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Date November 2016 Marks available 2 Reference code 16N.2.sl.TZ0.4
Level SL Paper 2 Time zone TZ0
Command term Show and Deduce Question number 4 Adapted from N/A

Question

Magnesium is a group 2 metal which exists as a number of isotopes and forms many compounds.

State the nuclear symbol notation, Z A X , for magnesium-26.

[1]
a.

Mass spectroscopic analysis of a sample of magnesium gave the following results:

Calculate the relative atomic mass, Ar, of this sample of magnesium to two decimal places.

[2]
b.

Magnesium burns in air to form a white compound, magnesium oxide. Formulate an equation for the reaction of magnesium oxide with water.

[1]
c.

Describe the trend in acid-base properties of the oxides of period 3, sodium to chlorine.

[2]
d.

In addition to magnesium oxide, magnesium forms another compound when burned in air. Suggest the formula of this compound

[1]
e.

Describe the structure and bonding in solid magnesium oxide.

[2]
f.

Magnesium chloride can be electrolysed.

Deduce the half-equations for the reactions at each electrode when molten magnesium chloride is electrolysed, showing the state symbols of the products. The melting points of magnesium and magnesium chloride are 922 K and 987 K respectively.

Anode (positive electrode):

Cathode (negative electrode):

[2]
g.

Markscheme

12 26 M g

a.

«Ar =» 24 × 78.60 + 25 × 10.11 + 26 × 11.29 100

«= 24.3269 =» 24.33

Award [2] for correct final answer.
Do not accept data booklet value (24.31).

b.

MgO(s) + H2O(l) → Mg(OH)2(s)

OR

MgO(s) + H2O(l) → Mg2+(aq) + 2OH(aq)

Accept  .

c.

from basic to acidic

through amphoteric

Accept “alkali/alkaline” for “basic”.
Accept “oxides of Na and Mg: basic AND oxide of Al: amphoteric” for M1.
Accept “oxides of non-metals/Si to Cl acidic” for M2.
Do not accept just “become more acidic”

d.

Mg3N2

Accept MgO2, Mg(OH)2, Mg(NOx)2, MgCO3.

e.

«3-D/giant» regularly repeating arrangement «of ions»
OR
lattice «of ions»
Accept “giant” for M1, unless “giant covalent” stated.

electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions
OR
electrostatic attraction between Mg2+ and O2– ions
Do not accept “ionic” without description.

f.

Anode (positive electrode):
2Cl → Cl2(g) + 2e

Cathode (negative electrode):
Mg2+ + 2e → Mg(l)

Penalize missing/incorrect state symbols at Cl2 and Mg once only.
Award [1 max] if equations are at wrong electrodes.
Accept Mg (g).

 

g.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.
[N/A]
c.
[N/A]
d.
[N/A]
e.
[N/A]
f.
[N/A]
g.

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 9: Redox processes » 9.1 Oxidation and reduction
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