Outline, giving a reason, the effect of a catalyst on a reaction.

On the axes, sketch Maxwell–Boltzmann energy distribution curves for the reacting species at two temperatures T₁ and T₂, where T₂ > T₁.

Explain the effect of increasing temperature on the yield of SO₃.

State the product formed from the reaction of SO₃ with water.

State the meaning of a strong Brønsted–Lowry acid.

Draw the Lewis structure of NO₃⁻.

Explain the electron domain geometry of NO₃⁻.

increases rate AND lower E_a ✔

provides alternative pathway «with lower E_a»
OR
more/larger fraction of molecules have the «lower» E_a ✔

Accept description of how catalyst lowers E_a for M2 (e.g. “reactants adsorb on surface «of catalyst»”, “reactant bonds weaken «when adsorbed»”, “helps favorable orientation of molecules”).

both axes correctly labelled ✔

peak of T₂ curve lower AND to the right of T₁ curve ✔

lines begin at origin AND correct shape of curves AND T₂ must finish above T₁ ✔

Accept “probability «density» / number of particles / N / fraction” on y-axis.

Accept “kinetic E/KE/E_k” but not just “Energy/E” on x-axis.

decrease AND equilibrium shifts left / favours reverse reaction ✔

«forward reaction is» exothermic / ΔH is negative ✔

sulfuric acid/H₂SO₄ ✔

Accept “disulfuric acid/H₂S₂O₇”.

fully ionizes/dissociates ✔

proton/H⁺ «donor » ✔

Do not accept the delocalised structure.

Accept any combination of dots, crosses and lines.

Coordinate/dative bond may be represented by an arrow.

three electron domains repel

OR

three electron domains as far away as possible ✔

trigonal planar

OR

«all» angles are 120° ✔

A generally well-answered question. Most candidates explained the effect of a catalyst on a reaction correctly. A small proportion of candidates thought the catalyst increased the frequency of collisions. Some candidates focussed on the effect of the catalyst on an equilibrium since the equation above the question was that of a reversible reaction. These candidates usually still managed to gain at least the first marking point by stating that both forward and reverse reaction rates were increased due to the lower activation energy. Most candidates mentioned the alternative pathway for the second mark, and some gave a good discussion about the increase in the number of molecules or collisions with E≥E_a. A few candidates lost one of the marks for not explicitly stating the effect of a catalyst (that it increases the rate of the reaction).

The average mark scored for the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution curves sketch was 1.5 out of 3 marks and the question had a strong correlation with the candidates who did well overall. The majority of candidates were familiar with the shapes of the curves. The most commonly lost mark was missing or incorrect labels on the axes. Sometimes candidates added the labels but did not specify “kinetic” energy for the x-axis. As for the curves, some candidates reversed the labels T₁ and T₂, some made the two curves meet at high energy or even cross, and some did not have the correct relationship between the peaks of T₁ and T₂.

Another question that showed a strong correlation with the candidates who did well overall. The average mark was 1 out of 2 marks. Many candidates explained the effect of an increase in temperature on the yield of SO₃ correctly and thoroughly. One of the common mistakes was to miss the fact that it was an equilibrium and reason that yield would not change due to an increase in the rate of reaction. Unfortunately, a number of candidates also deduced that yield would increase due to the increase in rate. Other candidates recognized that it was an exothermic reaction but deduced the equilibrium would shift to the right giving a higher yield of SO₃.

A very well answered question. 70% of the candidates stated H2SO4 as the product from the reaction of SO₃ with water.

While a straightforward question, many candidates only answered part of the question - either focussing on the “strong” or on the “Brønsted-Lowry acid”. The average mark on this question was 1.2 out of 2 marks.

Only 20% of the candidates scored the mark for the Lewis structure of NO₃^-. Mistakes included: missing charge, missing lone pairs, 3 single bonds, 2 double bonds.

The majority of candidates deduced the correct electron domain geometry scoring the first mark including cases of ECF. Only a small number of candidates satisfied the requirements of the markscheme for the explanation.