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Date May 2019 Marks available 1 Reference code 19M.1.hl.TZ2.18
Level HL Paper 1 Time zone TZ2
Command term Question number 18 Adapted from N/A

Question

The same amount of two gases, X and Y, are in two identical containers at the same temperature. What is the difference between the gases?

A. X has the higher molar mass.

B. Y has the higher molar mass.

C. X has the higher average kinetic energy.

D. Y has the higher average kinetic energy.

Markscheme

A

Examiners report

This question generated debate among teachers. It extended the concept that equal amounts of gases at the same temperature have the same distribution of kinetic energy curve, to the molecular speed distribution among particles. Candidates had to know that kinetic energy is calculated based on speed and mass of the molecule to deduce the answer.

Some teachers welcomed the question as a “good challenge to students’ thinking”, others thought it was difficult and a couple felt it was outside of the syllabus.

It was by far the most challenging question on the paper with only 21 % of candidates obtaining the correct answer. The majority of candidates chose distractor D which did not take note of the fact that the gases were at the same temperature and hence had the same average kinetic energy.

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 6: Chemical kinetics » 6.1 Collision theory and rates of reaction
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Core » Topic 6: Chemical kinetics
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