Predicting physical properties from bonding and structure

Bonding Structure Physical Properties

Stage 1: Modelling  Example 9.2
Predict the (i) formula (ii) structure (iii) physical properties ((1) melting point and boiling point, (2) physical state at room
temperature and pressure, (3) solubility and (4) electrical conductivity) of the compound formed between
(a) potassium and sulphur.
Solution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
(a) (i) The compound formed between potassium (a metal) and sulphur (a non-metal) is an ionic compound. Bonding 
+
Potassium is a Group I element (K atom has 1 electron in its outermost shell). It forms K ions.
Sulphur is a Group VI element (S atom has 6 electrons in its outermost shell). It forms S2– ions.
∴ the formula of the compound is K2S (potassium sulphide).
(ii) It has a giant ionic structure. Structure 
(iii) Its physical properties: Properties 
(1) High melting point and boiling point (∵a lot of heat energy is required to overcome the
strong ionic bonds between K+ ions and S2- ions.)
(2) Solid at room temperature and pressure
(3) Soluble in water but insoluble in non-aqueous solvents like tetrachloromethane (CCl4)
(4) Non-conductor of electricity in the solid state (∵ its ions are NOT mobile),
but, can conduct electricity when in molten state (i.e. melted) or in aqueous solution
(i.e. dissolved in water) (∵ its ions becomes mobile).

Stage 2: Guided practice  Class practice 9.6

Predict the (i) formula (ii) structure (iii) physical properties (melting point, boiling point, solubility and electrical conductivity) of
the compound formed from the reaction between
(b) magnesium and bromine
(Assume that each atom in the compound has attained the electronic arrangement of the nearest noble gas after reaction.)
Solution
(b) (i) The compound formed between magnesium (a ) and (a non-metal)  Bonding
is an compound.
 is a Group II element (Mg _____ has ___ electron in its outermost shell).
∴ Mg forms ion (by losing 2 electrons to attain octet structure).
 Bromine is a Group ____ element (____ atom has ___ electrons in its outermost shell).
∴ It forms ions (by gaining 1 electron to attain octet structure).
∴ the formula of the compound is ( ).
(ii) It has a structure.  Structure
(iii) Its physical properties:  Properties
 melting point and boiling point (∵a lot of heat energy is required to overcome the
strong bonds between ions and ions.)
 Soluble in but insoluble in non-aqueous solvents like
 Non-conductor of electricity in the state (∵ions NOT mobile), but, can ________
electricity when molten or in aqueous solution (∵ its ions becomes ).

1
Stage 3: Independent practice
Predict the (i) formula (ii) structure (iii) physical properties ((1) melting point and boiling point, (2) physical state at room
temperature and pressure, (3) solubility and (4) electrical conductivity) of the compound formed between
(c) sodium and fluorine
Solution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
(c) (i) The compound formed between .................................................................................................... Bonding 

.........................................................................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................................................................

∴ the formula, name and the electron diagram of the compound are:

........................................................................................................................................................

(ii) It has a . Structure 

(iii) Its physical properties: Properties 

(1) ..........................................................................................................................................

(2) ..........................................................................................................................................

(3) ..........................................................................................................................................

(4) ..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

(d) aluminium and oxygen

Solution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
(d) (i) The compound formed between .................................................................................................... Bonding 

.........................................................................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................................................................

∴ the formula, name and the electron diagram of the compound are:

........................................................................................................................................................

(ii) It has a . Structure 

(iii) Its physical properties: Properties 

(1) ..........................................................................................................................................

(2) ..........................................................................................................................................

(3) Aluminium oxide is insoluble in both water and non-aqueous solvent. ................. 

(4) ..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

2
 Predicting physical properties from bonding and structure (Part II)
Bonding Structure Physical Properties
Stage 1: Modelling  Example 9.2 (Predicting physical properties of substances from their bonding)
Predict the (i) formula (ii) structure (iii) physical properties ((1) melting point and boiling point, (2) physical state at
room temperature and pressure, (3) solubility and (4) electrical conductivity) of the compound formed between
(a) nitrogen and fluorine.
Solution
(b) (i) The compound formed between non-metals (nitrogen and fluorine) is a covalent compound.  Bonding
Nitrogen is a Group V element which requires three electrons to get the stable electronic arrangement.
Fluorine is a Group VII element which requires one electron to get the stable electronic arrangement.
N F
3 1  N1F3  NF3
∴ the formula of the compound is NF3 (nitrogen trifluoride).
(ii) It has a simple molecular structure.  Structure
(iii) Its physical properties:  Properties
(1) Low melting point and boiling point (∵little heat energy is required to overcome the
weak van der Waals’ forces between NF3 molecules.)
(2) Gas/Volatile liquid/Low-melting solid at room temperature and pressure
(3) Insoluble/Slightly soluble in water but soluble in non-aqueous solvents
(∵the weak attractive forces between NF3 and H2O molecules are not strong enough to
overcome the attractive forces between water molecules (hydrogen bonds); but the
attractive forces among NF3 and non-aqueous solvent molecules are similar.)
(4) Non-conductor of electricity no matter it is in the solid or liquid state (∵It consists of
neutral NF3 molecules, thus there are no mobile ions or delocalized electrons for
conducting electricity).

Stage 2: Guided practice  Class practice 9.6

Predict the (i) formula (ii) structure (iii) physical properties (melting point, boiling point, solubility and electrical
conductivity) of the compound formed from the reaction between: (Assume that each atom in the compound has
attained the electronic arrangement of the nearest noble gas after reaction.)
(b) phosphorus and chlorine
Solution
(b) (i) The compound formed between phosphorus (a ) and (a non-metal)  Bonding
is a or compound.
 is a Group V element (P _____ has ___ electron in its outermost shell).
∴ It will share electrons to get the stable electronic arrangement (i.e. octet structure).
 Chlorine is a Group ____ element (____ atom has ___ electrons in its outermost shell).
∴ It will share electron to get the stable electronic arrangement (i.e. octet structure).
P Cl
3 1  P1Cl3  PCl3
∴ the formula of the compound is ( ).
(ii) It has a structure.  Structure

3
 (iii) Its physical properties:  Properties
 melting point and boiling point (∵little heat energy is required to overcome the
weak forces between PCl3 .)
 /Slightly soluble in water but soluble in solvents
 of electricity no matter it is in the solid or liquid state
(∵It consists of PCl3 molecules, thus there are no ions or
electrons for conducting electricity).

Stage 3: Independent practice

Predict the (i) formula (ii) structure (iii) physical properties ((1) melting point and boiling point, (2) physical state at room
temperature and pressure, (3) solubility and (4) electrical conductivity) of the compound formed between
(c) carbon and bromine
Solution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
(c) (i) The compound formed between .................................................................................................... Bonding 

.........................................................................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................................................................

∴ the formula of the compound is ( .....................................................................).

(ii) It has a . Structure 

(iii) Its physical properties: Properties 

(1) ..........................................................................................................................................

(2) ..........................................................................................................................................

(3) ..........................................................................................................................................

(4) ..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

H H H

H C C C H H H
H H C H H H C C C N
H

A: 2-methylpropane B: sodium iodide C: iodine pentoxide (I2O5) D: propenenitrile

B (NaI) is an ionic compound consisting of _____s, whereas A, C and D are _________ molecular compounds consisting of
s.
 Melting points of substances depend on the interactions between the constituent particles in the substances.
 NaI has a ________ ionic structure. The ions in NaI are held together by ________ ionic bonds. Large amount of energy
is needed to overcome the many strong ionic bonds for melting to occur.
A, C and D are all simple molecular substances with structure. The (discrete) molecules are
only held together by van der Waals’ forces. Not much heat is required to overcome the forces for melting.

4
 Quiz >>> Structures & Properties of substances
1. The following table gives information about some properties of substances A to C.

(a) What is the state of each substance at room temperature?

..................................................................................................................................................................................
(b) What kind of structure does each substance have?
..................................................................................................................................................................................

2. The following table gives information about some properties of substances A to D.

(a) Which substance

(i) is a metal? ................................................................................................................................................
(ii) has a giant ionic structure? .......................................................................................................................
(iii) has a giant covalent structure? .................................................................................................................
(iv) has a simple molecular structure? ............................................................................................................
(b) Match A – D with the following elements and compounds: copper, diamond, potassium chloride, sulphur

3. The diagram below shows the structures of three solids A, B and C.

(a) Name three substances which have the same structures as A, B and C respectively.
(b) State the type of interactions (chemical bonding or intermolecular force) between particles in
(i) A : (ii) B: and (iii) C:
(c) Explain why substance A has a higher melting point than B.
..................................................................................................................................................................................
(d) (i) Suggest which substance can conduct electricity in solid state. Explain your answer.
...................................................................................................................................................................
(ii) State the condition(s) under which substance C can conduct electricity. Explain briefly.
...................................................................................................................................................................
(13 marks)

5
2007-CE-CHEM 1 Q.1
4. A is a compound formed from oxygen and magnesium, while B is a compound formed from oxygen and fluorine.
(a) Draw the electronic diagram of A, showing electrons in the outermost shells only.

(1 mark)
(b) Draw the electronic diagram of B, showing electrons in the outermost shells only.

(1 mark)
(c) Compare the melting points of A and B. Explain your answer.

..................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................................................. (2 marks)

2008-CE-CHEM 1 Q.1
5. T, X and Z are three elements in the Periodic Table, with the sum of their atomic numbers equals to 38. Moreover, both T
and X are Group VII elements, while the atomic number of T is smaller than that of X.
(a) What are elements T, X and Z ?
 T:  X:  Z:
(b) Draw the electronic diagram of the compound formed from T and X, showing electrons in the outermost shells
only.

(c) Discuss, with explanation, the electrical conductivity of the compound formed from X and Z with refer to the
type and property of the particles in it.

..................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................................................

2010-CE-CHEM 1 Q.1
6. Both bromine (Br) and chlorine (Cl) are Group VII elements in the Periodic Table.
(a) What is the name commonly given to this group of elements?
..................................................................................................................................................................................
(b) The electronic arrangement of bromine is 2, 8, p, q.  p is  q is
(c) Explain, in terms of bonding and structure, why the boiling point of bromine is higher than that of chlorine.

..................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................................................
(d) Rubidium (Rb) is a Group I element in the Periodic Table. It reacts with bromine to form an ionic compound.
(i) Write a chemical equation for the reaction involved.

(ii) Write the electronic arrangement of a rubidium ion.

6
Mark Scheme ............................................................................................................................................... 
3. (a) A: magnesium (or other Group II metals) / zinc (or other transition metals forming M 2+ ions)
B: dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) C: sodium chloride / potassium fluoride , etc.

(b) (i) A - (strong) metallic bond

(ii) B - (weak) van der Waals’ forces between the discrete molecules; BUT (strong) covalent bond
between atoms within each molecule
(iii) C - (strong) ionic bonding (between cations and anions)
(c) A has a giant metallic structure. There are strong (non-directional) metallic bonds between the metal cations
and the delocalized electrons. B has a simple molecular structure. ONLY weak van der Waals’ forces are holding
its (discrete) molecules together.  The melting point of C is also expected to be higher than that of B. Why?
(d) (i) Substance A can conduct electricity in solid state because it has delocalized electrons.
(ii) Substance C can conduct electricity at molten state or in aqueous solution. It is because the ions of C
are not mobile in solid state, but become mobile (freely moving) and hence conduct electricity when
melted to liquid (molten state) or dissolved in water (in aqueous solution).

Mark Scheme [2007-CE-CHEM 1 Q.1] .......................................................................................................... 

4. (a)  2 (b) 1, 1
2+
Mg x 
x O 

(c) Melting point of A is higher than that of B.
Ions of A are held by strong ionic bonds forming giant ionic structure / crystal lattice. 1
Molecules of B are attracted by weak van der Waals’ forces / intermolecular forces. 1
 Wrong conclusion: 0 mark for whole part (c), no need to study explanation. [4]

Mark Scheme [2008-CE-CHEM 1 Q.1] .......................................................................................................... 

5. (a) T : fluorine / F X: chlorine / Cl Z: magnesium / Mg 1
(b) 1

or,

(c) The compound contains ions / is ionic. 1

It conducts electricity in molten/aqueous state because the ions in it are mobile. / 1
It does not conduct electricity in solid state because the ions in it are not mobile.
[4]

Mark Scheme [2010-CE-CHEM 1 Q.1] .......................................................................................................... 

6. (a) halogens 1
(b) p : 18 q:7 1
(c) Chlorine molecules attract each other by (weak) van der Waals’ forces / dispersion forces. 1
So do bromine molecules.
Bromine has a bigger molecular size than chlorine, and thus the van der Waal’s forces between bromine 1
molecules are stronger than that between chlorine molecules.
(Molecules + compare the sizes + compare the attractions)

7
 (d) (i) 2 Rb + Br2  2 RbBr 1
(ii) 2, 8, 18, 8 1
(Accept correct electronic diagram of Rb+ ion with square bracket and 1 +ve charge.)
[6]
SAMPLE PAPER
7. Complete the table below by
(a) drawing a three-dimensional diagram for the structure of each solid substance, and
(b) giving an explanation of whether the solid substance is an electrical conductor.

Solid substance Three-dimensional diagram for Explanation of whether the solid

the structure of the solid substance substance is an electrical conductor
Diamond Diamond is an electrical insulator because it
does not contain delocalised electrons (and
mobile ions).

carbon atom

Graphite Graphite is an electrical conductor because it

contains delocalised electrons.

carbon atom

Caesium chloride Solid caesium chloride is an electrical

Cl– ion insulator because its ions are NOT mobile.

Na+ ion
ion

(6 marks)

PRACTICE PAPER
3. (a) Nitrogen reacts with magnesium to give magnesium nitride (Mg3N2).
(i) Draw the electron diagram of magnesium nitride, showing electrons in the outermost shells only.

(ii) Magnesium nitride reacts with water to give magnesium hydroxide and ammonia.
Write the chemical equation for this reaction. Explain whether or not this reaction is a redox.
(3 marks)

8
3. (b) Consider the nitrogen compound NCl3.
(i) Draw the electron diagram of NCl3, showing electrons in the outermost shells only.

(ii) The shape of NCl3 is similar to that of NH3. Explain why this is so.
(3 marks)
 Mark your answers .............................. (Practice Paper) .............................................................. 
3. (a) (i) 1

(ii) Mg3N2 + 6H2O  3Mg(OH)2 + 2NH3 1

No. There is no change in oxidation number of any atom. (note: refer to chapter 30) 1
(b) (i)

(ii) The nitrogen in NCl3 and that in NH3 both have the same number of electron bond-pairs and 1
lone electron pairs / have three electron bond-pairs and one lone electron pair in their outermost
shells.
The repulsion between these electron pairs causes both NCl3 and NH3 to adopt a trigonal 1
pyramidal shape. (note: refer to chapter 24)
[6]
2013-DSE-CHEM 1B
8. Both caesium (Cs) and sodium (Na) are elements in Group I of the Periodic Table. Caesium reacts with chlorine to form
caesium chloride.
(a) Write the chemical equation for the reaction of caesium with chlorine.
(1 mark)
(b) Solid caesium chloride has a giant ionic structure.
(i) Draw a diagram to show the structure of caesium chloride.

(ii) Explain why solid caesium chloride is brittle.

(3 marks)
(c) Predict, with ONE reason, whether sodium or caesium is more reactive towards chlorine.
(1 mark)

9
 Mark Scheme  2013-DSE-CHEM 1B  Mark
3. (a) 2 Cs + Cl2  2 CsCl (State symbols are not required.) 1
(b) (i) 1

(The drawing should either show the correct labels for Cs+ and Cl–, or show clearly there are
two types of ions in the lattice with correct relative positions.)
(ii) CsCl contains Cs+ / cations and Cl– / anions. / In CsCl, ions are strongly held by ionic bond. 1
Relative movement of the ions can bring ions of the same charge close to each other, and will 1
result in repulsion. ∴ CsCl(s) is brittle.
(c) Cs(s) is more reactive than Na(s). The reactivity of Group I metals increases down the group. / 1
The electron in the outermost shell (valence shell) of Cs is weakly bounded by the nucleus as compared (1)
with that of Na. /
Cs atom loses its outermost shell electron more easily than Na atom. / (1)
Cs atom loses its electron more easily than Na atom because Cs has more occupied electron shells than (1)
Na / the size of Cs atom is larger than that of Na / the atomic radius of Cs is larger than that of Na. /
Both Cs and Na are Group I metals, and the size of Cs atom is larger than that of Na. (1)
[5]
2014-DSE-CHEM 1B
1. Graphite is a form of carbon and has a layer structure. Graphene is an individual single layer of graphite. Their structures
are shown below:

(a) Thin sheets of graphene can be easily peeled off from graphite using adhesive tape.
(i) Explain why graphene can be easily peeled off.
(ii) Explain whether graphene can conduct electricity.
(iii) Draw the electron diagram for a molecule of the compound formed by complete combustion of
graphene, showing electrons in the outermost shells only.
(3 marks)
(b) Based on the fact that graphene can be easily peeled off from graphite, a student concluded that graphite should
have a low melting point due to its layer structure. Explain whether you agree with this conclusion.
(1 mark)

10
 (c) Fullerene (such as C60) is another form of carbon. Briefly describe the structure of C 60, and suggest why it is
soluble in some organic solvents.
(3 marks)
 Mark Scheme  2014-DSE-CHEM 1B  Mark

11
 The following table summarizes the type of particles, bonding and physical properties of four kinds of structures:

12