shows the heating curve of substance X when solid X is
heated from room temperature to 200oC in an oil bath.

a) Based on the diagram, what is the melting point and the boiling point of
substance X?
Suggested answer :
Melting point = 40oC; Boiling point = 170oC
2. “Relative atomic mass of oxygen is 16”
State the meaning for the above statement based on the carbon-12
scale.

Suggested answer :
1
The mass of one oxygen atom is 16 times the mass of of one carbon-12
12
atom.

Mistake :
1
• The mass of oxygen atom is 16 times the mass of of carbon-12 atom.
12
1
• The mass of one oxygen is 16 times the mass of of one carbon-12.
12
3. “Pb(NO3)2 (aq) + 2KI (aq) → PbI2 (s) + 2KNO3 (aq)
The above shows the precipitation reaction of lead (II) bromide. State
two interpretation/ information of the chemical equation.

Suggested answer :
• Lead (II) nitrate solution and potassium iodide solution are reactants. (1 mark)

• Solid Lead (II) iodide and potassium nitrate solution are products. (1 mark)

• 1 mole of lead (II) nitrate solution reacts with 2 mole of potassium iodide
solution to produce 1 mole lead (II) iodide precipitate and 2 moles potassium
nitrate solution. (2 marks)
5. The graph above shows the cooling curve of liquid naphthalene.

a) Based on the graph, state the change of temperature with time.

Suggested answer :
The temperature decreases with time until reach a constant temperature,
80oC at 4 minutes. Then, the temperature decreases with time again after 11
minutes.
DRAW STRUCTURE/ SET UP
DIAGRAM
1. Given that the proton number of oxygen atom is 8, the nucleon number is
16.

a) Write the standard representation of element oxygen.

Suggested answer :
𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏
𝟖𝟖𝐎𝐎

Mistake : oxygen-16
 b) Draw the atomic structure of oxygen atom.
c) Draw the electron arrangement structure of oxygen atom.
d) Draw the electron arrangement structure of oxide ion.

Atomic structure of oxygen atom Electron arrangement structure of Electron arrangement structure of
oxygen atom oxide ion

16 n
8p
O O
electron

O, 2.6
O2- , 2.8
 2
b) Draw the atomic structure of calcium atom.
c) Draw the electron arrangement structure of calcium atom.
d) Draw the electron arrangement structure of calcium ion.

Atomic structure of calcium atom Electron arrangement structure of Electron arrangement structure of
calcium atom calcium ion

20p
20n

electron

Ca, 2.8.8.2 Ca2+, 2.8.8

 Element Proton number Nucleon number
X 11 23
Y 8 16
Z 6 12

3. The table above shows the proton number and nucleon number of
element X,Y and Z.
a) Draw the electron arrangement of the compound formed by element X
andY.
Suggested answer : Mistake :

Y2- , 2.8 X+, 2.8 Y2- , 2.8 X+, 2.8 X+, 2.8
X+, 2.8
 Element Proton number Nucleon number
X 11 23
Y 8 16
Z 6 12

b) Draw the electron arrangement of the compound formed by element Y

and Z.

Mistake :

Y, 2.8 Z, 2.8
Suggested answer :

Y, 2.8 Z, 2.8

Y, 2.8 Z, 2.8
4. Draw a set up of apparatus which use to determine the empirical formula of

a) magnesium oxide and

b) copper (II) oxide.

√
→ is used to shows the
direction of the flowing gas/
e- or etc.
→ is used to show heating
too.
Labelling never use →
Dry H2 √ Correct drawing of
Correct drawing of the test tube.
mouth of test tube

√
Heating water in a beaker

The mouth of beaker

Drawing of meniscus of
water/ solution/ liquid

Shade the water/

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx solution/ liquid

• Use of wire gauze when heating

using any glass apparatus.
• When wire gauze is used, will skip
for pipe clay-triangle
5. Draw the arrangement of particles for solid, liquid and gas.

Solid Liquid Gas

Packed closely and orderly in Packed closely but not in Far apart each other
manner orderly manner
 7. The melting point of substance X is 55oC. Sketch a cooling curve of substance X
from 80oC to room temperature.

Temperature/ oC
• Must label 80oC and room temperature, 25oC
80 • Must label the freezing point

Freezing point = 55

25

Time/ s
Take a coffee break!
 Give accurate respond
Explaining with accurate concept or theory
PART 1 : FORM 4
At the end of the workshop, student is able to

• Give accurate respond with accurate key word.

• Explain accurately with concept and theory which related to the
problems.
Problems
The type of particles
The type of physical states
The type of compounds
The type of attraction force
The type of acids/ alkali in term of
the strength
The type of acids in term of
basicity
The type of salts
The type of reaction
(redox reaction)
The type of reaction
(redox reaction)
Type of hydrocarbon
Correct respond
Atom/ molecule/ ion
Solid/ liquid/ gas
Ionic compound/ covalent compound
Electrostatic attraction force/ Van der Waals attraction force/
hydrogen bond/ metallic bond
Strong acid/ alkali, weak acid/ alkali
Monoprotic acid, diprotic acid or triprotic acid
Soluble salt, insoluble salt
Oxidation reaction, reduction reaction
Endothermic reaction, exothermic reaction
Saturated hydrocarbon, unsaturated hydrocarbon
Chapter 2 : Matter & Atomic Structure
 1. P is a substance that has a melting point of 51oC and a boiling point of 301oC .

a) Sketch a graph of temperature against time when substance P is heated

from 30oC to 90oC . 2 marks

Suggested answer : mistake :

Sketch and Label Temperature/ oC

Temperature/ oC 100

90 80
60
40
Melting 51
point 20
Time/ mins
0
30
0 Time/ mins
b) When substance P is cooled, the temperature decreases and becomes
constant at one stage and then decreases again.
Predict the constant temperature.
Clue : Melting point = freezing point
Suggested answer : 51oC

c) Explain why the temperature is constant at that stage.

Suggested answer :
During freezing process, the heat energy that lost to the surrounding is
balanced by the heat energy released by the molecules of substance P in
order to attract each other to change from liquid to solid.

mistake :
Heat energy is balanced by the energy lost to surrounding to form the
chemical bond between the particles to change from liquid to solid.
 Temperature, oC

175

40

2. The diagram above shows the heating curve of substance X when solid X is
heated from room temperature to 200oC in an oil bath.

a) Based on the diagram, explain why the temperature remain constant at BC.
 Temperature, oC

175

40

Suggested answer :
During BC, substance X undergoes melting process. Heat energy is absorbed to
overcome the attraction force between the particles in order to change from solid
to liquid.

mistake :
Heat energy is absorbed to break the chemical bond between the particles to
change from solid to liquid.
 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏
𝟏𝟏𝑿𝑿 𝟏𝟏𝒀𝒀 𝟏𝟏𝒁𝒁
3. Diagram above shows three standard representation of elements X, Y and Z.
a) Name the atoms X, Y and Z.
b) Explain your answer.

Clue :
• The number of protons and number of neutrons

Suggested answer :
a) Isotopes
b) All atoms X, Y and Z have same number of protons, 6 and different number of
neutrons 6, 7, and 8 respectively.
𝟏𝟏𝟐𝟐
𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝑿𝑿
4. a) Based on the given standard representation of element X. Explain
how atom X achieves stability. ( 3 marks)

Clue :
• Write the electron arrangement of atom X and state the number of valence
electrons.
• How to achieve stability : Gains/ loses electrons?
• Particle form?
• Half equation
Suggested answer :
• The electron arrangement of atom X is 2.8.3.
• Atom X has 3 valence electrons.
• Atom X loses 3 valence electrons to achieve stable octet electron arrangement
and form X3+ ion.
• X → X3+ + 3 e-
𝟏𝟏𝟗𝟗
𝟗𝟗𝒀𝒀
4. b) Based on the given standard representation of element Y. Explain
how atom Y forms an ion. (3
marks)
Clue :
• Write the electron arrangement of atom Y and state the number of valence
electrons.
• How to form ion : Gains/ loses electrons?
• What ion is formed?
• Half equation
Suggested answer :
• The electron arrangement of atomY is 2.7.
• AtomY has 7 valence electrons.
• Atom Y gains 1 valence electrons to achieve stable octet electron arrangement
and formY- ion.
• Y2 + 2e- → 2Y-
 Chapter 3 :
The mole concept, chemical formula and
equation
 Student mistake : ZnCI
(forget to cross the charge of ion)
ZnCI2

Student mistake : ZnNO3

(forget to cross the charge of ion
Zn(NO3)2 and put bracket for complex ion)
Answer :
 Mass
(g)
N0. of Volume
particles (dm3)
N0. mole RAM
(mol) RMM
RFM STP
N0. mole N0. mole RTP
(mol) 6.02 x 10 ^23 (mol) (dm3 mol-1)
Step to calculate mass of
MgO
1. Calculate no mole of
MgCO3
2. From equation (compare
no. mole)
3. Calculate mass of MgO
Student mistake

1. No title for each calculation.

2. No unit at the final answer.
3. Not write from equation. Direct
write number mol of MgO.
4. Not accept simple ratio.

Example : (wrong)
1:1
0.05 : 0.05

Accept if
From equation,
1 mol of MgCo3 : 1 mol of MgO
0.05 mol of MgCO3 : 0.05 mol Mg)
Step to calculate empirical
formula

1- Construct a table
* Element
* Mass (g)
* Number of mole (mol)
* Mole ratio

2. After calculation, write

empirical formula.
Chapter 4 : Periodic Table of Elements
Helium gas 5. Diagram shows some balloons which are filled with helium gas.
Justify the used of helium gas in filling balloon compare to hydrogen
gas. Explain your answer. ( 4 marks)
Clue :
• Suitable or not?
• The stability of helium gas compare to hydrogen gas
Suggested answer :
• Yes, helium gas is more suitable used to fill balloon compare to
hydrogen gas.
• Helium gas as light as hydrogen gas.
• Helium atom has achieve stable duplet electron arrangement,
helium atom does not lose, gain or share electrons with others atom,
helium atom is chemically unreactive.
• Hydrogen is not achieve stable duplet electron arrangement yet.
Hydrogen atom is reactive, it may reacts with oxygen in the air when
ignited and cause explosion.
6. Diagram shows atomic size of Group 1 elements.
Based on the diagram, compare the electropositivity of potassium
and rubidium. Explain your answer. ( 5 marks)

Clue : Compare
• Which is more electropositive?
• Atomic size
• The distance between the outermost occupied electron shell/
valence shell and the nucleus
• The strength of the positive attraction force from nucleus
• The tendency to gains electron into the outermost occupied
shell/ valence shell.
Suggested answer :
• Rubidium is more electropositive than potassium.
• Atomic size of rubidium atom is larger than potassium atom.
• The outermost occupied electron shell in rubidium atom is further
away from the nucleus than in potassium atom.
• The single electron valence in rubidium atom is further away from
the nucleus than potassium atom.
• The positive attraction from the nucleus towards valence electron in
rubidium atom is weaker than in potassium atom.
• The tendency for rubidium atom to lose the single valence electron is
higher than potassium atom.

*Apply the same to Group 2 and 13.

7. The above diagram shows atomic size of Group 17 elements.
a) State the name of the first member of Group 17. Fluorine
b) Based on the diagram, compare the electronegativity of chloride and
iodide. Explain your answer. ( 5 marks)
Clue : Compare
• Which is more electronegative?
• Atomic size
• The distance between the outermost occupied electron shell/
valence shell and the nucleus
• The distance between the valence electron and the nucleus
• The strength of the positive attraction force from nucleus
• The tendency to loses valence electron
Suggested answer :
• Chlorine is more electropositive than iodine.
• Atomic size of chlorine atom is smaller than iodine atom.
• The outermost occupied electron shell in chlorine atom is closer
towards the nucleus than in iodine atom.
• The positive attraction from the nucleus towards valence electron in
chlorine atom is stronger than in iodine atom.
• The tendency for chlorine atom to gain one electron into the
outermost occupied electron shell/ valence shell is higher than iodine
atom.

*Apply the same to Group 16 and 15.

 Atomic size of Elements Period 3
Atomic radium/ μm

8. The above graph shows atomic size of Period 3 elements.

State changes of the atomic size of Period 3 elements when across the period
from left to right. Explain your answer. ( 4 marks)
Clue : Compare
• Same number of occupied electron shells
• Increases in number of protons and electrons across the period
• The strength of positive attraction force from nucleus toward
electrons
• The change in atomic size
Suggested answer :
• All the atoms of Period 3 elements have 3 occupied electron shell.
• When across Period 3 from left to right, the number of protons
increases, the number of electrons increases too.
• The positive attraction from the nucleus toward the electrons
becomes stronger.
• The atomic size of the atom in Period 3 decreases when across the
period from left to right.
9. The above diagram shows an advertisement displace in frond of a jewellery
shop. Majority gemstones consists of transition elements.
a) State the groups of transition elements in the Periodic Table of Elements.
b) Use suitable examples and state 2 special characteristic of transition
elements. ( 4 marks)

a) Group 3 to Group 12
b) Use suitable examples and state 2 special characteristic of transition elements.
( 4 marks)
Clue :
• State the special characteristic
• Give the example

Suggested answer :
• Transition elements have more than one oxidation number.
• The oxidation number of iron is +2 dan +3.
• Transition elements form coloured ions.
• Copper (II) ion, Cu2+ ion is blue colour; Iron (II) ion, Fe2+ is green colour.
• Transition elements are used as a catalyst in industries.
• Iron is used as catalyst in Haber Process to produce ammonia gas; Vanadium
(V) oxide, V2O5 is used as catalyst in Contact Process.
• Transition elements can form complex ions.
• For examples : hexacyanoferrate (II) ion and hexacyanoferrate (III)
Chapter 5 : Chemical Bond
 Element Proton number Nucleon number
X 11 23
Y 8 16
Z 6 12

10. The table above shows the proton number and nucleon number of element X,
Y and Z.
a) Which element may reacts to form an ionic compound? Explain how the ionic
compound is formed. ( 10 marks)

Clue :
• Write the electron arrangement and state the number of valence electrons for
both atoms involved.
• How to form ions : 1 atom gains electrons & 1 atom loses electrons.
• What ions are formed?
• Half equation
• What type of attraction force formed?
• The formula of ionic compound.
 Element Proton number Nucleon number
X 11 23
Suggested answer : Y 8 16

Cation ( 5 marks) Anion

• The electron arrangement of atom X is 2.8.1.
• Atom X has 1 valence electrons.
• Atom X loses 1 valence electrons to achieve
stable octet electron arrangement and form X+
ion.
• X → X+ + e-
• The electron arrangement of atomY is 2.6.
• AtomY has 6 valence electrons.
• Atom Y gains 2 valence electrons to achieve
stable octet electron arrangement and form
Y2- ion.
• Y2 + 2e- → Y2-

• 2 atom X loses 2 electrons to one atomY. ( 1 marks)

• X+ ion attracts Y2- ion with strong electrostatic attraction force and form an ionic compound with
the formula X2Y. ( 2 marks)

X+, 2.8 Y2- , 2.8 X+, 2.8 ( 2 marks)

 Element Proton number Nucleon number
X 11 23
Y 8 16
Z 6 12

10. The table above shows the proton number and nucleon number of element X,
Y and Z.
b) Which element may reacts to form a covalent compound? Explain how the
covalent compound is formed. ( 10 marks)

Clue :
• Write the electron arrangement of atom Y and state the number of valence
electrons for both atoms involved.
• How covalent bond is formed : sharing of electrons.
• What type of attraction force formed?
• The formula of covalent compound.
 Element Proton number Nucleon number
Y 8 16
Suggested answer : Z 6 12

Atom Y ( 5 marks) Atom Z

• The electron arrangement of atomY is 2.6 • The electron arrangement of atom Z is 2.4.
• AtomY has 6 valence electrons. • Atom Z has 4 valence electrons.
• Atom Y need another 2 electrons to achieve • Atom Z need another 4 electrons to achieve
stable octet electron arrangement, stable octet electron arrangement, atom Z
• atomY contribute 2 electrons for sharing. contribute 4 electrons for sharing.

• 1 atom Z share 4 pairs of electrons with 2 atom Y to form 2 double covalent bonds in a covalent
compound with the formula ZY2. ( 2 marks)

( 2 marks)
Y, 2.8 Z, 2.8
 Zinc rod

11. The above diagram shows a set up of apparatus used by students to investigate
the electrical conductivity of zinc.
The light bulb is lighted up when zinc is connected in the circuit, explain why.
( 4 marks)
Clue : Suggested answer :
• Delocalized • Zinc is a metal.
electrons • The valence electron of atom zinc are easily delocalized to
form an electrons sea.
• These delocalized electrons able to move freely and carry
charges from negative terminal to positive terminal.
• Thus, zinc able to conduct electricity.
 Type of compound Melting point/ oC
Naphthalene 80
Table salt 801

12. The above table shows the melting points of naphthalene, ice and table salt.
Compare the melting point of naphthalene and table salt, explain your answer.
( 4 marks)

Clue :
• Compare which is higher/ lower.
• the type of compound
• The type of attraction forces present
• Heat energy
Suggested answer :
• The melting point of table salt is higher than naphthalene.
• Table salt is an ionic compound.
• It is made of sodium ions and chloride ions which attracted by strong
electrostatic attraction force.
• More heat energy is required to overcome the force during the melting
process.
• Naphthalene is a covalent compound.
• It is made of covalent molecules which attracted by weak Van der Waals
attraction force.
• Less heat energy is required to overcome the force.
 Clear solution

Table salt
Distilled water

Naphthalene balls

Naphthalene balls
Distilled water

13. Explain the different of solubility of table salt and naphthalene balls in distilled
water as shown in the above diagram. ( 4 marks)
Clue : (Part 1)
• The of compound of table salt
• The type of particles of table salt
• Action of the particles between table salt and the molecule of water

Suggested answer :
• Table salt is an ionic compound which is made up of sodium ions and chloride ions.
• The positively charged Na+ ions are attracted by the partially negatively charged
oxygen atoms in water.
• While negatively charged Cl- ions are attracted by the partially positive charged
hydrogen atoms in water.
• The attraction force between the atoms of water molecules with the Na+ ions and
Cl- ions of table salt are strong enough to overcome the electrostatic force between
the ions themselves.
• Thus, table salt soluble in water.
Clue : (Part 2)
• The of compound of naphthalene
• The type of particles of naphthalene
• Action of the particles between naphthalene and the molecule of water

Suggested answer :
• Naphthalene is a covalent compound which is made up of neutral molecules of
naphthalene.
• The neutral molecules of naphthalene does not attracts the partially negatively
charged oxygen atoms and the partially positive charged hydrogen atoms in water.
• The attraction force between the naphthalene does not overcomed.
• Thus, naphthalene insoluble in water.
Yeah, all done!!
The End