Q1.

a) What is the cause of abnormal behaviour of boron

b) State any anomalous properties of boron compared to those of aluminium
ans
1.a)Due to very small size, high electronegativity, high ionization enthalpy, absence of vacant d-
orbital, Boron
elements is that Boron is a non-metal. In shows some anomalous properties
-Boron is a non-metal others are metals.
-Boron is extremely hard with high melting point. But, other elements are soft metals with low
melting point.
-Boron forms only covalent compounds. But the other elements can form
Covalent as well as ionic compounds.
-The oxide of Boron is acidic. but the oxides of other elements are amphoteric or basic.
-Hydrides of Boron are stable.
-The trihalides of Boron cannot form dimer.
b. The most basic anomaly that we notice in these contrast to this,
✓ aluminium is a metal while boron is a non-conductor of electricity,
✓ Aluminium is a very good conductor of electricity.\
✓ We can find Boron in two structures.These are the amorphous and crystalline structures
✓ It does not exist in various structures.
✓ -The boiling point and melting point ofboron are much greater as compared to those of
aluminium.
✓ Boron forms just covalent compounds while-+ric in nature.
✓ The trihalides of boron (BX3) are monomers. On the other hand, aluminium halides exist as
dimers (Al2X6).
Q2. A) What physical property of the element that allows them to be used to make the Aluminium sheet
for roofing and aluminium sheet for packaging
Ans: - Roofing because it is resistant to corrosion and packaging because it cannot react with
moisture
B) Discuss the social-economic importance of aluminium and boron compounds to the Rwandan society.
Ans: - Compounds of Al and B find much application in our society and some of the
applications include.
- Al and B compounds are used to make glassware used in construction and domestic utensils.
-Al and B are used to make ceramic materials usedin the industrial sector and construction.
C) Aluminium does not react with water whether hot or cold. Suggest where this property is applied in
daily life.
Ans: When it reacts with water it forms aluminium oxide which is formed as layer on the surface of
aluminium sheets that prevents further reaction and prevents the metal from further corrosion.
 C) Explain why aluminium is suitable for the following uses:
(i) Manufacture of window frames
(ii)Electrical wiring
(iii)Suits for fire fighters
Ans: (i) Manufacture of window frames : light and resistant to corrosion
(ii)Electrical wiring : good conductor of electricity
(iii) Suits for fire fighters: fire-fighter helmet with its non-flammable aluminium shell
naturally withstands the enormous radiation heat with flame impact of a flash-over in extreme
cases.
Q3. The list below is about the chloride of group 13 elements: GaCl3 , BCl3 , InCl3 , AlCl3 , TlCl3 .
Arrange them according to their decreasing order of ionic character and explain the general trend in the
character.
Ans: . The decreasing order of ionic character is as follows: TlCl3 , InCl3 , GaCl3 , AlCl3 , BCl3 ,
Bigger cations give ionic compounds, smaller cations give covalent compounds. The ionic character
increases down the group as the atomic radius increases
Q4. An element A reacts with another element B to form a AB3 compound of formula .The
element B exists as diatomic B2 Some properties of A, B2 , and AB3 are tabulated below:
A B2 AB3
Melting point High(in the Very
range of 7000 low(less High(in
C-120000C) than the range
10000C) of
100000C1
27000C

Electrical High very low High

conductivity
of molten
material

Electrical high
conductiviy
of aqueous
solution of
the material

a) Which particles will move when a potential difference is applied across on

(i) Solid A
 (ii) Molten AB3
(b) Explain why the electrical conductivity of molten AB3 is high whereas that of the solid
is very low material
(c) Suggest the type of bond present in each and justify.
Ans: (a) particles that will move when a potential difference is applied across on
(i) Solid A: Electrons
(ii) Molten AB3 : Free ions
b) In the molten state the ions are free to move in AB3
c) A: has metallic bond due to high melting point and electrical conductivity in solid state
B2 : has covalent bond due to lower melting point and very low electrical conductivity in molten
state
AB3 : ionic bond due to electrical conductivity in molten state, higher melting point and high
electrical conductivity in aqueous solution.
Q5. a)State what happens when the following elements are dropped in water
(i)calcium
ii) barium
b)compare the reactivity of: (i) calcium and barium with water
(ii) Sodium and rubidium with water
c) Write equations to show how sodium and calcium react with each of the following :
(i)Dilute hydrochloric acid
(ii) Dilute sulphuric acid
(iii) Dilute nitric acid

Ans: (a)(i)Calcium reacts with cold water vigorously forming a milky solution of calcium hydroxide
ii)Barium reacts much faster that calcium forming Barium hydroxide
(b)Reactivity of group 1 and 2 increases downs the groups therefore, barium reacts faster with
water than calcium likewise, and rubidium reacts faster with water than sodium.
Similarly, calcium reacts to form corresponding salts and hydrogen gas.
Na(s) +2HCl(aq) NaCl(aq)+H2(g)
Na(s) +H2SO4(aq) Na2SO4(a+H2(g)
2Na(s) +H(NO3)2(aq) NaNO3(aq)+H2(g)
Q6. Compare the thermal stability of magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate giving the equations
of the reactions that occur.

Ans: - The thermal stability of magnesium carbonate is less stable compared to calcium carbonate;
MgCO3 (s) MgO(s) + CO2(s)
 CaCO3(s) CaO(s) + CO2(g)
Q7. Distinguish between the nitrates of group1 and 2.
Ans: Nitrates of group 1, decompose to form their corresponding nitrites and oxygen whereas
nitrates of group 2 decompose to form their corresponding oxides, nitrogen dioxide and oxygen gas
Q8 Explain the origin of the name alkali metal for group 1 element. Illustrate your answer using reaction
of sodium with water.
Ans: The name alkali comes from the ability of group 1 element to form strong alkaline solution
when they react with water

.2Na(s) +2H2O (l) 2 NaOH(aq) +H2(g

Q9. a)The statements below are about white solid compound

containing an s-block element. For each statement say what conclusions can be drawn at that
stage

i) The compound reacted with water to give a colourless gas and an alkaline solution

ii) The gas gives pop sound when tested with a small lighted wax candle

iii) A flame test on the solution gives a lilac flame

b) Write the equation for the reaction.

Ans.:
a. i)Alkali metal is suspected

ii) Hydrogen gas confirmed by pop sound with burning candle

iii K is confirmed by the lilac flame colour

b)2 K(s) +2H2O(l) 2KOH(aq) +H2(g)
 Q10. An s-block element A is a starting point of a series of reaction that are described in the following
lines. The element A reacts with water to produce a solution of substance B and a colourless gas C. When
A is burnt in chlorine gas, the substance D is obtained. The aqueous solution of the substance D conducts
electricity and gives a yellow colour on a Bunsen flame. On the other side A burns in oxygen gas giving 2
types of oxides E and F. The oxide E gives a solution of substance B, while the oxide F reacts with water
producing a solution of substance B and the release of a gas a colourless gas G. The substance B reacts
with an acidic solution of nitric acid to give a salt solution H of nitrate of A which decomposes on heat to
produce a salt I and the colourless gas G.
a) Identify substance A to I
b) Write the equations of reactions that lead to substance B in the description above.
c) Explain what happens when A is burnt in oxygen to form E and F
d) Write the equation of reaction between F and water.
e) Describe the chemical tests to differentiate the gases C and G
f) Write the equation of thermal decomposition of substance H
ANS:. a) The key of the statement is located on the confirmatory yellow flame test which indicates
the presence of Na+ So D is a salt that contains sodium ions. The beginning point A is Na .So the
series of reactions contain sodium in the following stages:
Stage 1: A: Na, B: NaOH, C:H2 , D:NaCl ,
Stage 2: E: Na2 O, F: Na2 O2 , substance B: NaOH, Colourless gas G is O2
Stage 3: H: NaNO3 I: NaNO2 G: O2
b) Na(s)+H2O(l) NaOH(aq) +H2(g)
c) Normal oxide of sodium and sodium peroxide are formed because of the vigorous reactivity of
Na
d) Na2O2 (s)+H2O (l) 2NaOH(aq)+O2(g)
e) C: is hydrogen and tested by a burning splint. The pop sound is heard G: is oxygen and tested
using a glowing splint that is relighted.
f) 2NaNO3(s) heat 2 NaNO2(s) +O2(g)

Q11. a. Why does group 1 element form ionic compounds?

b. potassium oxide is a basic oxide. What does it mean?

Ans: a. Group 1 element form ionic compounds because they lose easily their single outermost
electrons.

b.Potassium is a basic oxide because it reacts with water to form a basic solution.
Q12.With reference to group 13 elements, discuss the variation of the following physical properties of
group 14 elements
(i) metallic character
(ii) physical state and
electrical conductivity

i) Metallic character increases down the group from boron to thallium

ii) they all exist solids at room temperature
iii) They all conduct electric current except Boron which is a non-metal
Q13. Carbon (graphite) is a non-metal in group 14 but is a good conductor of electricity whereas carbon
(diamond) is a poor conductor. Explain in terms of structure and bonding
Ans: .-Carbon graphite has delocalized electrons between the hexagonal layers which are used to
conduct electricity current whereas carbon diamond all electrons are used in bonding and luck
delocalized electrons.
Q14. a). Do group 14 elements gain or lose electrons?
b) What is the element of group14?
c) Discuss the reactions of chlorides of group 14 with water giving expected observations and reactions
that occur.
ANS: a) Elements in Group 14 could lose four, or gain four electrons to achieve a noble gas
structure. In fact, if they are going to form ions, Group 14 elements form positive ions. Carbon and
silicon form covalent bonds. Carbon's millions of organic compounds are all based on shared
electrons in covalent bonds.
b) carbon group element, any of the six chemical elements that make up Group 14 of the
periodic table—namely, carbon (C), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), lead (Pb),
and flerovium (Fl)

c)-Reaction with water (hydrolysis) Silicon tetrachloride Silicon has an additional advantage: there
are empty 3d orbitals available to accept a lone pair from the water molecule.
- Carbon lacks this advantage because there are no empty 2-level orbitals available.
The oxygen atom can therefore bond to silicon before a silicon-chlorine bond breaks, makes the
whole process easier energetically.
In practice silicon tetrachloride therefore reacts violently with water, forming white solid silicon
dioxide and HCl gas
Liquid SiCl4 fumes in moist air for this reason—it reacts with water vapour in the air

Lead tetrachloride (lead(IV) chloride)

 The reaction of lead(IV) chloride with water is just like that of silicon tetrachloride.
- Lead(IV) oxide is produced as a brown solid, and fumes of hydrogen chloride given off (this can be
confused with the decomposition of the lead(IV) chloride, which gives lead(II) chloride and chlorine gas
as mentioned above)

Lead(II) chloride Unlike the tetrachloride’s, lead (II) chloride can be considered ionic in nature.
- It is slightly soluble in cold water, but more soluble in hot water.
-
Q15. a) What is special about Group 14 on the periodic table? Water

b) Is Group 14 reactive?
solubility involves disruption of the ionic lattice and hydration of the lead(II) and chloride ions to give
Pb2+ (aq) and Cl- (aq
c)Which is the most abundant element in Group 14?
Ans: A) Group 14 is the carbon family. The five members are carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, and
lead. All of these elements have four electrons in their outermost energy level. Of the Group 14
elements, only carbon and silicon form bonds as non-metals (sharing electrons covalently)
B) All react with oxygen on heating. The first four form the dioxide; lead forms the monoxide (i.e.
lead(II) oxide, PbO). Similarly, all will react with chlorine to form the tetrachloride (in the case of
the first four) or the dichloride (for lead). Carbon is the only one capable of reacting directly with
hydrogen
c) Silicon (Si), is a non-metallic chemical element in the carbon family (Group 14 of the periodic
table). Silicon makes up 27.7 percent of Earth's crust; it is the second most abundant element in the
crust, being surpassed only by Oxygen.
Q16. a) Can you identify what element is located in group 14?
b) Why does melting point decrease down group 14?
c) What element from group 14 is essential for life?
d) Which element of group 14 is commonly used as semiconductor?
Ans: Carbon (C), Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge), Tin (Sn) and Lead (Pb) belong to group-14 of the
periodic table.
b) Down the group, the melting point decreases as the M-M bonds are reduced as the size of the
atoms increases. Since, Tin and lead are metals therefore; the melting points of these elements are
much lower.
c) The carbon family elements are important in daily life and in industry. Carbon is the basis for
organic life. Its allotrope graphite is used in pencils and rockets.
d) So, the semiconductor elements present in group 14 are Silicon (Si) and Germanium (Ge).
Q17. Explain the term” catenation” of carbon and write the chemical formula of 2 compounds formed as
a result of catenation.
 Ans: Catenation is the formation of many bonds between carbon atoms to form chains such as in
alkanes. Examples: C4 H10, C6 H14
Q18. a. Explain why SiO2 has a higher melting point than SiCl4 .

b.Carry out a brief research and write the chemical formula of 2 compounds of silicon in cement.
Ans: a. SiO2 has a higher melting point than SiCl4 because: - SiO2 has covalent bonds linked to
others in a giant structure whereas SiCl4 forms covalent bonds with individual molecules attracted
to other by van der Waal’s forces
b. Compounds of silicon (formula in cement):
- Ca2 SiO5 ii) BeSiO4 iii) FeSiO4
Q19. Describe 2 hazards caused by compounds of group 14 elements
Ans: Hazards of compounds of carbon:
- Fluorochlorocarbons cause air pollution because it destroys the ozone layer in the atmosphere.
- Leaded petrol can emit lead toxic element in the atmosphere to cause pollution during the
combustion of petrol in car engines
. The lead causes illnesses in humans if it has been inhaled in big quantities
Q20. Sodium chlorate is one of the main products of the reaction between sodium hydroxide and chlorine.
(i) State the condition for the reaction and write a balanced equation for the reaction.
(ii) With help of an equation show how sodium chlorate can be used to prepare oxygen.
(iii) Indicate the conditions under which alkalis react with halogens. Use bromine to show those
reactions and their conditions
(iv) How does fluorine differ from other halogens in reference to reaction with alkalis?

Ans: i)6NaOH(aq) + 3Cl2(g) 5NaCl(aq)+ NaClO3(aq) + 3 H2O(l)

Hot concentrated sodium hydroxide

(ii)2NaClO(s) 2NaCl(s) + O2(g)

(iii)Alkalis react with halogens under two conditions:
• cold dilute sodium hydroxide solution
• Hot concentrated sodium hydroxide solution forming products as indicated in 1 and 2
above but chlorine is replaced by bromine.

(iv)Fluorine reacts with cold dilute sodium or potassium hydroxide form oxygen fluoride while hot
and concentrated solution evolves oxygen gas as follows:
Hot and concentrated
F2 +NaOH O2+NaF+H2O
-Cold and dilute alkali
F2+NaOH OF2+ NaF+ H2O
Q22. (a)What is an acid?
 (b) Acids are classified as strong or weak. Explain this statement using specific examples.
Ans: a) An acid is a proton donor according to Arrhenius theory of acids and bases.

b)a strong acid is one which dissociates completely in water. While a weak acid is one which
partially dissociates in water
Q23. a) Discuss the factors which determine the strength of acids.
(b) Ethanol boils at 780 C whereas water boils at 1000 C yet both exist as liquids at room
temperature. Explain
c) What does the oxidizing and reducing power depend on?
Ans: a )Bond length and Bond strength: the stronger the bond the weaker is the acid because the
hydrogen ions will not be easily released into solution. If the bond is longer then, the stronger the
acid. The size of the atoms: the smaller the atoms joined to hydrogen the more the attraction and
hence the weaker is the acid and vice-versa.

(b)water forms stronger hydrogen bonding a that requires more energy to break thus, increasing
the boiling point
c ) Electronegativity and size of the atoms.
Q24. Suggest the effects of ultraviolet rays to:
a) Plants
b) Animals.
Q24. a) State different hydrogen halides that can be formed.
b). What is the difference between hydrogen halides and hydrohalic acids?

(a) Effects of uv rays on animals:

✓ cancer Skin due to excessive burns
✓ Cataract
✓ -Ageing
✓ Tanning
✓ -Wrinkling of skin
(b) Effects of u.v rays on plants:
-Decrease the crop yield
-Impairs growth (plants minimize their exposure to U.V by limiting the surface area of
foliage.
-Decreases the rate of photosynthesis.
-May inhibit flowering
a) State different hydrogen halides that can be formed. Q25. a) State different hydrogen
halides that can be formed.
b). What is the difference between hydrogen halides and hydrohalic acids?
Ans: a.Hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide and hydrogen iodide

b.hydrohalic acids contain oxygen atoms such as HOCl/HClO, HClO2 , HClO3 and HClO4
Q26. Briefly explain the trend in volatility of hydrogen halides as you move down the group.
Ans: - The order is HCl<HBr<HI
HF due to hydrogen bonding is least volatile.
- As the molecular weight increases the intermolecular force increases due to van-der waal’s
force of attraction.
- Thus HI is liquid and HCl is a gas. But due to hydrogen bonding in HF it is least volatile.
Q27. Describe the anomalous behaviour of fluorine in the group (explain at least 3 differences from the
rest of the halogens).
Ans: -Fluorine is anomalous in many properties like, ionization enthalpy
- Electronegativity, enthalpy of bond dissociation that is higher than expected from the regular
trends among the halogens.
-Its ionic and covalent radii, melting and boiling points, and electron gain enthalpy is quite lower
than expected
- All these is caused by Small size and highest electronegativity, Low F-F bond dissociation enthalpy
and Absence of d-orbitals
Q28. Explain the trend in solubility of halogens in water as you move down the group
Ans: Hydrogen halides are covalent in nature. However, hydrogen fluoride dissolves in water and
exist as as a liquid at room temperature.

-Hydrogen chloride dissolves less readily. The solubility decreases down the group due to inability
to form hydrogen hydrogen bonds decrease as electronegativity decreases.

Q29. a)Explain why chlorine can form compounds in oxidation state of -1, +1, +3 and +5 but fluorine
cannot form such compounds.
b). Explain why the bond energy of F-F is weaker than Cl-Cl.
Ans: a.It is because fluorine does not have vacant orbitals to be occupied by other molecules.

b.The bond F-F is weaker than Cl-Cl because the lone pairs in the F atoms repel each other and
the bond weakens.
Q30. You have two test tubes; one contains water, the other contains a solution of chlorine in water, and
you are asked to identify them. What test are you going to do in order to identify the content of the two
test tubes?
Ans: -Observations: water is colourless whereas chlorine water is yellow-green liquid.
Q31. Consider the elements Li, Be, B, N, F and Ne
 (a) Which elements exist as diatomic molecules in the gaseous state at room temperature?
(b) Which element has the highest boiling point?
(c )Which element forms a chloride of the form XCl3 ?
(d) Which element has the largest first ionization energy?
(e) Which element has the smallest second ionization energy?

Ans: a)SiH4, GeH4 , SnH4 ,PbH4

b. The first hydrides of in their groups do not react/ hydrolyse in water because they luck d-
empty orbitals to accommodate water molecules. However, the rest of the hydrides hydrolyse in
water to liberate white fumes of hydrogen chloride.

Q32. a) Describe the nature of bonding in these hydrides of group 14 and 13.
b)Describe the oxidizing and reducing power of group 17 elements

Ans: a All hydrides contain covalent bonds but molecules are held together by weak
intermolecular forces / Van der Waals forces.
b. The oxidizing power of halogens decrease down the group because of decrease in
electronegativity which reduces the ability to attract electrons. The reducing power is the opposite
of oxidizing ability which increases down. Iodine is a strongest reducing agent while fluorine is the
strongest oxidizing agent.