These answers are prepared by Catholic Junior College Chemistry Department.

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reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the college.

GCE ‘A’ Level H2 Chemistry Nov 2015 Paper 1 Suggested Solutions

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
B B C C B D B C A B
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
D C D B D D A C B A
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
B D B A D D D C B A
31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
D A C A B A C C A B

Comments
Q1 Concept: Atomic Structure, ground state Question asked for the four
electrons of highest energy (i.e.
Given in question the element is in Group IV, the ground state the four outermost electrons with
valence electronic configuration must thus be ns2 np2 where n is highest principal quantum
number).
the principal quantum number.

Ans: B

Q2 Concept: Intro to org chem, and  bonds, hydrocarbons Note that hydrocarbons contain
carbon and hydrogen only.
Sigma () bonds are formed via head-on overlap between two s
orbitals, two p orbitals, between one s and one p orbital, and
between hybrid orbitals of carbon (as in hydrocarbons).
Pi () bonds are only formed via side-on overlap between two
(unhybridised) p orbitals.

Ans: B

Q3 Concept: Atomic Structure, electrons, neutrons, anion Note that hydrogen atom has no
neutrons, only 1 proton and 1
From the Periodic Table, oxygen atom has 8 electrons, hydrogen electron. Oxygen atom has 8
atom has 1 electron. Since OH– (anion) has one more electron, neutrons.
the total number of electrons should be (8+1+1 = 10).
Total no. of neutrons in OH– = (16+1) – (8+1) = 8

Ans: C
Q4 Concept: chemical bonding, melting point, factors affecting Be careful to choose the statement
strength of metallic bond that is MOST RELEVANT in
explaining the difference in melting
2+ +
Ca has a higher charge than Na , implying stronger electrostatic point of the 2 given metals.
forces of attraction between the cation and the ‘sea’ of
delocalised electrons, which require more energy to break.
Hence, calcium has a higher melting point than sodium.
Option D is not the best option as the strength of metallic bond is
affected by the number of DELOCALISED valence electrons
(rather than the total number of electrons).

Ans: C

Q5 Concept: Chemical bonding, bond angle, zwitterion You may draw out the structure of
the aminoethanoic acid, and its
Zitterion is +H3NCH2COO- zwitterion to identify the difference.
In zwitterion, –NH2 (trigonal pyramidal, 107°) group becomes
–NH3+ (tetrahedral, 109.5°). In zwitterion, -COOH (trigonal planar
about sp2 hybridised Carbon, 120o) group becomes COO-
(trigonal planar about sp2 hybridised Carbon, 120o).
Option A: bond angle of 90° is not present in both aminoethanoic
acid and its zwitterion.

Ans: B

Q6 Concept: Energetics, definitions

Lattice energy of Na2O is the enthalpy change when 1 mol of the

ionic solid Na2O is formed from its separate gaseous ions
under standard conditions of 298K and 1 atm.
2Na+(g) + O2-(g)  Na2O(s)

Ans: D

Q7 Concept: AMS, neutralisation, concentration

NaOH + HCl  NaCl + H2O

0.05
No. of moles of NaOH = x 12.5 = 6.25 x 10-4
1000
0.100
No. of moles of HCl = 1000
x 25.0 = 2.50 x 10-3
Note that the TOTAL volume of
No. of moles of HCl remaining solution is the volume of HCl and
= 2.50 x 10-3 - 6.25 x 10-4 = 1.875 x 10-3 NaOH added.
Concentration of HCl remaining
1.875 x 10-3
= 12.5+25.0
x 1000
= 0.0500 mol dm-3
 Ans: B

Q8 Concept: AMS, complete and incomplete combustion of methane Note: 1 mol of any gas will have
the same volume as long as they
CH4(g) + 2O2(g)  CO2(g) + 2H2O(l) are measured under the same
Let 9x be the amount of CO2 formed. temperature and pressure
regardless of identity of gas.
Thus, amount of CH4 used= 9x
Amount of O2 used = 18x

3
CH4(g) + 2 O2(g)  CO(g) + 2H2O(l)
Let x be the amount of CO formed.
Thus, amount of CH4 used= x
3
Amount of O2 used = 2 x = 1.5x

Total amount of CH4 used = 9x + x = 10x = 1dm3

Total amount of O2 required = 18x + 1.5x = 19.5x
1
Total volume of O2 required = (10) x 19.5 = 1.95 dm3

Ans: C

Q9 Concept: Energetics, factors affecting H and S

CO2(g) + nH2O(l) ⇌ CO2.nH2O(aq)

Forward reaction involves decrease in number of gaseous

molecules. Thus, there is less ways of arranging the particles and
distributing energy among the particles, a decrease in disorder of
system occurs. Thus, ∆S is negative.

Since forward reaction involves overcoming weaker van der

waals’ forces between CO2 molecules and forming stronger
hydrogen bonds between CO2 and several water molecules,
∆H= Energy for Bonds broken – Energy for bond formation <0
∆H is negative.

Ans: A

Q10 Concept: Electrochemistry, standard conditions for electrode Important to know the standard
potentials conditions for standard electrode
potential.
Standard electrode potential, Eo of an electrode is the
potential of this electrode under standard conditions (298 K, 1
atm, 1 mol dm-3) relative to the standard hydrogen electrode
whose electrode potential is assigned as zero.

Hence, [HOCl]=[H+]=[Cl2]=1 mol dm-3

 Ans: B

Q11 Concept: Chemical Equilibrium, degree of dissociation Ka is expressed in terms of

equilibrium concentrations.
CH3CO2H ⇌ CH3CO2- + H+
concentration of acid dissociated
=
initial acid concentration
Initial conc C 0 0
The ICE table can be in terms of
Change -C +C +C concentrations because overall
volume does not change, so amt ∝
Eqm conc C(1-) C C conc.
(Ca)(Ca) C2 a2 a2 C
Ka = C − Ca
=C(1 −a) = 1 − a

Ans: D

Q12 Concept: Chemical Equilibrium, Le Chatelier’s Principle/ factors Recall: increase in temperature
which cause a shift in position of equilibrium favours the endothermic process
while decrease in temperature
To increase the amount of methanol (i.e. product), choose factors favours the exothermic process.
that will shift the position of equilibrium to the right.

Increase in pressure: When pressure is increased, position of

equilibrium shifts to the right as the forward reaction involves a
decrease in number of mol of gaseous particles.

Decrease in temperature: When temperature is decreased,

position of equilibrium shifts to the right to favour the forward
exothermic process which is heat-releasing.

Ans: C

Q13 Concept: Chemical Equilibrium Be careful not to invert the Kc

expression to get answer A.
H2O(g) + CO(g) ⇌ H2(g) + CO2(g)

Initial amt 1 1 0 0

Change -x -x +x +x

Eqm amt 1-x 1-x x x

Total amount of gases at equilibrium = (1-x) + (1-x) + x + x = 2

mol
x
Percentage of hydrogen = x 100 = 33.3
2

x = 0.666 mol
[H ][CO ] 0.666 × 0.666
Kc = [H 2O][CO]
2
= (1-0.666)(1-0.666) = 3.98
2

Ans: D
Q14 Concept: Reaction Kinetics

Based on the rate equation, order of reaction wrt H2 = 1, order of

reaction wrt NO = 2

Initial
Exp Initial [NO] Initial rate
[H2]
1 0.5 2.0 6.0
2 0.5 1.0 x
3 1.0 1.0 y
4 1.0 z 0.75

Comparing Exp 1 & 2,

when [H2] is constant and [NO] is halved, rate is decreased by a
factor of 1/4 to 1.5. ∴ x = 1.5

Comparing Exp 1 & 3,

when [H2] is doubled and [NO] is constant, rate should double.
∴ y = 1.5 x 2 = 3.0

Comparing Exp 3 & 4,

when [H2] is constant but [NO] is decreased from 1.0 to z,
rate decreased by a factor of 3/0.75 = 4 times
Thus, since reaction is second order wrt NO, [NO] decreased by 2
times. ∴ z = 0.5

Ans: B

OR using mathematical method

Eg. Based on the data from exp 1 and 4,

2
rate for exp 1 [H2 ]exp 1 [NO] exp 1
=
rate for exp 4 2
[H2 ]exp 4 [NO] exp 4

6 0.5 (2.0)2
=
0.75 1.0 (z)2

z = 0.5 mol dm-3

Q15 Concept: Group II trends (Recall question)

charge of ion
A: Charge density ∝ size
Size increases, so charge density of M2+ decreases down the
group.
B: electronegativity decreases down the group.
C: number of electrons in the outer shell is the same, i.e. 2
D: thermal stability increases down the group. As the charge
density of M2+ decreases down the group, the nitrate ion becomes
less polarised and N-O bond is stronger and less likely to be
 broken.

Ans: D

Q16 Concept: Periodicity, properties of phosphorus Use the data booklet to help you
for statement B if you are unsure
A: wrong, S also forms 2 acidic oxides. of the IE values.
B: wrong, Ar has the highest first I.E in this period.
C: wrong, chlorides of Mg, Al and Si also form acidic solutions.
D: correct, P is the only element that exists as P4 simple
molecules.

Ans: D

Q17 Concept: Transition Elements, copper complexes Cu+ has the electronic
configuration of : [Ar]3d10
A: correct as the ionic compound will dissolve in aqueous which does not contain any
medium to give a dark blue solution with [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+ partially-filled 3-d orbitals.
complex.
B: wrong as the coordinate number with NH3 ligands should be 4
instead of 6, and it should be a dark blue solution since it is an
ionic compound.
C: wrong as the description should be a pale blue ppt instead of a
pale blue solution.
D: wrong due to the charge. Cu+ will not give any coloured
solution due to the absence of partially filled 3-d orbitals, and
should form 2-coordinate complexes.

Ans: A

Q18 Concept: Periodicity, trend in melting point vs atomic radii Question hinted to use the Data
Booklet which can help to arrange
Arranging the atomic radii of the elements in ascending order: the atomic radius in ascending
P,Si, Al, Mg. order.
A is incorrect as Si has the highest melting point amongst period
3 elements.
B is incorrect as the difference in melting point between Al and
Mg and should be smaller than that of Al and P.
D is incorrect as it does not fit the order of the atomic radii.

Ans: C

Q19 Concept: Transition Elements, reaction of Cr2O72-(aq), which is Note that in aqueous medium,
also an oxidizing agent chromate and dichromate ions
exist in equilibrium:
3+
Question also mentioned that [Cr(H2O)6] will be produced, 2 CrO42− + 2 H+ Cr2O72− + H2O
showing that oxidation of organic compound Y has taken place.
 A is incorrect as (CH3)2CO (ketone) cannot be oxidized.
B is correct as the reduction of Cr2O72- (aq) to [Cr(H2O)6]3+ takes
place in an acidic medium and C2H5OH can be oxidized to form
CH3CO2H.
C is incorrect as CH3CO2H (carboxylic acid) cannot be oxidized.
D is incorrect because in NaOH (alkaline medium), Cr2O72- will be
converted to CrO42-, thus producing Cr(OH)3 upon reduction
instead of [Cr(H2O)6]3+.

Ans: B

Q20 Concept: Reactions of –OH with PCl5

Both the alcohol and carboxylic acid functional groups can react
with PCl5 to form chloroalkane and acyl chloride respectively.
When compound M reacts with an excess of PCl5, A will be
formed.

B is incorrect as R-Br cannot react with PCl5

C and D are incorrect as both alcohol and carboxylic acid should
react with PCl5.

Ans: A

Q21 Concept: Intro to Org Chem, Structural isomerism The C≡C bond can either be
between C1 and C2, or C2 and
Structural isomers of C5H8 (which must contain a C≡C bond): C3.
Only one branched isomer is
possible.

3 in total

Ans: B

Q22 Concept: Hybridisation

A carbon with 3  and 1  bond is sp2 hybridised (trigonal planar)

 7 in total (circled in diagram)

Ans: D

Q23 Concept: Reduction of aldehyde by NaBH4 to primary alcohol

Ans: B

Q24 Concept: Esterification, molecular formula

Molecular formula of citric acid is C6H8O7, so 3 C, 4 H and 1 O are

added to form C9H12O8. Esterification has occurred in the
presence of conc. sulfuric acid.

A (propanoic acid) reacts with citric acid, to give a product with

the correct molecular formula.

B (butanoic acid) will add on 4 C which is wrong.

C (propanol) will react with all 3 carboxylic acid groups, adding on

too many atoms in total.

If D reacts with the 3 carboxylic acid groups to add on 3 C overall,

it will add on too many H and O.
 Ans: A

Q25 Concept: Ease of hydrolysis of C-Cl bonds (halogenoalkane,

halogenarene, acyl chloride)

A (CCl4) will be very difficult to hydrolyse due to the 4 -Cl groups

hindering an incoming H2O nucleophile from attacking.

B will not hydrolyse easily due to partial double bond character of

the C-Cl bond as Cl is bonded directly to the benzene ring.

C (CH3CHClCH2CH3) will hydrolyse after some time.

D (CH3COCl) will hydrolyse readily at room temperature.

Ans: D

Q26 Concept: Nitrogen Compounds, ionic form of amino acids at NH2 groups are protonated (to
different pH NH3+) when pH < 2 (approx)

At pH = 11 (alkaline), CO2H groups are deprotonated and NH2 CO2H groups are deprotonated (to
CO2– when pH > 9 (approx)
groups remain unchanged.
The actual pH values depends on
Ans: D the individual amino acids.
Q27 Concept: Oxidation of organic compounds Primary alcohols here are
expressed as RCH2OH instead of
For the Mr to increase by 14 from Q to R, most likely an O atom ROH. This ensures the number of
has been added and 2 H removed. carbon atoms to be the same as
the oxidised product.
A: RCHO  RCO2H (Mr increases by 16)
B: Oxidation of aldehydes does not produce ketones
C: RCH2OH  RCHO (Mr increases by 2)
D: RCH2OH  RCO2H (Mr increases by 14)

Ans: D

Q28 Concept: Acidity/Reactivity of alcoholic or phenolic –OH Neutralisation reactions can occur
in the cold as the activation energy
Phenols (-OH directly bonded to benzene ring) undergo acid-base is very low.
neutralisation with NaOH(aq), even in the cold.
To deprotonate an alcohol, Na(s)
is used.
Alcohols (-OH not directly bonded to ring) are too weakly acidic
and do not undergo neutralisation with NaOH(aq).

Ans: C

Q29 Concept: Electrophilic substitution of Br on phenol -OH is 2,4- directing.

Electrophilic substitution cannot
From bisphenol A to compound Q, both phenols have had 2 Br occur at positions occupied.
atoms substituted on each, at the 2- and 6- positions (wrt –OH).
Br2(in CCl4) is used for mono-
 substitution of phenols.
A: Phenols are highly activated and do not require a catalyst for
electrophilic substitution. Note: in benzene, anhydrous AlBr3 is a
catalyst and not a reagent for electrophilic substitution.

B: Br2(aq) is used for multi-substitution of phenols.

C: No reaction with phenol.

D: NaBr and dil. H2SO4 react to produce HBr, used for

electrophilic addition of alkenes. No reaction with phenol.

Ans: B

Q30 Concept: Mechanism of electrophilic addition to alkenes The intermediate is the same,
regardless whether Br2(in CCl4) or
From alkenes notes: Br2(aq) is used.

Markovnikov’s rule will apply if the

starting alkene is asymmetrical.

Ans: A

Q31 Concept: Atomic Structure/ Transition Elements, writing electronic For cations, always write the
configurations electronic configuration of the
elemental atom before removing
1 2+ 2 2 6 2 6 5 the number of electrons equal to
25Mn : 1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d (no paired, five unpaired)
2+ 2 2 6 2 6 6 the charge.
2 26Fe : 1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d (one paired, four unpaired)
3+ 2 2 6 2 6 6 Add and remove electrons from 4s
3 27Co : 1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d (one paired, four unpaired)
before 3d subshell.

Ans: D

Q32 Concept: Chem Bonding, Periodicity, physical properties
1 Low boiling point, hence it has a simple covalent structure.
2 Low boiling point, hence it has a simple covalent structure.
3 Relatively low boiling point. Al3+ polarises Br–, resulting in
sharing of electrons instead of complete transfer of electrons.
This is similar to AlCl3 which is also covalent. An ionic compound
would have a much higher boiling point.
The extent of polarisation in AlBr3
is greater than in AlCl3 as Br– is
more easily polarized due to its
larger ionic radius. Hence, AlBr3 is
more covalent than AlCl3.
Note: F– is difficult to be polarised
due to its small size. AlF3 is ionic.

Ans: A

Q33 Concept: Ideal Gas assumptions Note the difference between

“volume of gas” and “volume of
 1 This is not an assumption of ideal gases. gas molecules”.
2 This is an assumption which applies to ideal gases (as well as
real gases).
3 This is an assumption of ideal gases. Alternatively described as
“the gas particles have negligible size (volume) as compared to
volume in which the gas is contained.”

Ans: C

Q34 Concept: Electrochemistry

As the carbon rod terminal has a larger (more positive) Eo value,

it is the cathode where reduction occurs.
The zinc casing terminal is the anode where oxidation occurs.

1 Eocell = Eored  Eooxi = +0.74 – (–0.76) = +1.50 V

2 Reverse the second equation, and add to the first equation.
3 Based on overall equation obtained in 2, Zn(s) is being
corroded and the casing will become thinner.

Ans: A

Q35 Concept: Reaction Kinetics, Chem Equilibrium Rate constants are only affected
by temperature and catalysts.
1 A suitable catalyst will lower the activation energy and hence
increase both kf and kb, resulting in the rate of reaction in both
directions to increase.
2 Heating the equilibrium mixture increases the rate of reaction in
both directions by increasing both kf and kb. Increase in
temperature speeds up almost all reactions, do not confuse this
with a shift in the position of equilibrium.
3 Increasing the concentration of reactants increases the rate of
the forward reaction (except zero order reactions), but both kf and
kb remains unchanged.

Ans: B
Q36 Concept: Properties of aldehydes

1 Shape is trigonal planar about the C atom.

2 Oxidation states: H(+1), O(–2). Sum of oxidation states = 0.
This results in oxidation state of carbon atom = 0.
3 HCHO + O2  CO2 + H2O
From the balanced equation, 1 mol O2 is required per mol HCHO.

Ans: A
Q37 Concept: Intro to Org Chem, free radicals The unpaired electron is usually
denoted by ●.
 A free radical is an atom / molecule with an unpaired electron.
1 Most, but not all free radicals, have at least a lone pair as well Note: a chlorine radical (also
as an unpaired electron. An exception is H● which has only one known as a chlorine atom) can be
written as both Cl and Cl●.
electron.
2 This is characteristic of a free radical.
3 In homolytic fission, one electron from the bond goes to each
bonding atom, resulting in both atoms each having an unpaired
electron. (e.g. homolytic fission of Cl2 to form Cl radicals).

Ans: C
Q38 Concept: Intro to Org Chem, geometrical isomerism (cis-trans
isomerism)

The identity of X and Z does not matter as the corresponding

alkene functional groups cannot exhibit geometrical isomerism, as
the other carbon atom in each alkene already has two identical
groups.

For the alkene group with Y to exhibit geometrical isomerism,

Y ≠ H.

Ans: C
Q39 Concept: Reactions of substituted benzene/phenol For statement 1, examiner’s report
only mentioned methyl group
1 The methyl group in thymol can react with alkaline KMnO4 in reacting.
side-chain oxidation. (Also, the phenol group can react with the Methyl only, or both alkyl chains?
And acid-base?
alkali present in alkaline KMnO4 via acid-base neutralisation.)
2 The phenol group can react with ethanoyl chloride to form an
ester via condensation.
3 The phenol group can react with sodium metal to form a
phenoxide ion.

Ans: A
Q40 Concept: Intro to Org Chem, Optical Activity

To be optically active, there must be at least one chiral carbon,

and the molecule must have no plane of symmetry.

1 There are two chiral carbons with no plane of symmetry.

(Note that the methyl groups are pointed towards opposite sides
of the plane)
2 There are two chiral carbons with no plane of symmetry.
3 There are two chiral carbons but there is a plane of symmetry.
(meso compound)

Ans: B