ROUND 1

1. Name one element in the Main Group Elements whose symbol starts with R.
Ans: Rubidium (Rb) Radium (Ra) Radon (Rn)

2. Name one element in the first series of transition elements whose symbol starts with C.
Ans: Chromium (Cr) Cobolt (Co) Copper (Cu).

3. Name one element in the Main Group Elements whose symbol starts with T
Ans: Thallium (Tl) Tellerium (Te)

ROUND 1

1. Calculate the mass of copper (II) tetraoxosulphate IV pentahydrate needed to prepare 300
cm3 of 0.2 moldm-3 concentration. [Cu = 64; S = 32, O = 16 H = 1]
Ans. GFM of CuSO4.5H2O = 64 + 32 + 64 + 5 x18 = 250
Mass of CuSO4.5H2O in 300 cm3 = 0.2/1 x 300/1000 x 250 g
= 15 g
2. A solution is found to be 0.15 moldm with respect to Cu2+ ions. What mass of
-3

anhydrous copper (II) tetraoxosulphate IV was dissolved in 400cm3 solution to obtain this
concentration? [Cu = 64; S = 32, O = 16 H = 1]
Ans GFM of CuSO4, = 64 + 32 + 64 = 160
Mass of CuSO4 in 400 cm3 = 0.15/1 x 400/1000 x 160
= 9.6g
3. 6.25 g of copper (II) tetraoxosulphate IV pentahydrate were dissolved in 200cm3 of
deionised water. What is the concentration of the solution in moldm-3?
[Cu = 64; S = 32, O = 16; H = 1]
Ans: GFM of CuSO4.5H2O = 64 + 32 + 64 + 5 x18 = 250
Conc. in moldm-3 = 6.25/250 x 1000/200
= 0.125
 ROUND 1

1. What is 15 millimole in moles?

Ans: 15 millimole ≡ 0.015mol
2. A plastic container measures 1m wide, 2m long and 9m high. What is its volume in dm 3
Ans: Volume = 1 x 2 x 9 = 18 m3
≡18,000 or 1.8 x 104 dm3 [note 1m =10 dm]
3. A fuel tank contains 20m3 of fuel. If the fuel is dispensed 50 litres per car how many cars
can be served?
Ans: 20m3 ≡ 20,000dm3 or litres
Hence number of cars that can be served = 20,000/50
= 400 cars

ROUND 1

1. Define Boyle’s Law

Ans: The volume of a given mass of gas is inversely proportional to its pressure
provided temperature remains constant ie V α 1/P
2. Define Rate Law of a Reaction
Ans: Rate Law defines Rate of Reaction = k[A]n[B]q where n is the order of the
reaction with respect to reactant A and q with respect to reactant B.
3. Define solubility of a substance
Ans: The maximum quantity of a substance in moles or grams required to form a
saturated solution of the substance in 1dm3 of the solvent at a given temperature.
 ROUND 3
TRUE OR FALSE

1. Carbon IV oxide molecule contains polar bonds yet the molecule is not polar.
Ans: T molecule is linear dipoles cancel out

2. Sulphur IV oxide molecule just like carbon IV oxide molecule is linear.

Ans: F It is a bent molecule

3. The shape of ammonia molecule is a kind of pyramid.

Ans: T It is a trigonal pyramid

4 Whereas ethanol can be oxidized ethane cannot be oxidized

Ans: F Ethane can be oxidized to CO2 and H2O.

5 When alkanoic acids are tested with sodium hydrogen carbonate the effervescence is
due to the decomposition of the acids.
Ans: F The NaHCO3 reacts to form H2CO3 which breaks down to give
CO2 and H2O.

6 Tertiary alkanols cannot be oxidised with acidified Na2Cr2O7

Ans: T

ROUND 4 RIDDLE

Consistency and accuracy are my traits

Therefore I hate guesswork or approximations

I love aqueous solutions

Pieces of graduated glassware are my best friends

Above all these you need an indicator to identify me

Who am I

Ans: Volumetric Analyses

 ROUND 1

1. Which element is most abundant in the universe?

Ans: Hydrogen ≈ ¾ of the mass of Universe and 90% of all atoms.

2. Which element is most abundant in the earth’s crust?

Ans: Oxygen approx. 49% by mass.

3. Which metal is most abundant in the earth’s crust?

Ans: Aluminium approx. 8.1% by mass.

ROUND 1

1. Name the major inter-unit forces in neon gas.

Ans: Induced dipole – induced dipole

2. Name the major inter-unit forces in solid KOH.

Ans: Electrostatic
3. Name the major inter-unit forces in liquid 2-butanone.

Ans: Dipole – dipole.

ROUND 1

1. What is the hybridization of carbon in methanol?

Ans: sp2
2. How does the carbon – carbon bond length in ethane differ from that in ethane?

Ans: C – C bond length longer in ethane than in ethane.

3. Give one method by which bond lengths are measured.
 Ans: X-ray diffraction.

ROUND 1

1. A pesticide solution contains 0.4g of the active substance in 8 dm3. What is the
concentration in ppm (parts per million)?

Ans: 1mg in 1 dm3 of solution ≡ 1ppm

0.4g ≡ 400 mg. This is in 8 dm3. Hence mg in 1 dm3 is 50
Hence conc is 50ppm

2. Explain how you would prepare a solution of 6 ppm concentration from a stock solution
of 50 ppm.

Ans: Dilution factor is 6 in 50 or 1 in 8.33

Hence measure 6cm3 and dilute to 50cm3 or any such proportions eg 12 cm3 to
100 cm3. (If 1 cm3 diluted to 8.33 cm3 award only 1 mark)

3. Carbon IV oxide can be obtained from the burning of carbon. What mass of CO 2 can be
obtained from 30 g of carbon? [C = 12; O = 16]

Ans: C + O2 = CO2
12g → 44g
Therefore 30g → 30/12 x 44
= 110g of CO2

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. The radius of carbon-14 is bigger than that of carbon-12.

Ans: F These are isotopes and therefore have the same size.
2. Carbon -12 will react with oxygen faster than carbon-13.

Ans: F Reactions involve valence electrons. They are identical in both.

3. The atomic radius of the elements in the second period of the Periodic Table increases
smoothly from lithium to fluorine.
 Ans: F Atomic radius decreases due to increasing nuclear charge
4 It will require more than 1 Faraday of charge to discharge Na+ in aqueous solution than in
the molten state.

Ans: F Both carry only one charge

5 Electrolysis of concentrated and dilute sodium chloride solutions gives different products.

Ans: T Dilute gives H2 and O2 whereas the conc gives H2 and Cl2.
6 In the electrolysis of alumina on commercial scale carbon is used both as the anode and
the cathode.

Ans: T Anode is a mixture of pitch and coke, cathode is graphite

ROUND 4
RIDDLE

We are the first born of our family

We are twins, identical for that matter

We are always together and you can only use force to separate us

We are very sociable and I can say we or one of us can be found almost every part of the
universe

We have identical weight, which is not much

In fact among the family we individually have the lightest weight

We form an explosive mixture with oxygen gas

Who are we?

Ans: H2/hydrogen (gas)

ROUND 1

1. Define an acid according to the Lowry-Brönsted Theory

Ans: An acid is proton donor.
2. Generally a buffer should have in solution a pair of substance. What is this pair?
Ans: A weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid.
3. What distinguishes a strong acid from a weak acid?
 Ans: A strong acid dissociates/ionizes completely in solution whereas a weak acid does
so partially.

ROUND 1

1. State Charles’ Law.

Ans: The volume of a fixed mass of gas at constant pressure is directly proportional to
its absolute temperature
2. Under which conditions do gases deviate from Boyle’s Law?
Ans: At high pressures.
3. Why do you think noble gases behave almost like ideal gases?
Ans: No attractive nor repulsive forces in the among the gaseous atoms.

ROUND 1

1. To which group of the Periodic Table does the element with atomic number 15 belong?
Ans: Group V or 15 (Electronic configuration 1s22s22p6 3s22p3)
2. To which group of the Periodic Table does the element with atomic number 19 belong?
Ans: Group 1.(Electronic configuration 1s22s22p63s22p63s1)
3. What should be the atomic number of the 3rd member of the first d-transition series?
Ans: 23 Electronic configuration[Ar]4s23d3 ie 18 + 5 = 23

ROUND 1

1. A salt of gram formula mass (GFM) 96 forms a dihydrate when it crystallizes out of
solution. Calculate the percentage increase in the GFM after the crystallization.
[O = 16; H = 1.0]
Ans: Salt → dihydrate
 96 → 96 + 2 x 18
% increase = 36/96 x 100
= 300/8 = 37.5
2. A salt of GFM 162 forms a trihydrate when it crystallizes out of solution. Calculate the
percentage water content of the crystals. [O = 16; H = 1.0].
Ans: Salt → salt trihydrate
162 → 162 + 3 x 18
% water 54/216 x 100 = 25
3. A salt of GFM 270 is pentahydrate. What is the salt to water ratio in the crystals.
[O = 16; H = 1.0]
Ans: Mass of 5H2O = 5 x 18
Mass of anhydrous salt = 270 – 90 = 180
Salt to water ratio = 180 : 90
≡ 2:1

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. 50 cm3 of 0.20 moldm-3 HCl has the same pH as 100 cm3 of 0.10 moldm-3 HCl
Ans F Concentrations of H+ are different
2. A dilute, aqueous solution of ammonia contains only HO - and NH4+.
Ans F NH4OH is not fully ionized
3. 50 cm of 0.1 moldm-3 HCl will have different pH from 50 cm3 of 0.1 moldm-3 ethanoic
3

acid
Ans: T HCl being a strong acid is fully ionized; ethanoic acid acid is a weak acid
4. Tetrachloromethane molecule is non-polar though it contains polar bonds
Ans: T The dipoles cancel out
5. In ethane the two carbon and the four hydrogens all lie in the same plane.
Ans: T The two carbons are sp2 hybridised
6. In trichloromethane the carbon is bonded to only three chlorine atoms and therefore is
expected to be less polar than tetrachloromethane which has four chlorine atoms.
Ans: F In the former the dipoles do not cancel out but they do in the latter.
ROUND 4
RIDDLE

I am the third in command in our little village in the nation

My name starts with A just like in Amma

Our village is known as village of noble people

Our main drawback is that we are not sociable and therefore ignorant of what is happening
outside our village

The name of the first in command in the village has some two letters found in the name of the
upper limb of human body

Who am I

Ans: Argon (Ar)

ROUND 1

1. Give the systematic name for an alkane of 11 carbons in a straight chain.

Ans: Undecane
2. How many alkanols can be derived from a straight chain of 8 carbons? Name any two
Ans: 4, Octan-1-ol/1-octanol; 2-ol; 3-ol; 4-ol
3. Give the systematic name of a symmetrical alkanone of 9 carbons in a straight chain.
Ans: 5-Nonanone

ROUND 1

1. Define electron affinity of an atom

Ans: The energy lost or gained
2. Define electronegativity of an atom.
Ans: It is a measure of the ability of an atom to attract an electron to itself
3. Electronegativity of carbon is 2.5. What is the electronegativity of neon?
Ans: Zero/0
 ROUND 1

1. Why is it that the Theory that explains the behavior of matter especially gases is called
Kinetic Theory of Matter?
Ans: Matter is perceived to consist of small particles in constant motion
2. Why are gases able to assume the shape of their container?
Ans: Gaseous molecules/atoms are in constant motion in all directions
3. Why does a given volume of a fixed mass of gas increase with an increase in
temperature?
Ans: The heating increases the average speed of the particles which are able to strike
the walls of the container with greater energy.

ROUND 1

1. Consider the reaction

A + B → C + D.

If the enthalpies of formation of A, B, C and D are -800, -950, -1,100 and -750 kJmol-1
respectively calculate the enthalpy of reaction.

Ans: Δrxn = ΣΔf(products) - ΣΔf(reactants)

= (-1100 + -750) - (-800 + -750)

= -1850 + 1750 = -100 kJmol-1

2. Carbon II oxide burns in air to give carbon IV oxide. If the enthalpy of reaction is -280
kJmol-1and the enthalpy of formation of carbon IV oxide is -400 kJmol-1.calculate the
enthalpy of formation of carbon II oxide.
Ans: -280 = -400 - -280
= -400 + 280 = -120 kJmol-1

3. Calculate the enthalpy of condensation of gaseous HCN if the enthalpies of formation of

liquid HCN and gaseous HCN are 105 kJmol-1 and 134 kJmol-1 respectively.
Ans: HCNg → HCNl
134 105
Δcond = 105 - 134 = -29 kJmol-1
 ROUND 3 TRUE OR FALSE

1. Carbolic acid is another name for aromatic carboxylic acids

Ans: F It is another name for phenol
2. Urea which occurs in our urine formed from the breakdown of proteins.
Ans: T
3. The functional group in urea is the amino group.
Ans: F The amide group

ROUND 3 TRUE OR FALSE

1. J. J. Thompson’s experiment led to the discovery of an electron

Ans: T
2. Electrons in higher energy levels require higher energy to ionize them.
Ans: F
3. Pauling’s Exclusion Principle states that an orbital can accommodate only 2 electrons
Ans: F The actual statement is that no two electrons in an atom can have the
same energy

RIDDLE

1. My origins can be traced to nature and natural processes.

2. I am very, very old.
3. I am part of a brownish to black liquid mixture mined from underground.
4. During fractional distillation of the mineral, I am collected between 68oC and 168oC.
5. I am usually given an octane rating
6. You can call me Mr. G orMiss P
Who am I?
GASOLINE/PETROL
 ROUND 1

1. What is a deliquescent chemical?

Ans: A chemical that absorbs so much water from the atmosphere that it dissolves in it.
2. What is Efflorescent chemical?
Ans: A chemical that loses water to the atmosphere
3. Is sucrose a deliquescent or efflorescent substance?
Ans: It is deliquescent

ROUND 1

1. What is meant by half life of a radioactive substance?

Ans: Time taken for the radioactivity of a radioactive substance to decrease by 50%
2. Define rate constant of a reaction.
Ans: It is the constant in the Rate Law equation OR it is numerically equal to the rate a
reaction when the concentration of each reactant is 1 moldm-3
3. A reaction which involves transformation of A to B is said to be a second order reaction.
What does second order mean?
Ans: The rate of the reaction is proportional to the concentration of A to the power 2

ROUND 1

1. What is an electrochemical cell?

Ans: A set up consisting of electrodes dipping into an electrolyte in which a chemical
reaction generates or uses an electric current.
2. What is the name of a cell that uses an electric current to drive a spontaneous reaction?
Ans: An Electrolytic cell.
3. What is the name of a cell in which a spontaneous reaction generates an electric current?
Ans: Voltaic or Galvanic cell
 ROUND 1

1. Calculate the concentration in moldm-3 of Na2CO3 solution if 25 cm3 of it require 15 cm3

of 0.10 moldm-3 HCl solution in a titration in which methyl orange is used as indicator.
Ans Na2CO3 + 2HCl → 2NaCl + CO2 + H2O
25.0, M 15, 0.10
(15.0 x 0.10)/(25.0 x M) = 2/1 hence M = 0.03 moldm-3

2. Calculate the concentration of H2SO4 solution in moldm-3 if in a titration using methyl

orange as indicator 20 cm3 of it require 22 cm3 of 0.12 moldm-3 solution of KOH.
Ans: H2SO4 + 2KOH → K2SO4 + 2H2O
20, M 22, 0.12
(20 x M)/(22 x 0.12) = ½ hence M = 0.066

3. Calculate the concentration of Na2CO3 solution in moldm-3 if in a titration using

phenolphthalein as indicator 25 cm3 of it require 20 cm3 of 0.10 moldm-3 of HCl solution.
Ans: Na2CO3 + HCl → NaHCO3 + NaCl
25.0, M 20, 0.10
(25.0 x M)/(20.0 x 0.10) = 1/1 hence M = 0.08 moldm-3.

ROUND 3 TRUE OR FALSE

1. Oxides of non-metals are usually covalent compounds.

Ans: T
2. Carbon-silicon bond is expected to be covalent.
Ans: T, Electronegativities of carbon and silicon are close
3. Hydrides of the halogens in the pure state are ionic compounds.
Ans: F They are polar covalent compounds/molecules.
 ROUND 3 TRUE OR FALSE

1. In an endothermic reaction the system gains heat from the surroundings.

Ans: T
2. A closed system is one in which only heat energy can pass across its boundary.
Ans: Other forms of energy can cross the boundary.
3. In an isolated system light energy can pass across the boundary.
Ans: An isolated system does not allow anything across.

RIDDLE

1. I am an element
2. I belong to the Main Group Elements
3. Specifically I belong to Group 1
4. In my pure state I am a solid with silvery, shiny looks
5. Whether in dry or moist air my shiny looks disappear.
6. I react with chlorine to give a white solid, one of the best seasoning for food.
Who am I?
SODIUM

ROUND 1

Preamble to all schools: Describe the penetrating power of the following particles as Not
penetrating OR Moderately penetrating OR Very penetrating

1. Beta particle
Ans: Moderately penetrating.
2. Neutron.
Ans: Very penetrating
3. Alpha particle
Ans: Not penetrating
 ROUND 1

1. What is the name of the element with the symbol Se?

Ans: Selenium
2. What is the name of the element with the symbol Sn?
Ans: Tin
3. What is the name of the element with the symbol Sc?
Ans: Scandium

ROUND 1

1. What is the most likely by-product of industrial chlorination of hydrocarbons?

Ans: HCl
2. One of the commercial uses of hydrochloric acid is the removal of rust from steel. How
is this possible?
Ans: Rust is oxide of iron, and reacts selectively/faster than iron.
3. HCl in the gastric juice helps in the breakdown of foods chemically. How is able to break
down proteins?
Ans: Proteins are made up of amino-acid residues linked by amide bonds. The acid
catalyses the hydrolysis of the amide bonds.

ROUND 1

1. An oxide of nitrogen contains 46.7% N and 53.3% O. Calculate the empirical formula of
the oxide. [O = 16.0; N = 14.0]
Ans: N O
46.7/14 53.3/16
3.34 3.33 hence N:O = 1:1 ie NO

2. What is the percentage carbon in methane? [C = 12.0; H = 1.0]

Ans: Methane CH4 %C = (12/16) x 100
= 75

3. Which of the compounds ethanol and ethylamine has higher proportion of carbon?
Ans: Ethanol C2H5OH = 46 Ethylamine C2H5NH2 = 45
% C = (24/46) x100 % C = (24/45) x 100
Hence Ethylamine has higher proportion of C
 ROUND 3 TRUE OR FALSE

1. For the equilibrium reaction between nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas to form ammonia
gas, the forward reaction is favoured by increase in pressure
Ans T The forward reaction is accompanied by decrease in volume/number of
gaseous molecules.
2. For the equilibrium reaction between nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas to form ammonia
gas, the Kc and Kp are equal.
Ans: F Change in the number of gaseous molecules is not zero
3. For the equilibrium reaction between nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas to form ammonia
gas, only change in temperature can change the equilibrium constant.
Ans: T

ROUND 3 TRUE OR FALSE

1. Reaction between methane and bromine in the presence of light is an example of addition
reaction.
Ans: F Substitution reaction
2. Aminomethane is a stronger base than aminobenzene.
Ans T Methyl group donates electrons by inductive effect to the e-pair on N. The
phenyl group delocalizes the e-pair on the N
3. Chemical reactions sometimes involve proton particles.
Ans: F Chemical reactions involve only outer nuclear electrons.
 RIDDLE

1. If I were your spouse you would be calling me ‘honey’

2. But I cannot be your spouse because I am an organic compound
3. I belong to a certain group of natural products
4. I am the sweetest of them all.
5. I love one of my cousins very much and we are found together in most places
6. My name suggests that I may be found in a number of fruits
Who am I?
FRUCTOSE

ROUND 1

1. Identify a Main Group of elements in the Periodic Table that shows +3 oxidation state in
its salts or compounds.
Ans: Group III, B, Al, Ga, etc

2. Identify a Main Group of elements in the Periodic Table that shows -2 oxidation state in
its anions or compounds.
Ans: Group 16 (old Group 6) O, S, Se, etc

3. In the Periodic Table hydrogen is placed in both Group 1 and Group 17 (old Group7).
Why?
Ans: Can be in Group 1 because it has a valence shell of s1. Can also be Group 17
because it needs only one electron to complete its valence shell.

ROUND 1

1. Which cation or cations in solution will give chalky precipitate with dilute NaOH
solution?
Ans: Ca2+ and Pb2+
2. Which cation or cations in solution will give white gelatinous precipitate with dilute
NaOH , the precipitate dissolving in excess of the NaOH solution?
Ans: Zn2+ and Al3+

3. Which cation or cations in solution will give white precipitate when H 2S is bubbled
through the solution?
Ans: Zn2+

ROUND 1

1. The electrolysis of dilute H2SO4 using inert electrodes is equivalent to hydrolysis of

water. Why is this so?
Ans: At the cathode H+ is discharged; at the anode OH- is easier to discharge than SO4-.
Hence H+ and OH-, ions of water are discharged from the solution

2. In the electrolysis of copper II tetraoxosulphate IV using inert electrodes, what products

are formed at the electrodes?
Ans: At the anode O2 is discharged/formed, at the cathode Cu metal is deposited.

3. In the electrolysis of copper II tetraoxosulphate IV using copper electrodes, what

products are formed at the electrodes?
Ans: At the anode Cu2+ are formed or the copper electrode dissolves. At the cathode
Cu metal is deposited.

ROUND 1

1. How many litres of water should be added to 5 litres of 50% HCl solution to dilute it
35%?
Ans: Let the volme to be added be x litres.
(5 x 0.5) = (5 + x)0.35
Hence x = 2.14 litres
2. How many litres of water should be added to 10 litres of 25% NaOH solution to dilute it
to 15%?
Ans: Let the volume to be added be x litres.
(10 x 0.25) = (10 + x)0.15
Hence x = 6.67 litres

3. What is the new per cent concentration if 10 litres of water are added to 8 litres of 35%
HCl?
Ans: Let the new %concentration be M.
(8 x 0.35) = (10 + 8)M
Hence M = 15.6%

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Ozone is an isotope of oxygen

Ans: F it is an allotrope.

2. SO3 is a binary compound

Ans: T It contains two elements.

3. Starch and cellulose are polymers which have glucose as their monomers.
Ans: T though starch is made up of α- and cellulose β-glucose units

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. MgO is a good conductor of electricity whereas SiO2 is not.

Ans: T MgO is ionic whereas SiO2 is covalent

2. Table salt added to water depresses its freezing point.

Ans: T

3. Salty water does have a lower boiling point than pure water
Ans: F Dissolved solutes raise boiling points of solvents.
 RIDDLE

1. I am a hydrocarbon
2. A look at my molecular formula would suggest I do not have my full complement of
hydrogens.
3. I am therefore chemically unsaturated
4. All my carbons are in a ring
5. One mole of me can and will react with two moles of bromine usually dissolved in
chloroform.
6. If I have 8 carbons then what is my molecular formula?

C8H12 (With the full complement of H C8H18 but Ring + 2 double bonds = -6H)

ROUND 1

1. Give the common name of one alkanoic acid that can be obtained from vegetable oils.
Ans: Myristic acid (14C); Palmitic acid (16C); Stearic acid (C18)

2. Give the common name of one alkenoic or alkadienoic acid that can be obtained from
vegetable oils.
Ans: Oleic acid (9-Octadecenoic acid); Linoleic acid (9,12-octadecadienoic acid)

3. Give the number of carbons in stearic acid and palmitic acids.

Ans: Stearic acid 18 carbons; Palmitic acid 16 carbons

ROUND 1

1. State what is likely to be observed when dilute HCl is added to a soluble bromide.
Ans: Clear solution or no precipitate formed.

2. State what is likely to be your observation when concentrated H2SO4 is added to to solid
NaCl.
Ans: Fuming, pungent smelling gas.

3. State your observation when concentrated H2SO4 is added to solid iodide.

Ans: Fuming pungent smelling gas
 ROUND 1

1. Why is it that the ideal gas equation does not hold for gases at very low temperatures?
Ans: At very low temperatures gases are not moving fast enough; intermolecular forces
become apparent

2. Which postulate of the Kinetic Theory of Matter predicts that gases can easily be
compressed?
Ans: Postulate: For gases the sizes of the molecules/atoms are negligible compared
with the average distances between them.
3. What is the implication of the postulate that in an ideal gas all collisions are elastic?
Ans: A given gas at constant temperature and volume will maintain a constant pressure

ROUND 1

1. Calculate the mass of SO2 that can be obtained by heating 224g of elemental sulphur in
excess oxygen if the process is only 80% efficient. [S = 32.0; O = 16]
Ans: S + O2 → SO2
32g 32g 64g
Hence mass of SO2 from 224g of S = (224/32) x 64
If 80% efficient then mass of SO2 = 7 x 64 x 0.8
= 358.4g

2. Calculate the volume at STP in litres that will be occupied by the SO2 obtained by
burning 9.6g of elemental sulphur in excess oxygen. The molar volume of gas at STP is
22.4 litres.
Ans: S + O2 → SO2
32g → 22.4litres at STP
Therefore 9.6g S → (9.6/32) x 22.4 litres
= 6.72 litres

3. The volume of oxygen gas trapped in a vertical cylinder with a piston measures 9.6 litres
at a pressure of 200 kPa. If the pressure on the piston is released very gently what will be
the pressure of the oxygen when it expands at a constant temperature to a volume of 24
litres.
Ans: Let the new pressure be P2
P1V1 = P2V2
200 x 9.6 = P2 x 24
 Hence P2 = (9.6/24) x 200
P2 = 80 kPa

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Water vapour is a greenhouse gas.

Ans: T
2. Table sugar is made up two glucose units.
Ans: F Made up of glucose and fructose.
3. The atomic mass of an element of several natural isotopes is the average of the mass
numbers of the isotopes.
Ans: F It is the weighted average

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Haemitite is one of the several ores of iron.

ANS: T =Fe2O3

2. Magnetite is an ore from which magnesium can be obtained.

Ans: F Magnetite is an ore of Fe (Fe3O4)

3. Buaxite and mica both contain aluminium.

Ans: T Bauxite Al2O3.xH2O; Mica/Feldspar K2Al2Si6O16

RIDDLE

1. My chemistry is made of redox reactions

2. Therefore if I were human, my blood would be made up of electrons.

3. I am partly made up of a container with two electrodes.

4. I am incomplete without an electrolyte.

5. When I am in operation a current is passes through me.

6. Electroplating is one of my important applications.

Who am I?

ELECTROLYSIS

ROUND 1

1. How many elements are present in the Group 1 of the Periodic Table?
Ans: Seven including hydrogen.

2. How many elements are present in the first d-Transition series of elements?
Ans: 10 including Cu and Zn

3. How many inert gases are known?

Ans: Six (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe and Rn)

ROUND 1

1. Solid CO2 is called ‘dry ice’. Will dry ice melt or sublime if allowed to warm up?
 Ans: Solid CO2 sublimes’

2. Which kind of substances react with both acids and bases?

Ans: Amphoteric substances

3. What is electroplating?
Ans: It is the deposition of a thin film of metal on an object by electrolysis.

ROUND 1

1. How do atomic orbitals overlap to form sigma bonds?

Ans: Orbitals overlap headlong

2. What is the hybridization of carbon in carbon II oxide?

Ans: sp hybridization

3. Why do compounds with pi bonds undergo addition reaction readily?

Ans: The pi electron cloud is very much exposed and therefore attracts reagents
especially electrophiles

ROUND 1

1. Magnesium reacts with HCl to give magnesium chloride and hydrogen gas. If 0.15 mol of
magnesium is added to 0.24 mol HCl how many moles of magnesium chloride will be
formed?
Ans: Mg + 2HCl = MgCl2 + H2
0.15 0.24
0.24 mol of HCl will react with 0.12 mol of Mg
Therefore mol of MgCl2 that will be formed = 0.12

2. What volume of HCl gas in litres must be dissolved in 300cm3 of water in order to
produce 0.20 moldm-3 of hydrochloric acid? Assume molar vole of gas is 22.4 litres?
 Ans: 300cm3 of 0.20 moldm-3 of hydrochloric acid ≡ 0.6 mol HCl
1 mol HCl ≡ 22.4 litre of HCl gas
0.6mol = (0.6/1) x 22.4
= 13.44 litre

3. 100 cm3 of 0.10 moldm-3 NaCl solution are added to 200 cm3 of 0.04 moldm-3 silver
nitrate solution. How many moles of free chloride ions will be left in solution?
Ans: Initial moles of chloride = (100/1000) x 0.1
= 0.01
Initial moles of silver ions = (200/1000) x 0.04
= 0.008
Therefore excess moles of Cl- = 0.01 – 0.008
= 0.002

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. The backbone of starch polymer is made up of tetrahydropyran rings held together

through oxygen atoms.
Ans: T pyranose ≡ tetrahydropyran
2. The two strands of the DNA structure are held by weak covalent bonds.
Ans: F They are held by hydrogen bonds

3. The linkages between various amino acid units in a protein are covalent bonds.
Ans: T Linkages are amide bonds/peptide linkages

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. 1 mole of molten aluminium oxide and two moles of molten magnesium oxide will
require the same amount of charge to discharge them in electrolysis.
Ans: F 1 mol Al2 O3 will require 6F of charge; 2 mol MgO will require 4F of
charge. (F = Faraday)

2. Pure water does not conduct electricity.

Ans: T Water is a covalent compound.
3. Any impurity in water makes it possible for the water to conduct electricity.
Ans: F The impurity has to be ionic or capable of ionizing in water.

RIDDLE

1. I am a cation.
2. I am derived from a heavy metal
3. I am two electrons less my neutral atom
4. If H2S is bubbled through my aqueous solution a black precipitate is formed
5. If sodium hydroxide solution is added to my aqueous solution, a white precipitate
insoluble in excess is obtained
6. If I am derived from an element who ancestors were all plumbers then who am I?
Pb2+ /Lead II ions

ROUND 1

1. An element has a valence shell whose configuration is 4s23d6. What will be its common
valency or valencies?
Ans: Common valencies are +2 and +3

2. An element shows the following in its compounds: -1, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6 and +7.
What is likely to be the electronic configuration of its valence shell?
Ans: ns2np5

3. Why is the valency shell of chromium written as 4s13d5 and not 4s23d4?
Ans: In the former the sub-shells are both half-filled but not in the latter. Half filled
sub-shells are stable

ROUND 1

1. Give the systematic name for a derivative of cyclobutane with the formula C 6H12.
Ans: Ethylcyclobutane; cis or trans-1,2-dimethylcyclobutane, cis or trans-1,3-
dimethylcyclobutane

2. Name all the possible hexenes that be represented by the formula C 6H12
 Ans: 1- or 2- or 3-hexene//hex-1-ene etc

3. What is the difference in the chemical properties of an OH bonded to a saturated carbon

and an OH bonded to an aromatic carbon/nucleus?
Ans: OH bonded to a saturated carbon is neutral/an alkanol but one bonded to an
aromatic carbon is acidic/phenolic

ROUND 1

1. When the concentration of a reactant A of a reaction is doubled, all others remaining

constant, the rate of the reaction increases by a factor of 8. What is the order of the
reaction with respect to reactant A?
Ans: 3rd order

2. When the concentration of a reactant B of a reaction is trebled, all others remaining

constant, the rate of the reaction increases by a factor of 9. What is the order of the
reaction with respect to reactant B?
Ans: 2nd order

3. When the concentration of a reactant C of a reaction is quadrupled, all others remaining

constant, the rate of the reaction does not change. What is the order of the reaction with
respect to reactant C?
Ans: zero order

ROUND 1

1. The electrode potentials of two half cells M+/M and Q+/Q (where M and Q are metals)
are -0.65 and -0.92volts respectively. Calculate the initial emf of a cell that can formed
from the half cells. Indicate the anode of the cell.
Ans: Emf = oxidation potential + reduction potential(oxd pot = -red pot of same ½ cell)
This sum must be positive for a spontaneous reaction
Hence Emf = +0.92 + -0.65 = 0.27 v
 Anode (oxidation) hence Q metal

2. Two half cells, X+/X and Y+/Y (where X and Y are metals) with electrode potentials
+0.45 and -0.76volts respectively are used to construct an electrochemical cell. What will
be the initial emf and which metal will be the cathode?
Ans: Emf = +0.76 + +0.45 = 1.21 v
Cathode (reduction) hence Y metal

3. Two half cells, A+/A and B+/B (where A and B are metals) with electrode potentials
+0.32 and +0.80volts respectively are used to construct an electrochemical cell. What
will be the initial emf and in which direction will the current flow in the external circuit?
Ans: Emf = -0.32 + +0.80 = 0.48 v
Current flows from oxidation/anode to the reduction/cathode
Hence current flows from metal A to metal B in the external circuit.

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. For a given amount of gas at a constant temperature a plot of V vs1/P will give a straight
line.
Ans: T PV = nRT for a given amount, R and T are constant

2. A reaction is likely to be spontaneous if ΔHreaction is negative.

Ans: T

3. In the Haber Process the catalyst does not alter the yield of ammonia.
Ans: T Catalysts hasten the attainment of equilibrium, they do not change the
equilibrium constant.

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE
1. Kerosene and aviation fuel are usually obtained from different fractions in the distillation
of crude oil.
Ans: F

2. Reforming a distillate of crude oil involves transforming saturated hydrocarbons to

unsaturated hydrocarbons.
Ans: F

3. Branched chain hydrocarbons burn more smoothly than straight chain hydrocarbons of
the same molar mass.
Ans: T

RIDDLE

1. I am a binary compound.

2. I am very soluble in water.

3. I am normally gaseous at room temperature.

4. I am produced in an industrial process whose chemistry is often used to illustrate Le

Chaterlier’s Principle.

5. I or my aqueous solution turns red litmus blue.

6. My geometry is described as trigonal pyramid

Who am I?

AMMONIA/NH3

ROUND 1

1. How do we refer to a row of elements in the Periodic Table?

Ans: Period

2. How do we refer to a column of elements in the Periodic Table

 Ans: Group

3. How do we refer to part of a row of elements with incomplete d-sub-shell.

Ans: d-Transition series

ROUND 1

1. What type of reaction takes place when 2-hexene decolourises bromine in

trichloromethane?
Ans: Addition reaction

2. What type of reaction takes place when the sweet smell of ethyl ethanoate is wiped out by
heating with KOH solution?
Ans: Hydrolysis/Substitution

3. What reaction takes place when the colour of acidified K2Cr2O7 solution is changed from
orange to green on addition of propanol.
Ans Redox Reaction

ROUND 1

1. When you touch a domestic gas cylinder when in use it feels cold, why?
Ans: The liquefied gas needs heat energy to evaporate; the heat is taken from the
cylinder
2. A catalyst in an equilibrium reaction does not alter the equilibrium constant, why?
Ans: It increases the rates of the forward and backward reactions to the same extent
3. Why does a chilled bottle of water ‘sweat’ when it brought out of fridge?
Ans: The bottle cools the air around it and causes water vapour to condense.

ROUND I

1. Write a balanced equation for the reaction between MnO4 - and NO2 - ions in acidic
solution to produce Mn2+ and NO3 - ions
Ans 2MnO4- + 5NO2- + 6H+ → 2Mn2+ + 5NO3- + 3H2O
2. Heating Pb(NO3)2 produces PbO, NO2 and oxygen gas. Write a balanced equation for the
reaction
Ans: Pb(NO3)2 + heat → PbO + 4NO2 + O2

3. Give the balanced equation for the reaction between IO3- and I- in acidic condition; iodine
and water being the products.
Ans: IO3- + 5I- + 6H+ → 3I2 + 3H2O

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Aminoethane and aminobutane belong to the same homologous series

Ans: T

2. Methyl ethyl ether and dimethyl ether are members of the same homologous series
Ans: T

3. Undecane and tetradecane belong to the same homologous series.

Ans: T

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Dry HCl gas will turn dry blue litmus red.

Ans: F no water to ionize the HCl
2. There will be no effervescence when dry HCl is bubbled through a suspension of
NaHCO3.
Ans: T HCl is not ionized

3. When dilute ammonia solution is neutralized with dilute HCl the resultant solution will
have buffering properties.
Ans: F There will be NH4+ but no conjugate base

RIDDLE

1. I am an organic compound

2. There are three different elements in my molecular formula

3. I am a member of a homologous series called n-alkanols

4. Indeed I am the second member of the series

5. The chemistry of my industrial manufacture has been known to mankind since the
ancient days

6. My aqueous solutions are drunk as beverage

Who am I

ETHANOL

ROUND 1

1. What is a chemical element?

Ans: A substance that cannot be decomposed into simpler substances by chemical
means.
2. What is a chemical compound?
Ans: A substance formed the combination of elements in a fixed ratio

3. What is a mixture?
Ans: A substance comprising more than one compound /substance that can be
separated by physical methods.

ROUND 1

1. State the essential features of a tertiary alkanol.

Ans: An OH group bonded to a carbon which in turn is bonded to 3 sp3 carbons.

2. State the essential features of an alkanone.

Ans: A carbonyl bonded to two other carbons.

3. State the essential features of a secondary amine.

Ans: A compound in which the nitrogen of the amino group is bonded to two carbons

ROUND 1

1. Give one method by which HCl gas may be prepared in the laboratory
Ans: Reaction of NaCl with conc. H2SO4
Reaction of H2 and Cl2
Reaction of PCl3 with water
2. Give one method by which hydrogen gas can be prepared in the laboratory.
Ans: Reaction of sodium amalgam or Ca or CaH2 or NaBH4 with water
Reaction of Mg with hot water
Reaction of Zn with mineral acid
Reaction of Zn or Al with NaOH
3. Give one method by which ammonia gas can be prepared in the laboratory.
Ans: Reaction of any ammonium salt with hydroxide
Heating CaO with NH4Cl

ROUND 1

1. Calculate the percentage loss in mass when Haematite is purified to metallic iron. Give
your answer to one place of decimal [Fe = 56, O = 16]
Ans: Haematite is Fe2O3 Hence Fe2O3 → 2Fe
56 x2 +48 → 56 x 2
 % loss in mass = 48/160 x 100
= 30

2. Calculate the percentage loss in mass when Magnetite is purified to metallic iron.
Give your answer to one place of decimal. [Fe = 56, O = 16]
Ans: Magnetite Fe3O4 → 3Fe
% loss in mass = 64/232 x 100
= 27.6

3. Calculate the percentage loss in mass when Siderite is purified to metallic iron. Give your
answer to one place of decimal. [Fe = 56, O = 16, C = 12]
Ans: Siderite FeCO3 → Fe
% loss in mass = 60/116 x 100
= 51.7

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. 2-Butene will exhibit cis-trans isomerism.

Ans: T

2. 1-Chloro-1-heptene will exhibit cis-trans isomerism.

Ans: T

3. Cis- and trans-2-butene are stereoisomers which lack chiral carbons.

Ans: T

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. In the Rutherford’s α-particle experiment most of the α-particles are scattered.

Ans: F
2. In the Mass Spectrometer, ions are separated on the basis of the mass of the ions.
Ans: F depends on mass/charge ratio

3. Since there two natural isotopes of chlorine the mass spectrometry of chlorine gas will
show two peaks
Ans: F 3 peaks , 35-35, 35-37,and 37-37

RIDDLE

1. I am an inorganic substance.

2. My constituents consist of a metal and two non-metals

3. I am very corrosive.

4. I am usually prepared on industrial scale by electrolysis

5. I am used to saponify fats and oils to give hard soap

6. My cation is derived from a metal of atomic number 11

Who am I?

NaOH or Sodium Hydroxide or Caustic soda.

ROUND 1

1. Name one common use of helium in Ghana.

Ans Used in filling balloons

2. Why is argon, another inert gas, not used in filling balloons although it is more abundant
in the atmosphere?
Ans: Argon is heavier than helium/air, balloons filled with argon cannot rise/fly.

3. Why is hydrogen, although a much lighter gas not used in filling balloons instead of
helium?
Ans: Hydrogen forms an explosive mixture with air/oxygen.
 ROUND 1

1. What do compounds that rotate the plane of polarized light have in common structurally?
Ans: They all have chiral carbon/centre or they all lack plane of symmetry

2. Butane can exist in several conformations. What are conformations?

Ans: They are structures of the same compound formed as a result of rotation around a
single bond within the molecule

3. Why are cis-trans isomers also stereoisomers.

Ans: They are isomers that differ only in the arrangement of the atoms/groups in space.

ROUND 1

1. Which cation in solution will give white precipitate with both dilute ammonia and HaOH
solutions but black precipitate with H2S gas?
Ans: Pb2+

2. Which cation in solution will give a white precipitate with potassium hexacyanoferrriate
II solution?
Ans: Fe2+

3. Which cation will give a white precipitate with NaOH and dilute ammonia solutions and
H2S gas?
Ans: Zn2+

ROUND 1

1. Calculate the pH of a 0.10 moldm-3 solution of a weak acid with a pKa of 5.2.
Ans: pH = ½pKa - ½log[H+]
pH = 5.2/2 + 0.5 = 3.1

2. 500 cm3 of 0.10 moldm-3 H2SO4 solution are added to 500cm3 of 0.20 moldm-3 Na2SO4
solution. Calculate the pH of the new solution.
Ans: Salt has no effect on the pH. Acid solution is simply diluted. Hence new conc. of
H2SO4 = 0.05 moldm-3 hence [H+] = 0.10 moldm-3 and pH = 1

3. 500 cm3 of 0.10 moldm-3 MgSO4 solution are added to 500cm3 of 0.20 moldm-3 Na2SO4
solution. Calculate the concentration of the SO42- ions in the new solution.
Ans: Mole of sulphate from Mg salt = 500/100 x 0.1 = 0.05
Mole of sulphate from sodium salt = 500/1000 x 0.2 = 0.1
 Total sulphate = 0.15 in 1000 cm3
Hence concentration of suphate = 0.15 moldm-3

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

Preamble to all Schools: 2 moles of A and 3 moles of B react reversibly to give 3 moles of
product and heat.

1. At equilibrium the forward reaction will be favoured by an increase in pressure.

Ans: T Reaction proceeds with decrease in volume

2. An increase in volume increases the equilibrium constant.

Ans: F. The Equilibrium Constant changes only with temperature

3. Increase in temperature will lead to decrease in the equilibrium constant.

Ans: T Forward reaction is exothermic

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. For an ideal gas a plot of 1/P versus 1/T at constant V should give a straight line
Ans T PV = nRT hence 1/P is directly proportional to 1/T

2. Gas densities are directly proportional to their molar masses at constant pressure and
temperature.
Ans: T d = Molar mass/molar volume molar vole is same for all gasses

3. If a radioactive substance has a half-life of 40 days a sample of it will lose all its activity
in 80 days.
Ans: F 80 days is 2 half-lives hence only 75% of activity is lost
 RIDDLE

1. I am described as an acid

2. But I am not well known as an inorganic nor organic acid

3. I am one of two such acids in the world

4. I am responsible for the synthesis of all proteins and enzymes

5. The difference between me and my sibling is my deficiency in one oxygen atom in my

sugar residue

6. Structurally I occur as a double strand held by strong hydrogen bonds, that coils into a
helix

Who am I?

Deoxyribonucleic Acid or DNA

ROUND 1

1. What are the oxidation states of bromine in HBr and HBrO4.

Ans: -1 and +7

2. What are the oxidation states of phosphorus in P4O10 and H3PO3.

Ans: +5 and +3

3. What are the oxidation states of chromium in CrO42- and [Cr(OH)6]3-.

Ans: +6 and +3

ROUND 1

1. What electronic effect does the ethyl group exert on a saturated carbon?
 Ans: Electron donating Inductive Effect (+I effect)

2. What electronic effect does the OH bonded to benzene exert on it?

Ans: Electron withdrawing Inductive Effect(+I Effect) and Electron donating
Resonance/Mesmeric Effect (+M Effect)

3. The –COOH group is a good proton donor. What accounts for this?
Ans: The conjugate base COO- is stabilized by resonance.

ROUND 1

1. Define Collision Theory in Chemical Kinetics.

Ans: The rate of a reaction depends on the number of (effective) collisions

2. Define the Transition State Theory in Chemical Kinetics.

Ans: Rate of reaction depends on the rate of decomposition of the activated complex

3. Define an equilibrium reaction.

Ans: It is a reversible reaction in which the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the
rate of the backward reaction.

ROUND 1

Preamble to all Schools:

The balanced equation for the electrolysis of water of is 2H 2O → 2H2 + O2.

1. How many Faradays of charge will be required to produce 16 g of oxygen gas? [ O = 16]
Ans: 2 moles of water require 4F, giving one mole of oxygen gas
16g of oxygen gas = 0.5 mole
0.5 mole O2 ≡ 2F charge

2. How many Faradays of charge are required to produce 0.6g of hydrogen gas? [H = 1.0]
Ans: 0.6g H2 = 0.3 mole H2
But 1 mole H2 ≡ 2F of charge
Hence 0.3 mole H2 ≡ 0.6 F of charge
3. In one such electrolysis 4.48 dm3 of oxygen gas were produced at STP. How many
Faradays of charge were passed through the electrolytic cell?[ Molar volume of gas =
22.4 dm3.
Ans: 4.48 dm3 of O2 = 4.48/22.4 mole of O2 = 0.2 mole
But 1 mole O2 = 4F of charge
Therefore 0.2 mole O2 = 0.8F

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Isotopes of an element have the same mass number.

Ans: T They have the same number of protons but different number of neutrons.

2. Radioisotopes and non-radioisotopes of the same element have the same chemical
properties.
Ans: T Chemical properties depend on extra-nuclear electrons which are the
same for both.

3. Chemical reactions do not involve the protons in the nucleus.

Ans: T

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. When a gas bleaches litmus paper the reaction that has taken place is reduction-oxidation.
Ans: T

2. The reaction between sand and quicklime during the extraction of iron from its ore is a
redox reaction.
Ans: F It is acid-base reaction

3. Lead iodide, a sparingly soluble salt in water dissolves better in sodium iodide solution.
Ans: F Common ion effect suppresses dissolution of lead iodide

RIDDLE
1. I am an element and I occur in nature as diatomic molecules

2. I am also a colourless gas

3. Under pressure and on cooling I condense to give a blue liquid

4. My normal boiling point is 196oC

5. Though I have even number of electrons I am paramagnetic

6. Ironically I am supporter of combustion that kills and supporter of life

Who am I

Oxygen or O2

ROUND 1

1. Which element is the last member of Group 3 (old) or Group 13 (new)

Ans: Thallium Tl

2. Which element is third member of Group 4 (old) or Group 14 (new)

Ans: Germanium Ge

3. Which element is the last member of Group 2 (old or new).

Ans: Radium Ra

ROUND 1

1. Name the principal chemical constituent of clay.

Ans: Aluminium trioxosilicate Al2(SiO3)2

2. In the manufacture of cement limestone, sand and alumina are heated together until the
materials fuse to form granules. Give one possible chemical; component of cement
Ans: Calcium trioxosilicate CaSiO3 Calcium dioxoaluminate Ca(AlO2)2

3. Name one of the chemical components of bleaching powder.

Ans: Calcium oxochlorate Ca(ClO)2 Calcium chloride CaCl2 Calcium
hydroxide Ca(OH)2
 ROUND 1

1. A compound was wrongly named as 3,3-dimethybutane. What should be the actual

name?
Ans: 2,2-dimethylbutane

2. A compound was wrongly named as 3,4-dimethylpentane. What should be its actual

name?
Ans: 2,3-dimethylpentane

3. A compound was wrongly named as 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutane. What should be its

actual name?
Ans: 3-methylbutan-2-ol or 3-methyl-2-butanol

ROUND 1

1. The electrode potentials of the half cells Br 2/Br- and I2/I- are 1.07 and 0.54 volts
respectively. Give the balanced equation for the chemical reaction of a voltaic cell that
can be created from the two half-cells and calculate the its initial maximum emf.
Ans: Equation is Br2 + 2I- → 2Br- + I2
Emf = 1.07 – 0.54 = 0.53 volts

2. The electrode potentials of two half cells, A/A- and B+/B are -0.30 and 0.84 volts
respectively. Give the balanced equation for the chemical reaction of a voltaic cell that
can be created from the two half-cells and indicate the anode of the cell.
Ans: Equation is B+ + A- → B + A
Anode = oxidation, hence electrode has to be Pt or any inert
material since A cannot be a metal/ A is a non-metal

3. Calculate the emf of a voltaic cell with whose cell reaction is as follows:
H2 + I2 → 2HI
given that the electrode potential of I2/I- is 1.02 volt
Ans: H2 - 2e → 2H+ 0.00 volt
I2 + 2e → 2I- 1.02 volt
Emf = 1.02 volt
 ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. The hybridization of the carbon in the cyanide ion is sp 2

Ans: F carbon is sp

2. The hybridization of the nitrogen in amines is sp2

Ans: F N is sp3

3. The hybridization of the carbon in the carbonyl group is sp 3

Ans: F Carbon is sp2

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. The products of fermentation are ethanol and CO2.

Ans: F It includes energy

2. The products of mild hydrolysis of nucleic acids are nucleotides

Ans: T

3. The products of hydrolysis of cellulose and starch are the same

Ans: F The two give different isomers of glucose

RIDDLE

1. I am a colourless gas with boiling point -61oC

2. I am only slightly soluble in in water and can be removed from water by boiling

3. I burn in air with a blue flame

4. I am a combination of two non-metallic elements

5. I have a characteristically bad smell that can be detected in very small amounts

6. Chemically I am a weak acid and also a reducing agent

Who am I?

H2S or hydrogen sulphide

ROUND 1

1. Give the systematic name for the compound Cl2O6

Ans: Chlorine VI oxide

2. Give the systematic name for the compound KClO 3

Ans: Potassium trioxochlorate V

3. Give the systematic name for the compound SO2Cl2

Ans: Dichlorodioxosulphate VI acid; regarded as a derivative of H 2SO4

ROUND 1

1. The electron affinity of chlorine atom is large and negative. Why?

Ans: The incoming electron is attracted by the nuclear charge of the atom and the atom
accepts the electron to give a unit which has a more stable electronic
configuration.
 2. Na and Mg are next to each other in the 3rd Period of the Periodic Table. One of them
has negative electron affinity and the other positive. Which one has positive electron
affinity and why?
Ans: It must be Mg. Mg atom has a complete sub-shell and acceptance of an electron
will give a unit with a less stable electronic configuration.

3. Bromine has a higher electron affinity than iodine. Why?

Ans: Bromine atom has a smaller atomic radius. An incoming electron will be
attracted with greater force

ROUND 1

PREAMBLE TO ALL SCHOOLS

Give one physical property of metals Ans:

1. They have shiny, silvery look when clean.

2. They are malleable.

3. They are ductile.

4. They are good conductors of heat

5. They are good conductors of electricity.

ROUND 1

1. How many millimoles of H+ ions are in 250 cm3 of 0.032 moldm-3 solution of HCl?
Ans: moles of H+ = 250/1000 x 0.032
mmoles of H+ = mole x 1000 = 250 x 0.032
= 8
2. How many millimoles of Na+ ions are in 200 cm3 of 0.45 moldm-3 solution of Na2CO3 ?
Ans: mmoles of Na+ = 200 x 0.45 x 2
= 180

3. The solubility product of a solid metal halide, MCl2 is 3.6 x 10-11 at 30oC. How many
moles of chloride ions will be present in a saturated solution of the solid at 30 oC.
Ans Ksp of MCl2 = 4x3 where x is the solubility of the solid
x = 3.0 x 10-4
Hence moles of chloride ions = 2 x 3.0 x 10-4
= 6.0 x 10-4

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. The symbol for the element Rubidium is Ru

Ans: F correct symbol is Rb

2. The symbol for the element tungsten is W

Ans: T

3. The symbol for the element Radium is Rd

Ans: F correct symbol is Ra

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE
1. The silver I ion is a Lewis acid.
Ans: T Can accept e-pair from NH3 or H2O

2. In the reaction of the oxide ion and SO3 to give SO42- the oxide acts as a Lewis base.
Ans: T It acts as an e-pair donor

3. The formation of solid BaSO4 from the barium and SO42- ions may also be described as
acid-base reaction
Ans: F No electron transfer

RIDDLE

1. I have been a useful friend of mankind for many centuries

2. I am an exceptionally ductile metal

3. Because I have only one electron in my valence shell I am considered a member of the
Main Group elements.

4. Chemically I behave as a transition element

5. If love brass band music and admire artifacts from bronze then you know me

6. I am a reddish metal with a very high melting point

Who am I?

COPPER

ROUND 1

1. What is the general name given to forces of attraction between covalent molecules?
Ans: van der Waal’s forces

2. Which is the strongest of the van der Waal’s forces?

Ans: Hydrogen bonds

3. What kind of intra-molecular forces exist between carbon II oxide molecules?

Ans Dipole-dipole
 ROUND 1

COMMON PREAMBLE TO ALL SCHOOLS

Chemical industries can be classified into 7 main groups. Name any one of them

Answers

1. Heavy Chemicals

2. Fine Chemicals

3. Fertilizers

4. Food and Fermentation

5. Metallurgy

6. Petrochemicals

7. Polymers

ROUND 1

1. How can you use dilute NaOH and NH3 to distinguish between a solution containing lead
II ions and zinc II ions?
Ans: Both give white ppt with NaOH and both ppt dissolve in excess NaOH. Lead
gives white ppt with NH3 insoluble in excess. Zinc gives white ppt soluble in excess with
NH3.
2. Two test tubes are supposed to contain separately SO32- ions and the SO42- ions. How can
you confirm this and identify which test tube contains what?
Ans: Test both solutions with either BaCl2 or lead acetate solutions. Ppt in both
confirms presence of either SO32- or SO42- .
 Test both solutions with KMnO4 solution. SO42- does not affect the colour
whereas SO32- discharges the colour of the KMnO4
3. How can you use AgNO3 solution to identify solutions of Br - and I- in separate test tubes?
Ans: With AgNO3 solution Br - gives a pale yellow or cream ppt, I- gives deep yellow
ppt

ROUND 1

1. What volume of CO2 at STP will be discharged into the atmosphere when a mole of
butane is burnt completely in excess air? Molar volume of a gas at STP =22.4 litres.
Ans: C4H10 + 6½O2 → 4CO2 + 5H2O
Hence volume CO2 = 4 x 22.4 = 89.6 litres

2. What volume of oxygen at STP will be consumed when a mole of ethanol is burnt
completely in excess oxygen? Molar volume of a gas at STP =22.4 litres.
Ans: C2H5OH + 3O2 → 2CO2 + 3H2O
Hence volume of oxygen = 3 x 22.4 = 67.2 litres

3. What volume of CO2 at STP will be discharged into the atmosphere when a mole of
benzene is burnt completely in excess oxygen? Molar volume of a gas at STP =22.4
litres.
Ans: C6H6 + 7½O2 → 6CO2 + 3H2O
Hence CO2 discharged = 6 x 22.4 = 134.4 litres

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation relates pH of a buffer solution to concentrations of

conjugate acid-base pair.
Ans: T

2. In the titration of dilute ammonia with HCl a buffer is formed before the end-point.
Ans: T At any stage before the end point the NH3-NH4+ conjugate pair will be
present
3. In the titration of dilute ammonia with HCl the stage where the pH change is least on
addition of unit titrant is when 50% of the titre has been added.
Ans: T Buffer is at its best when the concentrations of acid and base are equal.

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. An ion with high reduction potential is likely to be a good oxidizing agent.

Ans: T has high potential to accept electrons

2. A metal with very low oxidation potential is most likely to be a good reducing agent.
Ans: F has low tendency to donate electrons

3. In Voltaic cells oxidation takes place at the anode whereas in electrolytic cell oxidation
takes place at the cathode.
Ans: F Oxidation takes place at the anode in both types of electrochemical cells.

RIDDLE

1. We occur in nature as units of natural polymers.

2. We are set free when the polymer are hydrolysed.

3. There are 20 different kind of us.

4. Chemically we are ampholytes.

5. We have both amino and carboxylic functional groups bonded to the same carbons.
6. Our polymers keep mankind alive

Who are we

α-Amino acids

ROUND 1

1. In the electrolysis of copper II tetraoxosulphate VI solution using Pt electrodes name the

compounds that are discharged at the electrodes.
Ans: Anode O2 Cathode Cu metal

2. In the electrolysis of tetraoxosulphate VI acid solution using inert electrodes name the
compounds that are discharged at the electrodes.
Ans: Anode O2 Cathode H2

3. In the electrolysis of copper II tetraoxosulphate VI solution using copper electrodes name

the compounds that are discharged at the electrodes.
Ans: Anode Cu2+ goes into solution Cathode Cu metal deposited.

ROUND 1

1. Which of the following functional groups, monoester, diester and triester is commonly
found in fats and oils?
Ans: Triester

2. Fats and oils are both natural products. Name the natural sources.
Ans: Fats from animals Oils from plants/vegetable sources,

3. Why are oils liquid and fats solid?

Ans: Oils are polyunsaturated and fats a are fully saturated

ROUND 1

1. What are the products of decomposition when solid KNO3 is heated?

Ans: KNO2 and O2
2. What are the products of decomposition when solid NH4NO3 is heated?
Ans: N2O and H2O

3. What are the products of decomposition when solid Cu(NO3)2 is heated?

Ans: CuO, NO2 and O2

ROUND 1

1. Explain carefully how you would prepare 600 cm3 of 0.10 moldm-3 NaOH solution from
a stock solution of concentration 0.30 moldm-3
Ans: Dilution from 0.3 moldm-3 to 0.1 moldm-3 hence dilution factor is 1 in 3
Hence 200cm3 of the stock solution diluted to 600cm3

2. If 40 cm3 of a 0.60 moldm-3 solution of HCl solution were diluted to 200 cm3 what would
be the new concentration?
Ans: 40 cm3 diluted to 200 cm3 hence dilution factor is 1 in 5
New concentration = 0.6/5 = 0.12 moldm-3

3. Explain carefully how you would prepare 210 cm3 of 0.15 moldm-3 NaOH solution from
a stock solution of concentration 0.35 moldm-3
Ans: Dilution from 0.35 moldm-3 to 0.15 moldm-3 hence dilution factor is 3 in 7
Hence 90 cm3 of stock solution diluted to 210 cm3

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. A certain cation in solution which is not precipitated on adding dilute HCl nor H 2S is
likely to be one of the following ions: K+, Na+ and NH4+.
Ans: T
2. In the electrolysis of alumina to produce aluminium the alumina is dissolved in molten
aluminium fluoride.
Ans: F Dissolved in cryolite.

3. Cryolite is an ionic substance made up of a complex anion of aluminium.

Ans: T cryolite is Na3(AlF6)

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Enthalpies of formation of all monobasic acids are the same.

Ans: F It depends on whether it is a strong or weak acid.

2. Oxygen molecule being a stable compound is likely to have a negative enthalpy of

formation
Ans: F Oxygen is an element and all elements by convention have zero enthalpy
of formation

3. The standard enthalpy of formation of benzene is positive

Ans: T Value is +49kJmol-1

RIDDLE

1. I am very useful in the identification of compounds and elements.

2. I am even comfortable with elements with single or several isotopes.

3. The essential requirement is that the substance under investigation should be able to form
a vapour in a vacuum.

4. One of the notable part of me is a magnet

5. Ions are produced from the substance when I am in use.

6. Ions are recorded and identified as mass over charge ratios.

Who am I

Mass Spectrometer

ROUND 1

1. Endothermic reactions are not meant to occur spontaneously. Why?

Ans: The products of endothermic reactions are thermodynamically less stable than the
reactants

2. Exothermic reactions are supposed to occur spontaneously but some do not. Why?
Ans: In such cases the activation energy is high and external assistance is required to
initiate the reaction.

3. Define enthalpy of formation of a substance.

Ans: Is the enthalpy change when a mole of a substance is formed from its constituent
elements in their standard states at 298K and 100 kPa.

ROUND 1

1. If a substituent in an organic compound is ‘decyl’ what is the formula of the substituent?

Ans: C10H21—

2. If a substituent in an organic compound is ‘benzyl’ what is the formula of the substituent?

Ans: C6H5CH2—

3. If a substituent in an organic compound is ‘oxo’ what is the formula of the sustituent?

Ans: --C=O

ROUND 1

1. Give the products of decomposition when solid Li2 CO3 is heated.

 Ans: Li2O and CO2

2. Li2O is formed when solid is Li2CO3 heated, why?

Ans: Higher lattice energy in Li2O than in Li2CO3 because of the smaller O2- ion.

3. Why is NaOH ionic but Al(OH)3 is partly ionic and partly covalent?
Ans: Al3+ ion quite small and polarizes the OH- ion

ROUND 1

1. Calculate the volume of 0.75 moldm=3 solution of HCl that will be required to neutralize
25 cm3 of 0.06 moldm-3 of Na2CO3 in a titration using phenolphthalein as indicator.
Ans: HCl + Na2CO3 → NaHCO3 + NaCl
0.075, V? 25, 0.06
(25 x0.06)/0.075 x V = 1/1
Hence V = 20 cm3

2. Calculate the volume of 0.16 moldm-3 solution of HCl that will be required to neutralise
20 cm3 of 0.10 moldm-3 Na2CO3 in a titration using methyl orange as indicator.
Ans: 2HCl + Na2CO3 → 2NaCl + CO2 + H2O
0.16, V? 20, 0.10
(0.16 x V)/0.10 x 20 = 2/1
Hence V = 25cm3

3. A solution containing a mixture of Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 is analysed as follows: 20 of the

solution requires an average 10.5 cm3 of 0.10 moldm-3 HCl solution using
phenolphthalein as indicator. A second set of titrations using 20 of the solution requires
an average of 25.6 cm3of the same HCl solution, using methyl orange as indicator.
Calculate the volume of the HCl solution that neutralises the NaHCO3 alone.
Ans: Volume required to neutralize all Na2CO3 = 2 x 10.5 cm3
Volume required to neutralize only NAHCO3 = 25.6 – 21 cm3
= 4.6 cm3

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Whereas chlorine forms several oxides iodine forms only one oxide.
Ans T
2. Chlorine IV oxide should be a paramagnetic compound
Ans: T There is odd number of electrons

3. One important industrial use of chlorine is preparation of chloroalkanes.

Ans: T eg vinyl chloride

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. In the Mass Spectrometer ions are produced in the ionization chamber by an electron
beam’
Ans: T

2. In the Mass Spectrometer, ions are separated according to mass-charge ratio by a

magnetic field
Ans: T

3. Neon has three natural isotopes and so its mass spectrum will show 3 peaks.
Ans: T

RIDDLE

1. I have atomic number96 and atomic weight 247

2. I was discovered in Chicago in the United States of America in 1944.

3. I have 13 known isotopes.

4. I was formed by helium bombardment a certain nuclide

5. In the Periodic Table I come the element americium

6. I was named after a French couple who made a name in radiochemistry.

 Who am I

CURIUM//Cm

ROUND 1

1. What additional apparatus is required to change a set up for simple distillation into a set-
up for fractional distillation?
Ans Fractionating Column

2. If the glass column in a column chromatography is packed with cellulose and a mixture is
washed with n-butanol what is the stationary phase?
Ans: Water is the stationary phase

3. What is the principle of separation in a column chromatography packed with alumina?

Ans: Selective adsorption

ROUND 1

1. Explain why SO2 gas can be collected in a gas jar by upward displacement of air.
Ans: SO2 is denser than air

2. How can ammonia gas be collected in a gas jar and why?

Ans: NH3 can be collected by downward displacement of air because it is lighter than
air.

3. Nitrogen gas prepared in the laboratory cannot be collected by displacement of air. Why?
Ans: Nitrogen and air have approximately the same density
 ROUND 1

1. What is the general formula for alkynes

Ans: CnH2n-2

2. Two compounds have been shown to be carbonyl compounds, one aldehyde (alkanal) and
the other a ketone (alkanone).How can you establish their identities
Ans: Aldehyde gives positive test with Fehling’s or Tollens’ reagent but ketone does
not (Do not accept hydroxylamine, hydrazine, phenylhydrazine, 2,4-
dinitophenylhydrazine)

3. A compound of general formula C nH2n does not decolourise bromine in CHCl3. What
may be the type of compound?
Ans: Compound is likely to be a cycloalkane

ROUND 1

1. A one litre solution containing Fe3+ ions was treated with excess NaOH solution. If 2.675
g of the iron III hydroxide precipitated what was the concentration of the solution?
[Fe = 56; O = 16; H =1.0]
Ans: Fe(OH)3 = 56 +3x17 = 56 + 51 = 107
2.675 g of = 0.025 mole
Hence concentration of Fe3+ ions = 0.025 moldm-3

2. Iron III tetraoxosulphate VI is precipitated by adding excess Na2SO4 solution to a

solution of Fe3+ ions. If the solution contains a total of 0.125 moles of Fe 3+ ions what is
the mass of precipitate formed? [Fe = 56; S = 32; O = 16]
Ans: 2Fe3+ + 3SO42- → Fe2(SO4)3
2 mol Fe → 2x56 + 3(32+64) = 400g
Therefore 0.125 mol of Fe ≡ (0.125/2) x 400g of ppt
= 25g of ppt

3. Excess Na2CO3 solution is added to 500 cm3 of a solution containing Ca2+ ions. If 40g of
CaCO3 are harvested what was the concentration of the calcium ions? [Ca = 40; O = 16
C = 12]
 Ans: CaCO3 = 40 + 12 + 48
= 100g
100g of CaCO3 ≡ 1 mole of Ca2+ ions
Therefore 40 g of CaCO3 ≡ 0.4 mol of Ca2+ ions in 500 cm3
Concentration of Ca2+ ions = 0.8 moldm-3

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. The first ionization energy of oxygen, atomic number 8, is lower than that of nitrogen
atomic number 7.
Ans: T O = 134; N = 1402
2. The first ionization energy decreases down each group except the noble gases ie Group
8/18
Ans: F Decreases down the group of the noble gases

3. Aluminium, atomic number 13, has lower first ionization energy than both magnesium
atomic number 12 and silicon atomic number 14.
Ans: T Mg =738; Al = 578; Si = 789

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Addition of dilute NaOH to Al3+ solution produces a white chalky precipitate.

Ans: F White gelatinous precipitate

2. Pure Fe(OH)2 is green.

Ans: T but turns brown when exposed to air.

3. When H2S is bubbled through a solution of Fe3+ a shiny black precipitate is obtained.
Ans: F a whitish to yellow precipitate is formed

RIDDLE

1. I am a white crystalline compound

2. I am not covalent compound so I easily dissolve in water
3. I am derived from two elements, one metallic one non-metallic
4. I do impart yellow colour to a blue flame
5. When chlorine water is bubbled through my aqueous solution the solution turns brown
6. This means my anion is derived from an element in Group 7or 17 with atomic mass 80
Who am I
Sodium bromide or NaBr

ROUND 1

1. Name the reagent required to convert ethene to 1,2-dibromoethane

Ans: Br2 in CHCl3 or CCl4

2. Name the reagent required to convert ethene to 1,2-ethanediol

Ans: Dilute, neutral KMnO4

3. Name the reagent required to convert ethene to chloroethane

Ans: HCl gas

ROUND 1

1. Why does the first ionization energy decrease down each group in the Main Group
elements of the Periodic Table?
Ans: Attractive forces on the valence electrons decrease as one goes down a Group.

2. Why does the first ionization energy increase across a Period of the Main Group
Elements of the Periodic Group.?
Ans: The attractive forces on the valence electrons increase from to right across the
Period
3. Why do the attractive forces on valence electrons in a Period of the Main Group elements
increase from left to right?
Ans: Valence electrons enter the same shell but the nuclear charge increases.

ROUND 1

1. Which forms of energy come into play when solid NaOH dissolves in water?
Ans: Lattice energy and heats of hydration of the ions

2. When solid ammonium chloride dissolves in water heat is absorbed. How do you explain
this observation?
Ans: The energy absorbed to break up the lattice/lattice energy is greater than heat
given out as a result of the hydration of the ions/hydration energy
3. When concentrated H2SO4 is dissolved in water a lot of heat is generated. How do you
account for this?
Ans: Hydration energy higher than energy required to break inter-molecular forces/H-
bonding and dissociate the molecules/dissociation energy

ROUND 1

1. Tetraoxomanganate VII ion reacts with ethanedioate ion in acid solution to give
manganese II ion, carbon IV oxide and water. Write the balanced equation for the
reaction.
Ans: 2MnO4- + 5C2O42- + 16H+ → 2Mn2+ + 10CO2 + 8H2O

2. Hexaoxo-μ-oxo-dichromate VI ion reacts with iron II ion in acid medium to give

chromium III ion, iron III ion and water. Write the balanced equation for the reaction.
Ans: Cr2O72- + 6Fe2+ + 14H+ → 2Cr3+ + 6Fe3+ + 7H2O
3. Sulphur IV oxide is obtained in commercial quantities from the roasting of iron pyrites
FeS2, an ore of iron which on roasting gives iron III oxide. Write the balanced equation
for the reaction.
Ans: 4FeS2 + 11O2 → Fe2O3 + 8SO2

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. The oxidation state of sulphur in the compound Na 2S4O6 is +2

Ans: F It is 2.5

2. The oxidation state of oxygen in H2O2 is -1

Ans: T

3. The oxidation state of iodine in HIO4 is +7

Ans: T

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. 1-Butanol and 2-methyl-2propanol are isomers

Ans: T

2. 2-Methyl-2-propanol can bend the plane of polarized light.

Ans: F lacks a chiral/asymmetric carbon.

3. 2-Methyl-2-propanol can be oxidized to a an alkanone

Ans: F it is tertiary alkanol hence cannot be oxidized to alkanones.

RIDDLE

1. I am one of the polymers that occur in nature.

2. Chemically I am a condensation polymer
3. I am a major source of energy to some large families in the animal kingdom.
4. My monomers are joined through carbon-oxygen-carbon bonds
5. Unfortunately human beings cannot break me down in their system.
6. Like starch I am made up of glucose units
Who am I?
Cellulose

ROUND 1

1. The standard enthalpies of neutralization of HCl and HNO3 are the same despite the fact
that they are different acids. Explain this observation.
Ans: Both are strong acids and have one ionisable hydrogen each.

2. Though BaSO4 is not a covalent compound yet it is not soluble in water. Why?
Ans: Hydration energy to be derived from ions not large enough to overcome the lattice
energy

3. Hexane and cyclohexane both contain six carbons each and yet the heats of combustion
of the compounds are different. Why?
Ans: Hexane has 5C-C and 14C-H bonds whereas cyclohexane has 6C-C and 12C-H
bonds

ROUND 1

1. Explain why H2O has a higher boiling point than H2S despite the fact that the former has
a lower molar mass
Ans: Extensive and strong H-bonding in H2O but none in H2S
2. Explain why water expands when it freezes.
Ans The strong H-bonding in water molecules prevents the water molecules from
packing close to one another.
3. Explain why the inter-molecular hydrogen bonding is higher in propanol than in
propanone.
Ans: In propanol the H is bonded directly to an electronegative atom but this is absent
in propanone

ROUND 1

1. State Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures.

Ans: For a mixture of gases which do not react together the total pressure is the sum of
the partial pressures

2. Define partial pressure of a component gas of a mixture of gases.

Ans: It is the pressure that the gas would exert if it were present alone in the volume
occupied by the mixture.

3. Define the mole fraction of a component gas of a mixture of gases

Ans: The fraction of moles of that component in the total moles of gas mixture

ROUND 1

1. When 36.0g of magnesium metal are burnt in excess air 54.0g of magnesium II oxide are
formed. What is the percentage yield of this process? [Mg = 24; O = 16]
Ans: Mg + ½O2 → MgO
24g 40g
36 (36/24) x 40 = 60
Hence the %yield = (54/60) x 100
= 90
2. When a piece of impure limestone weighing 150g was heated until it decomposed to CaO
only 63g of CaO were obtained. What is the percentage purity of the limestone? [Ca =
40; O = 16; C = 12]
Ans: CaCO3 + heat → CaO
100g → 56g
In theory 150g → 84g
Hence % purity = (63/84) x 100
= 75
3. H2S gas is bubbled through a 500cm3 solution of Pb2+ ions and 11.95g of PbS are
collected. What is the concentration of the lead ion solution? [Pb = 207; S = 32]
Ans: Pb2+ + S2- → PbS
207g 239g
239g of PbS = 1mole
11.95g of PbS = 0.05 mole in 500cm3
Hence concentration of lead ions = 0.1 moldm-3

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Scandium with atomic number 21 must have 3 unpaired electrons.

Ans: F Has one unpaired electron [Ar]4s23d1

2. Iron with atomic number 26 has no unpaired electrons

Ans: F Has 4 unpaired electrons [Ar]4s23d6

3. Calcium though not a transition element forms complexes

Ans: T Calcium forms an ion with the s, p, and d orbitals all empty and therefore
can accept e-pairs from several ligands

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Gamma rays are very penetrating.

Ans: T

2. Protons are not penetrating.

Ans: F

3. Carbon-14 atoms are produced by the bombardment of atmospheric nitrogen by cosmic

rays.
Ans: T

RIDDLE

1. I am a binary compound
2. I possess a very symmetrical molecule
3. Although I am an endothermic compound I possess some special chemical stability;
4. I am a storehouse of conjugation and delocalisation .
5. My six carbons each bonded to a hydrogen are in a ring
6. I undergo selectively reactions that respect the status of my stability
Who am I?
Benzene

ROUND 1

1. What will account for the difference in the boiling point of water in Accra almost at sea
level and on top of Mt Everest?
Ans: Atmospheric pressures at Accra which is at sea level, and on top of Mt Everest are
different hence the temperatures at which the liquids will boil will be different

2. Two liquids A and B have boiling points 80oC and 60oC respectively. Which of these
would have the higher vapour pressure at room temperature?
Ans: B with the lower boiling point

3. Why does the addition of say table salt to water raise the boiling point of water?
Ans: Addition of non-volatile solute such as table salt to water lowers the vapour
pressure so the temperature at which the lowered vapour pressure will be equal to
the atmospheric pressure is higher.

ROUND 1

1. Why is the strength of the carbon-carbon double bond not twice as much as that of
carbon-carbon single bond?
Ans: The double is made up of one sigma bond and one pie bond. The strength of the
pie bond is not as much as the sigma bond

2. Why does the carbon-carbon double bond attract strongly electrophiles?

 Ans: The pie cloud extends above and below the plane of the molecule and it can
easily be accessed by electrophiles.

3. Why do alkanones and alkanals attract strongly nucleophiles?

Ans: Alkanones and alkanals contain the carbonyl group which is carbon-oxygen
double bond. The group is planar and polarized with positive charge on the
carbon. Nuleophiles can approach the positively charged carbon with ease.

ROUND 1

1. When ethanol is heated over alumina a gas that can be collected over water is formed.
What is this gas?
Ans: Ethene or C2H4

2. When vegetable oils are fully saponified an alkanol is formed among other products.
What is this alkanol?
Ans: 1,2,3-propantriol or glycerol

3. What is the product formed when toluene is heated with alkaline KMnO 4 ?
Ans: Benzoic acid

ROUND 1

1. Ammonium tetraoxosulphate VI is a common fertilizer. What is the percentage nitrogen

in the compound? [S = 32.0; N = 14.0; O = 16.0; H = 1.0]
Ans: (NH4)2SO4 = (14 +4)*2 + 32 + 64 = 132
%N = (28/132) x 100
= 21.2

2. What is the percentage sulphur in ammonium tetraoxosulphate VI? [ S = 32.0;

N = 14.0; O = 16.0; H = 1.0].
 Ans: (NH4)2SO4 = (14 +4)*2 + 32 + 64 = 132
%S = (32/132) x 100
= 24.2

3. Ammonium trioxonitrate V is also a common nitrogenous fertilizer. Calculate its nitrogen

content as a percentage. [N = 14.0; O = 16.0; H = 1.0]
Ans: NH4NO3 = 14 + 4 + 14 + 48 = 80
%N = (28/80) x 100
= 35

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. The Kc and Kp of the reaction A + 2B → C + D all in the gaseous phase are

the same.
Ans: F Kp = Kc(RT)Δn. Kc and Kp are the same only when Δn is zero. Δn is -1.

2. The solubility product is an equilibrium constant.

Ans: T

3. Le Chaterlier’s Principle applies to chemical equilibria and not to physical equilibria.

Ans: F Applies to both chemical and physical equilibria.

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. The metal in Vitamin B12 is chromium.

Ans: F It is cobalt

2. Chlorophyll is an organometallic compound.

Ans: T Contains Magnesium

3. The oxidation state of iron in haemoglobin is +3.

Ans: F It is +2

RIDDLE
1. I am a physical process.
2. Someone might think that I cheat nature
3. I am able to make some bodies disappear into the thin air
4. But to think of it certain purifications would not be possible without me
5. Some of the air fresheners and pesticides work because I am available to help.
6. Camphor and iodine are two of my several friends and they know me very well.
Who am I?
Sublimation

ROUND 1

Preamble to all Schools:

Name any two of the first d-transition series.

Ans: Scandium, Titanium, Vanadium, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Cobolt, Nickel,

Copper, Zinc

ROUND 1

1. Give the systematic name for the ester formed from ethanoic acid and 1-butanol.
Ans: Butyl ethanoate

2. Give the systematic name for the alkanone of seven carbons in a straight chain with the
relevant functional group four carbons from one end.
Ans: 3-heptanone

3. What is the systematic name for the ester derived from phenol and benzoic acid
Ans: Phenyl benzoate

ROUND 1

1. Explain why it may be easier to use the Transition State Theory to explain the occurrence
of reversible reactions.
 Ans: The Transition State Theory predicts the formation of an activated complex which
can decompose to give products or to give back the reactants in the reverse
pathway

2. The Collision Theory on its face value does not predict realistic rates of reactions, why?
Ans: Collision rates are higher than reaction rates because not all the collisions lead to
a reaction

3. Why are reactions in the gaseous phase faster than those in the liquid phase?
Ans: Gaseous substances have higher kinetic energy and therefore have higher collision
rates

ROUND 1

1. Calculate the pH of a 0.10 moldm-3 solution of a weak acid whose pKa is 6.2
Ans: pH = ½pKa – ½log Ca
= 6.2/2 + 0.5
= 3.6

2. Calculate the pOH of 0.010 moldm-3 solution of a weak base of pKb 4.6
Ans pOH = ½pKb - ½logCb
= 4.6/2 + 1
= 3.3

3. Dilute HCl is added to a solution of a weak base with pKb 5.0 until exactly half of the
base is neutralized. What will be the pH of the solution?
Ans: pH = pKa + log [base]/[acid]
pKa = 14 - pKb
= 14 – 5
= 9
When [base] = [acid], log [base]/[acid] = 0
Hence pH = pKa
= 9
 ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. A molecule of Epsom Salt contains 5 molecules of water of crystallization.

Ans: F Has seven molecule of water of crystallization.

2. The anion in Plaster of Paris is trioxosulphate IV.

Ans: F It is tetraoxosulphate VI anion or SO42-.

3. Temporary hardness of water is caused by dissolved CaCO3 in solution

Ans: F Caused by Ca(HCO3)2

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. A molecule of sucrose can be hydrolysed to fructose and glucose

Ans: T

2. Milk sugar, lactose can be hydrolysed to give gulose and galactose.

Ans: F Glucose and galactose

3. A molecule of maltose can be hydrolysed to give two glucose molecules.

Ans: T

RIDDLE

1. I am an inorganic solid

2. I also occur naturally and can exist in several crystalline forms

3. I am variously called emery, ruby or sapphire depending on the impurity present in me.
4. In my very pure form I have high capacity to adsorb other substances onto my surface.

5. It may not be obvious to you that I am ionic but I am easily electrolysed in my fused

state.

6. I am of course the raw material for the industry that justified the building of the

Akosombo Hydroelectric dam in Ghana in the sixties.

Who am I

Alumina or Aluminium oxide

ROUND 1

1. Name one element of the Main Group elements that shows valency of 3 in most of its
compounds.
Ans: Nitrogen, boron and aluminium

2. Name one element of the Main Group elements that shows valency of 4 in most of its
compounds.
Ans: Carbon, silicon and germanium

3. Name one element of the Main Group elements that show only valences of 1, 0 and -1 in
its compounds.
Ans: Hydrogen

ROUND 1

Common preamble to all schools:

Use the diagonal relationship in the Periodic Table to identify the element whose properties
would resemble the given element.

1. Beryllium
Ans: Aluminium

2. Silicon
Ans: Boron

3. Lithium
Ans: Magnesium
[General Guide Li Be B C
Na Mg Al Si]

ROUND 1

1. Define the term ‘The Rate Determining Step’

Ans: It is the slowest step in a reaction mechanism/ or reaction that proceeds in several
steps

2. State Pauling Exclusion Principle

Ans: No two electrons in an atom can have the same four quantum numbers.
OR
An orbital can hold not more than two electrons and the two electrons must have
opposite spin

3. State the Le Chatelier’s Principle.

Ans: When a system, chemical or physical equilibrium, is altered by a change of some
condition, a change occurs to shift the equilibrium composition in a way that
tends to reduce that change of condition

ROUND 1

Preamble to all schools:

Two electrolytic cells, one containing molten alumina and the other molten KBr
are connected in series.

1. How many moles of oxygen would be released from the cell containing alumina when a
charge of 3 Faradays is passed through the cells?
 Ans: Al2O3 + 6 Faraday → 2Al + 1½O2
Hence 3 Faraday = ¾ or 0.75 mole O2

2. How many moles of bromine gas would be released from the cell containing KBr when 4
moles of alumina are formed?
Ans: 2 mole Al = 6 Faraday
Hence 4 mole Al = 12 Faraday
= 6 mole of Br2

3. How many moles of oxygen gas would be released from the cell containing alumina
when half a mole of bromine gas is formed?
Ans: ½ mole Br2 = 1 Faraday
= ¼ or 0.25 mole O2

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. The major inter-molecular forces in CO2 gas are dipole-dipole.

Ans: F induced dipole-induced dipole.

2. The major inter-molecular forces in argon gas are induced dipole-induced dipole.
Ans: T

3. The major inter-molecular forces in crystalline glucose is H-bonding

Ans: T

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Nylon is an addition polymer

Ans: F It is condensation polymer

2. Teflons are condensation polymers

Ans: F They are addition polymers

3. Polythene and polystyrene are both addition polymers

Ans: T
 RIDDLE

1. I am an inorganic compound.
2. I am derived from a metal and a non-metal
3. I exist in two crystalline forms.
4. One of my crystalline forms usually coloured reddish yellow is called litharge
5. My other crystalline form is yellow in colour and is traditionally referred to as massicot
6. I am easily reduced to my metal component when I am heated with carbon or hydrogen
7. My metal is the last member of Group 4 or 14
Who am I
Lead II oxide or PbO

ROUND 1

1. Name the components of the mixture of solid substances put in the Blast Furnace before
hot air is blown into it.
Ans: Iron ore, coke and limestone

2. Give the two products formed in the Blast Furnace when the carbon II oxide formed first
encounters the ore, iron III oxide.
Ans: Fe and FeO or iron II oxide as shown in (1) and (2) below
Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2 ………..(1)
Fe2O3 + CO → 2FeO + CO2 ………...(2)

3. What role does the limestone play in the smelting of iron using the Blast Furnace.
Ans: It decomposes to CaO which then reacts with sand/silica to form CaSiO 3.

ROUND 1

1. How many elements are present in the Period 4 in the Periodic Table?
Ans: 18 elements ( Potassium, calcium , scandium …….Krypton)

2. How many elements are present in the Period 1 in the Periodic Table?
Ans: 2 elements (H, He)

3. How many elements are present in the Period 3 in the Periodic Table?
Ans: 8 elements ( Sodium, magnesium …….Argon)
 ROUND 1

1. What is mesomerism?
Ans: It is when a molecule can be represented by several electronic structures, ie
different electron positions but the same positions for the atoms.

2. What do we call the two structures written to represent the actual structure of benzene?
Ans: Resonance structures or canonical forms or mesomers.

3. The amino group bonded to an alkyl group tends to pull electrons to itself. What is this
phenomenon called?
Ans: Electron Withdrawing Inductive Effect

ROUND 1

1. Calculate the average rate of decomposition of a gaseous compound A if its concentration

decreased from 1.60 x 10-2 moldm-3 to 1.45 x 10-2 moldm-3 in 5 minutes.
Ans: Rate = Δconcentration/Δtime = (0.15 x 10-2)/(3 x 102)
= 5.0 x 10-6 moldm-3 s-1

2. Calculate the rate constant of a first order reaction if the average rate of the reaction is
3.20 x 10-5 moldm-3 s-1 when the concentration of the reactant is 0.08moldm-3.
Ans: Rate = k[conc.]1
3.20 x 10-5 = k[8 x 10-2]
Hence k = 4.0 x 10-4 s-1

3. The initial rate of decomposition of compound B was 4.2 x 10 -6 moldm-3 s-1 when the
concentration was 0.0024moldm-3. When the concentration was increased to 0.0036
moldm-3 the initial rate increased to 6.3 x 10-6 moldm-3s-1. Determine the rate law
equation for the reaction.
Ans: (Rate)2/(Rate)1 = (k[B]2/k[B]1)x where x is the order of the reaction
Hence (6.3 x10-6)/(4.2 x10-6) = (0.0036/0.0024)x
9/6 = (9/6)x
Hence x = 1
Rate Law Rate = k[B]

ROUND 3
 TRUE OR FALSE

1. The metallic bond is the electrostatic attraction between the metal ion and its electrons’
Ans: F It is electrostatic attraction between metal ion and a ‘sea’ of electron.

2. The hardness of the metals in the third period of the Periodic Table increases from
sodium to aluminium.
Ans: T

3. The metallic bonds are broken when a metal is pulled into forming a wire.
Ans: F

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. The reaction of bromine with benzene in the presence iron III bromide is an example of
substitution reaction.
Ans: T Bromobenzene is formed

2. The reduction of ethene to ethane is an example of addition reaction.

Ans: T two atoms of hydrogen added.

3. Saponification of methyl palmitate is a nucleophilic substitution.

Ans: T HO- ion attacks the carbonyl carbon and replaces the methoxide ion.

RIDDLE

1. I was born in Germany in July 1841 and attended school in Hamburg till the age 16

2. I then started apprenticeship in pharmacy and completed that in 1862.

3. I then embarked on postgraduate studies in Chemistry and received my PhD degree

Chemistry in 1864
4. I worked as Chemistry lecturer in Germany, France and Portugal before returning to

Germany in 1872.

5. I made a name in carbohydrate chemistry and developed a reliable reagent for reducing

sugars

6. This reagent is named after me and you know it as Silver Mirror Test.

Who am I?

(Bernhard Christian Gottfried) TOLLENS

ROUND 1

1. Two elements A and B have atomic numbers 11 and 16 respectively. What kind of bond
will be formed between the atoms of the two elements?
Ans: Ionic (Na and S)

2. Two elements M and Q have atomic numbers 6 and 14 respectively. What kind of bond
will be formed between the atoms of the two elements?
Ans: Covalent (C and Si)

3. Two elements T and X have atomic numbers 8 and 17 respectively. What kind of bond
will be formed between the atoms of the two elements?
Ans: Covalent (O and Cl)

ROUND 1
1. Gold can be concentrated from its ore or source by reacting the powdered ore with
sodium cyanide solution in the presence of oxygen. Give the formula or the name of the
product of the reaction.
Ans: NaAu(CN)2 Sodium dicyanoaurate III

2. Gold can be concentrated from its ore or source by treating the powdered material with
mercury. Name the product formed.
Ans: Gold amalgam

3. Gold ore is sometimes roasted before the concentration process. Why?

Ans: To get rid of the sulphur and arsenic in the ore as their oxides.

ROUND 1

1. Radiation from a radioactive source can affect matter in two ways. Give one of them.
Ans: Can ionize molecules or atoms in the matter OR
Excite electrons in the molecules or atoms into higher energy orbitals

2. One type of devise for detecting radiation is the Ionisation Counter. How does it work?
Ans: It counts the particles emitted from the radioactive nuclei.

3. Another type of devise for detection radiation is the Scintillation Counter. How does it
work?
Ans: It detects radiation from the flashes of light generated in a material struck by the
radiation

ROUND 1

1. The solubility product of a salt AB2 at 30oC is 1.08 x 10-13. Calculate the solubility of the
salt at that temperature.
Ans: AB2 → A2+ + 2B- Let solubility be x then Ksp = 4x3
4x3 = 1.08 x 10-13
x3 = 0.27 x 10-13 ≡ 27 x 10-15
hence x = 3.0 x 10-5
2. The solubility product of SrCO3 at 30oC is 3.6 x 10-5. Calculate the solubility of the salt
at that temperature.
Ans: Ksp = x2 = 3.6 x 10-5
hence x = 6.0 x 10-3

3. The solubility product of lead II chloride at 40oC is 3.2 x 10-5. Calculate the solubility of
the salt at that temperature. You may leave your answer as root
Ans: Ksp = 4x3 = 3.20 x 10-5
x3 = 0.80 x 10-5 or 8 x 10-6
Hence x = 2.0 x 10-2

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. A rise in temperature of 20oC of a reaction doubles the rate of the reaction.

Ans: F 10oC rise doubles the rate
2. Catalysts undergo no chemical or physical change during reaction.
Ans: F They undergo physical change
3. While heterogeneous catalysts are generally positive homogeneous catalysts are
inhibitors.
Ans: F No chemical basis

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Sodium forms three different oxides.

Ans: T Na2O; Na2O2; NaO2

2. Nitrogen forms three different oxides.

Ans: F Forms 5 oxides, N2O, NO, NO2, N2O5, N2O4.

3. While magnesium oxide is ionic magnesium hydride is partly ionic and partly covalent.
Ans: T

RIDDLE
1. I am a binary compound made up of triatomic molecules.

2. My name suggests that if I were a boxer I’d belong to the heavy weight group

3. I am not as common as the binary compound derived from my brother.

4. I am a liquid of boiling point 101.4oC

5. I am left as residue after a prolonged electrolysis of binary compound of my brother.

6. I am used as moderator in nuclear reactors

Who am I?

D2O or Heavy water

ROUND 1

1. What is ‘aqua regia’?

Ans: 1:1 mixture of con. HNO3 and Conc. H2SO4

2. Which substance is also known as ‘aqua fortis’?

Ans: Concentrated HNO3.

3. Nitration of glycerol with HNO3 produces nitroglycerine which explodes when it receives
a shock. Why is nitroglycerine a good explosive?
Ans: It decomposes to give very large volume of gases ( 4 moles of liquid giving 29
moles of gases)

ROUND 1

1. Which is more electronegative, oxygen and carbon?

Ans: Oxygen

2. Which is more electronegative, carbon and hydrogen?

Ans: Carbon

3. What is the electronegative value for neon?

Ans: Zero (inert gas)
 ROUND 1

1. If the dipole moment of carbon II oxide molecule is 0.10 Debye, what could be the value
for carbon IV oxide?
Ans: Zero the dipoles cancel out

2. If the dipole moment for CHCl3 molecule is 1.02 Debye what could be the value for CCl4
molecule?
Ans: Zero Symmetrical molecules, the 4 dipoles cancel out.

3. The dipole moment for CO2 molecule is zero while that for SO2 is 1.64 Debye. What
could account for this difference?
Ans: CO2 is linear hence dipoles cancel out, SO2 is a bent molecule, dipoles do not
cancel out.

ROUND 1

1. Calculate the enthalpy of combustion of ethane, given that the enthalpies of formation of
ethane, CO2 and H2O are -85 kJmol-1, -394 kJmol-1 and -286 kJmol-1 respectively.
Ans: C2H6 + 3½O2 → 2CO2 + 3H2O
ΔH(reaction) =sum of ΔHf(products) - sumΔHf(reactants)
= ( 2 x-394 +3 x -286) - -85
= -1646 +85
= -1561 or 1.561 x 103kJmol-1

2. When a mole of nitroglycerine decomposes 5.70 x 103 kJ of heat is given off. The
balanced equation for the reaction is as follows
4C3H5(NO3)3(l) → 12CO2 + 10H2O(g) + O2 + 6N2 If the enthalpies of
-1 -1
formation of CO2 and H2O are -394 kJmol and -242 kJmol respectively what is the
enthalpy of formation of nitroglycerine?
Ans: ΔHf (products) = 12 x -394 + 10 x -242 = -5148
4ΔHf (glycerine) = ΔHf(products) - ΔH(reaction)
= -7148 - - 5700
= -1448
ΔHf(glycerine) = -362 kJmol-3

3. Calculate the enthalpy of chlorination of a mole of methane to tetrachloromethane, given

that enthalpies of formation of CH4, CCl4 and HCl are -75 kJmol-1, -140 kJmol-1 and -92
kJmol-1 respectively.
Ans: CH4 + 4Cl2 → CCl4 + 4HCl
ΔH(reaction) = (-140 + 4 x -92) - -75
= -508 + 75
 = -433 kJmol-1

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. The enzyme that catalyses the conversion of starch to maltose is maltase

Ans: F It is diastase

2. The enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of sucrose to fructose and glucose is invertase.
Ans: T

3. The enzyme that catalyses the conversion of glucose and fructose into ethanol is zymase
Ans: T

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. One of the postulates of the Kinetic Theory of Gases says that gases are made up
molecules or atoms whose sizes cannot be taken for granted
Ans: F Sizes are negligible compared to distances between them

2. Molecules move in straight lines in one direction

Ans: F They move randomly in all directions

3. When the molecules collide not all the collisions are elastic.
Ans: F All collisions are elastic

RIDDLE

1. We have been known to mankind since very early times.

2. We are among the few elements which mankind finds everywhere either in the pure form

or in the combined state

3. We are indeed allotropes of the same element.

4. Take us away from the earth and there will be no life as we know it
5. Though we are in a way siblings our beauties are strikingly different.

6. One us is the hardest natural substance known to mankind

Who are we?

(Allotropes of) CARBON

ROUND 1

1. The performance characteristics of petrol are given an octane rating. Why the name
octane?
Ans: The burning characteristics of petrol are compared with those of various mixtures
of heptane and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, an isomer of octane where the pentane
derivative is given octane rating of 100.

2. How does a refinery increase the yield of gasoline/petrol from crude petroleum oil?
Ans: By cracking heavy fractions/distillates

3. How can the octane rating of petrol be improved?

Ans: By adding additives or blending with reformed products.

ROUND 1

Preamble to all schools:

You will be given an equilibrium reaction and you are to predict with reasons the effect
of increasing pressure on the product concentration and the equilibrium constant
1. 2SO2(g) + O2(g) → 2SO3(g)
Ans: Reaction proceeds with decrease in number of gaseous molecules/volume.
Increase in pressure will increase product concentration but will not affect the
equilibrium constant

2. CaCO3(s) → CaO(s) + CO2(g)

 Ans: Reaction proceeds with increase in number of gaseous molecules/volume.
Increase in pressure will decrease product concentration but will not affect the
equilibrium constant.

3. CO2(g) + 2H2O(g) → CH4(g) + 2O2(g)

Ans: Reaction proceeds with no change in number of gaseous molecules/volume so
increase in pressure will not have any effect on the product concentration and
equilibrium constant will not be affected

ROUND 1

1. When boron-10 atom, atomic number 5 is bombarded with a neutron a new nuclide is
formed and an α particle given off. Give the mass number and the atomic number of the
new nuclide formed.
Ans: A nuclide with mass number 7 and atomic number 3

2. When plutonium-239, atomic number 94 is bombarded with an alpha particle a new

nuclide is formed and one neutron given off. Give the mass number and the atomic
number of the new nuclide formed.
Ans: A nuclide with mass number 242 and atomic number 96

3. Uranium-239, atomic number 92 decays by beta emission. Give the mass number and the
atomic number of the new nuclide formed.
Ans: A nuclide with mass number 239 and atomic number 93

ROUND 1

Preamble to all schools:

A steel vessel contains 24g of O2, 55g of CO2, 56g of N2 and 40g of argon at a total
pressure of 120kPa. [Ar = 40; O = 16.0; N = 14.0; C = 12.0]

1. Calculate the mole fraction of argon

Ans: 24g of O2 = 24/32 = 0.75 mol; 55g of CO2 = 55/44 = 1.25 mol;
56g of N2 = 56/28 = 2 mol, 40g of argon = 40/40 = 1 mol
Total number of moles= 0.75 +1.25 + 3 = 5
 Hence mol fraction of argon = 1/5 = 0.2

2. Calculate the partial pressures of oxygen and argon

Ans: Partial pressure of O2 = ( 0.75/5) x 120 = 18kPa
Partial pressure of argon = (1/5) x 120 = 24kPa

3. Calculate the partial pressures of CO2 and N2

Ans: Partial pressure of CO2 = (1.25/5) x 120 = 30 kPa
Partial pressure of N2 = (2/5) x 120 = 48 kPa

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. For a first order reaction the half-life is independent of the concentration of reactant.
Ans: T t½ = 0.693/k
2. For a second order reaction the half life is proportional to concentration
Ans: F t½ = 1/k[A]
3. For a first order reaction the plot of log[A] vs time gives a straight line where [A] is
concentration of the reactant at time t.
Ans; T log [A] = -kt/2.303 + log[Ao]

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Iodine is found in certain aquatic weeds.

Ans: F Found in sea weeds

2. Copper, silver and gold are the metals in the Periodic Table referred to as ‘Coinage
Metals’.
Ans: T

3. Boron is a hard solid although it is a metalloid.

Ans: T

RIDDLE

1. I am a chemical reaction normally associated with organic compounds

2. I am an addition reaction.
3. I can be used as a test for the presence of an unsaturated bond
4. My progress can be followed by the disappearance of a brown colour
5. When I am in progress no fumes are evolved
6. My main reagent involves the third member of the halogen group
Who am I
Bromination of unsaturated compounds/alkenes (do not accept bromination of benzene)

ROUND 1

1. Give the meaning of the phrase ‘heating under reflux’.

Ans: Boiling a mixture in a vessel with a vertical condenser so that the vapourised
liquid is condensed back into the mixture and the process repeating itself.

2. What type of experiment will you be performing if you pack a glass tube containing an
organic solvent with alumina and try to separate an organic mixture on it?
Ans: Column chromatography.

3. What is the name of the piece of glassware used for separating two immiscible liquids?
Ans: Separating funnel

ROUND 1

1. A test tube is suspected to contain a solution of Na 2SO3. What test will you perform to
establish the identity of the anion present?
Ans: 1. Heat the test tube and a gas of sharp smell given off. The gas turns yellow
acidified dichromate solution green or decolourises acidified KMnO 4 solution
OR
2. Add BaCl2 or Ba(NO3)2 solution followed by dilute HNO3. White precipitate
formed dissolving in excess acid.
2. A test tube is suspected to contain a solution of NaCl. What test will you perform to
establish the identity of the anion present?
Ans: Add dilute AgNO3 followed by dilute ammonia. White precipitate is obtained,
precipitate soluble in excess ammonia.

3. Describe the Brown Ring test for the NO3- ion in solution
Ans: Add freshly prepared FeSO4 solution followed by concentrated H2SO4 poured
slowly down the walls of the tilted test tube. Brown ring is formed at the junction
of the acid and the solution

ROUND 1

1. Which metal ore is associated with Nsuta in Ghana?

Ans: Manganese

2. Which metal ore is associated with Opon Manso in Ghana?

Ans: Iron

3. Which mineral is Mount Ejuamena in Ghana associated with?

Ans: Bauxite

ROUND 1

1. Write a balanced equation for the reaction of water with the nitrogen IV oxide to give
dioxonitrate III acid and trioxonitrate V acid.
Ans: NO2 - e + H2O → HNO3 + H+ …….oxidation
NO2 + e + H2O → HNO2 + HO -
……..reduction
2NO2 + H2 O → HNO2 + HNO3 ……..Redox

2. Write a balanced reaction for the decomposition of dioxnitrate III acid to give nitrogen II
oxide, trioxonitrate V acid and water.
 Ans: 2HNO2 + 2e → 2NO + 2HO- ………..Reduction
HNO2 - 2e + H2O → HNO3 + 2H+ ………..Oxidation
3HNO2 → HNO3 + 2NO + H2O …….…Redox

3. Write a balanced equation for the oxidation of ammonia by oxygen gas in the presence of
a catalyst to give nitrogen II oxide and water.
Ans: 4NH3 + 4H2O - 20e → 4NO + 20H+ ….Oxidation
5O2 + 20H + 20e →
+
10H2O …..Reduction
4NH3 + 5O2 → 4NO + 6H2O …..Redox

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Iron obtained directly from the Blast Furnace is called ‘Wrought Iron”
Ans: F Called ‘Cast Iron’

2. All steels contain some carbon.

Ans: T Steels contain between 0.1 and 1.64%

3. Chromium and nickel metals are added to steel to make it more shiny and beautiful.
Ans: F The metals added to make steel more resistant to chemicals

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Addition of potassium hexacyanoferrate III solution to a solution of copper II gives a blue

precipitate.
Ans: F Reddish brown precipitate formed

2. Addition of potassium hexacyanoferrate II solution to a solution of iron III gives a

reddish brown precipitate.
Ans: F Dark blue precipitate formed

3. Addition of potassium hexacyanoferrate II solution to a solution of iron II gives a white

precipitate which on standing turns blue.
Ans: T
 RIDDLE

1. I was born in 1837.

2. My parents are Russians so you can guess my country of birth.
3. My father was an Army Officer.
4. Chemistry students love and often quote or use the rule that I am named after.
5. My rule governs the addition of unsymmetrical reagents to double bonds,
6. I was also the first Chemist to synthesize 4-membered and 7-membered rings which until
that time were considered not stable enough to be isolated.
Who am I?
Vladimir Markovnikov.

ROUND 1

1. How many sub-shells are present in the third energy level of an atom?
Ans: 3, (s, p, d sub-shells)

2. How many orbitals are present in the d sub-shell?

Ans: 5

3. How many electrons are present in a fully-filled third energy shell?

Ans: 18 (3s23p63d10)

ROUND 1

1. Ethanol is not acidic yet beer is acidic, why?

Ans; Beer contains CO2, by-product of fermentation.

2. What is the organic substance in vinegar?

Ans: Ethanoic acid

3. Name any two products obtained from distillation of crude petroleum at the Tema Oil
Refinery
Ans: Liquefied gas, petrol/gasoline, kerosene, aviation fuel (or ATK), diesel.

ROUND 1
1. Does tin metal react with dilute HCl?
Ans: Yes

2. Tin reacts with dilute HCl. Is the reaction fast or slow?

Ans: Slow

3. Aluminium reacts with hydrochloric acid. For the best results should one use dilute or
moderately concentrated or very concentrated acid?
Ans: Moderately concentrated

ROUND 1

1. What is the percentage oxygen in 3-hexanone? [O = 16.0: C = 12.0; H = 1.0]

Ans: 3-hexanone = CH3CH2COCH2CH2CH3 = C6H12O
C6H12O = 6x12 + 12 +16 = 100
%O = (16/100) x 100
= 16
2. What is the percentage hydrogen in 1-hexanol? You may give your answer to one place
of decimal. [O = 16.0: C = 12.0; H = 1.0]
Ans 1-Hexanol = CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2OH = C6H13OH
C6H11OH = 6x12 + 14 + 16 = 102
%H = (14/102) x 100
= 13.7

3. What is the percentage nitrogen in butyl amine. You may give your answer to one place
of decimal. [N = 14.0; C = 12.0; H = 1.0]
Ans: Butyl amine = CH3CH2CH2CH2NH2 = C4H11N
C4H11N = 4x12 + 11+ 14 = 73
%N = (14/73) x 100 = 19.2

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE
1. Bauxite is hydrated aluminium oxide.
Ans: T Al2O3.2H2O or Al(OH)3

2. In the manufacture of steel magnesium is added to it to enhance its hardness and strength.
Ans: F Manganese is added for that purpose.

3. Canned foods are also called tinned foods because the containers are made from tin metal
plated with aluminium metal.
Ans: F The cans are made from iron sheets plated with tin

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.

Ans: T (60% Cu and 40% Zn)

2. Bronze is also an alloy of copper and tin.

Ans: T (90% Cu and 10% Sn)

3. Both brass and bronze are more resistant to corrosion than pure copper.
Ans: T

RIDDLE

1. I am a spontaneous transformation.

2. Some scientists would describe me as mother to daughter transformation.

3. The biologist would regard part of me as an unfortunate and avoidable process.

4. This mother to daughter transformation involves a loss of 4 mass units and two units of

charge.
5. No matter the mother population and where and when I occur it takes the same time for

50% of the mothers to produce daughters.

6. The particles ejected from the mothers’ womb have very weak penetrating ability.

What am I?

Alpha-decay

ROUND 1

1. Which chemical is manufactured by the Contact Process?

Ans: Concentrated H2SO4

2. What is the name of the industrial process for the manufacture of ammonia?
Ans: Haber Process

3. Name the catalyst used in the Contact Process.

Ans: Platinum deposited on asbestos OR Vanadium V oxide/V2O5

ROUND 1

1. Give the systematic names of the three alkanol isomers of 1-butanol.

Ans: 2-butanol, 2-methyl-2-propanol and 2-methyl-1-propanol

2. Which of the isomers of 1-butanol, namely, 2-butanol, 2-methyl-2-propanol and 2-

methyl-1-propanol will not react with acidified K2 Cr2O7 and why?
Ans: 2-methyl-2-propanol. Reason It is a tertiary alkanol.

3. Which of the isomers of butanol, including 1-butanol will give alkanal when oxidized and
why?
Ans: 1-butanol, and 2-methyl-1-propanol. Reason they are primary alkanols.

ROUND 1
 1. State Hess’s Law.
Ans: The total enthalpy change of a reaction is independent of the reaction path.

2. State Graham’s Law of Diffusion.

Ans: At constant temperature and pressure the rate of diffusion of a gas is inversely
proportional to the square root of its density or molar mass.

3. State Avogadro’s Law.

Ans: Equal volumes of any two gases at the same temperature and pressure contain the
same number of molecules

ROUND 1

Preamble to all schools:

300cm3 of 0.15 moldm-3 HCl solution are thoroughly mixed with 200 cm3 of 0.20 moldm-3 of
NaOH solution.

1. Calculate the of moles of NaCl formed

Ans: HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O
Moles of HCl = (300/1000) x 0.15 = 0.045
Moles of NaOH = (200/1000) x 0.20 = 0.040
Therefore moles of NaCl = 0.040

2. Calculate the concentration of HCl in the final solution.

Ans: Mole of HCl in solution = 0.045 - 0.040 = 0.005
Total volume 300 + 200 = 500cm3
Hence concentration = 0.010moldm-3

3. Calculate the concentration of the solution with respect to NaCl.

Ans: Moles of NaCl = 0.040 in 500 cm3
Hence concentration = 0.080 moldm-3

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE
1. Alkaline KMnO4 can be used to oxidize secondary alcohols to ketones.
Ans: T

2. Toluene heated with acidified KMnO4 solution will convert it into benzoic acid.
Ans: F Solution should be alkaline

3. Lindane, a powerful insecticide is 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane. This can be made

by bubbling chlorine through hot benzene.
Ans: F Can be made by irradiating a mixture of benzene and Cl2 with UV light

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Diamond is a metalloid
Ans: F It is a non-metal

2. Silicon is a non-metal.
Ans: F It is a metalloid.

3. Astatine, the last member of Group 7 or 17 is a metalloid

Ans: T

RIDDLE

1. I am a physical process often carried out under a chemistry umbrella

2. But to think of it I am a process taking place everywhere and all the time

3. To animals, especially humans, I am experienced whenever an idea comes up in a very

clear form.
4. Normally but not always I prefer to deal with saturated solutions.

5. I can also be a powerful analytical tool.

6. In the end solids with clearly defined shapes are formed through me

Who am I?

Crystallization

ROUND 1

1. What is the name or the symbol of the element named after the Scientist who first
arranged elements in a Periodic Table?
Ans: Medeleeviium or Md, named after the Russian Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev.

2. What is the name of the transition metal whose name in Swedish means ‘heavy stone’?
Ans: tungstein

3. What is the symbol for the transition metal ‘rhodium’?

Ans: Rh

ROUND 1

1. How many covalent bonds are present in the ClO3- ion?

Ans: 6
2. How many covalent bonds are present in the HNO 3 molecule?
Ans: 6
3. How many covalent bonds are in the molecule of phosgene, COCl2, a highly poisonous
gas?
Ans: 4

ROUND 1

1. Why does the atomic radius increase down a Group in the Periodic Table?
Ans: As one goes down more shells are added.
2. Why does the first ionization energy not increase smoothly from left to right in a Period
of the Periodic Table?
Ans: If loss of electron will give rise to a fully filled or half filled sub-shell or shell that
loss takes place more easily than the loss of the first electron in the previous atom.

3. Why does the first ionization energy decrease down a Group of the Periodic Table?
Ans: Electron being lost is located in the valence shell which becomes farther removed
as one goes down the group.

ROUND 1

1. The reduction potentials of the half-cells Q+/Q and Y+/Y are -0.75 and -1.20 V
respectively. Write the equation for the reaction of a possible cell that can be made from
the half-cells and calculate the initial emf of the cell.
Ans: Y - e → Y+ +1.20
Q +
+ e → Q -0.75
Cell reaction Y + Q +
→ +
Y + Q +0.45
Emf = +0.45 V

2. The reduction potentials of the half-cells A+/A and B+/B are -0.65 and +0.30 V
respectively. Write the equation for the reaction of a possible cell that can be made from
the half-cells and calculate the initial emf of the cell.
Ans: A - e → A+ +0.65
B +
+ e → B +0.30
Cell reaction A + B+ → A+ + B +0.95
Emf = +0.95 V

3. The reduction potentials of the half-cells R+/R and S+/S are +0.45 and +0.96 V
respectively. Write the equation for the reaction of a possible cell that can be made from
the half-cells and calculate the initial emf of the cell.
Ans: R - e → R+ -0.45
S +
+ e → S +0.96
Cell reaction R + S +
→ +
R + S +0.51
Emf = +0.51 V

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. If the half-life of a radioactive substance is 20 days the substance will lose all its activity
in 40 days.
 Ans: F. 40 days is two half-lives, substance will lose only 75%

2. For a reaction that is zero order with respect to one of the reactants, the reaction can
proceed without that reactant.
Ans: F reaction needs that reactant; its concentration does not affect the rate.

3. For a zero order reaction that involves only one reactant the Collision Theory does not
apply.
Ans: F Reactant molecules have to collide to form the activated complex.

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Calcium sulphide is very soluble in water.

Ans: T Passing H2S through a solution of calcium II ions does not give a
precipitate

2. Lead sulphide is black in colour.

Ans: T

3. Passing H2S through neutral solution of iron III ions gives a brownish-black precipitate.
Ans: F Iron III oxidizes S2- to elemental sulphur

RIDDLE

1. I like it big because everything about me is big.

2. I contain many, many smaller units combined in a chemical reaction.

3. My independent units will decolorize bromine dissolved in trichloromethane

4. The actual carbon-hydrogen ratio in my independent unit molecules is 2:4

5. My manufacture has provided employment for many throughout the world including

sanitary officers

6. I am not biodegradable and despite my usefulness, I have become a threat to the

environment

Who am I?

Polythene/Polyethene

ROUND 1

1. What energy changes occur when concentrated H2SO4 is dissolved in water?

Ans: a) Energy to overcome intermolecular forces b) Energy to dissociate the protons
c) Hydration energy for H+ and SO42- ions

2. The dissolution of ammonium chloride in water is endothermic. State the energy changes
taking place that can account for this observation.
Ans: a) Lattice energy to separate the ions b) Solvation energy of NH 4+ and Cl- ions.
(a) is endothermic while (b) is exothermic; since overall reaction is endothermic
(a) is larger than (b)

3. What changes occur when dilute HCl is neutralized with dilute NaOH. Indicate in each
case whether the change is expected to be exothermic or endothermic.
Ans: a) Hydration energies of H+ and Cl- destroyed ----endothermic and b) New
covalent bond formed between H+ and -OH ions ---exothermic

ROUND 1

1. When K2Cr2O7 acts as an oxidizing agent in acidic medium how many electrons per
molecule does it accept?
 Ans Total of 6 electrons

2. When KMnO4, a powerful oxidizing agent acts as an oxidizing agent in acidic medium
how many electrons per molecule does it accept?
Ans: 5 electrons

3. When BrO3- ion, a good oxidizing agent acts as an oxidizing agent in acidic medium
forming Br - ion, how many electrons per molecule does it accept?
Ans: 6 electrons

ROUND 1

1. Give the systematic name for the compound Fe(NH4)2(SO4)2.6H2O

Ans: Diammonium iron tetraoxosulphate VI hexahydrate

2. Give the systematic name for the double salt KAl(SO4)2.12H2O

Ans: Aluminium potassium tetraoxosulphate VI dodecahydrate

3. Give the systematic name for the oxidizing agent K2Cr2O7

Ans: Potassium hexaoxo-μ-oxo-dichromate VI

ROUND 1

1. Calculate the enthalpy change for hydrogenation of ethyne to ethene from the following
bond energies in kJmol-1. C≡C 840; C=C 610; C-H 410; H-H 436.
Ans: H-C≡C-H + H-H → H2-C≡C-H2
Bonds broken = C≡C, H-H, = 840 + 436 = +1276
Bonds formed = C=C, 2C-H = -610 + -2 x 410 = -1430
Enthalpy change = 1276 - 1430 = -154kJmol-1

2. Calculate the enthalpy change for hydrogenation ethene to ethane from the following
bond energies in kJmol-1. C=C 610; C-C 345; C-H 410; H-H 436.
Ans: H2C=CH2 + H2 → CH3CH3
Bonds broken = C=C, H-H = 610 + 436 = 1046
Bonds formed = C-C, 2C-H = -345 + -2 x 410 = -1165
 Enthalpy change = 1046 - 1165 = -121 kJmol-1

3. Calcuate the enthalpy change for hydrogenation propanone to 2-propanol from the
following bond energies in kJmol-1. C=O 805; C-O 360; C-H 410; O-H 464
H-H 436.
Ans: CH3COCH3 + H-H → CH3CHOHCH3
Bonds broken = C=O, H-H = 805 + 436 = 1241
Bonds formed = C-O, C-H, O-H = -360 + -410 + -464 = -1234
Enthalpy change = 1241 - 1234 = +7 kJmol-1

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. The amount of chlorine gas that will be discharged by passing an amount of charge
during the electrolysis of molten MgCl2 and AlCl3 in electrolytic cells connected in series
will be the same.
Ans: T Charge 2F will always discharge 1mole of Cl2 irrespective of the source.

2. The electrolysis of concentrated NaCl solution using carbon electrodes at one instant and
using platinum at another instant will yield different products.
Ans: F Carbon and Pt are both inert electrodes

3. The electrolysis of copper II tetraoxosuphate VI solution using carbon electrodes will

discharge copper metal at the anode.
Ans: F For Cu to be discharged Cu2+ must flow to the anode, this cannot happen.

ROUND 3
 TRUE OR FALSE

1. All Group 3 elements with the exception of one are metals.

Ans: T Only boron is metalloid.

2. All Group 5 (or15) are either non-metals or metalloids.

Ans: F one of them Bismuth is a metal

3. All Group6 (or16) are non-metals or metals.

Ans: F Tellerium is a metalloid

RIDDLE

1. I am a metallic element which when freshly cut has silvery appearance

2. I was discovered as far back as 1808 by Davy and named after a town in Scotland.

3. My atomic number 38 and hence electronic configuration put me in Group 2

4. As a metal in the 5th Period I am softer than my predecessor and react more vigorously

with water.

5. I spontaneously ignite in air if I am finely divided and impart beautiful crimson colour to

the flame

6. For this reason I am used in fireworks

Who am I?

Strontium
 ROUND 1

1. Why is the symbol for tin Sn?

Ans Metal was originally called STANNUM

2. Why is the symbol for metallic lead Pb?

Ans: Metal was originally called PLUMBUM

3. Why is the symbol for sodium Na?

Ans: Comes from the Latin name NATRIUM

ROUND 1

1. If one heats an organic compound with aqueous NaOH and a gas identified as ammonia
is detected what type of compound could it be?
Ans: An (unsubstituted) amide

2. If a carbohydrate gives a brick red precipitate with Fehling’s Reagent what type of
carbohydrate could be present?
Ans: Reducing sugar

3. If an organic substance gives a blue-black coloration with ninhydrin reagent what could
be that organic substance?
Ans: An α–amino acid or protein or (poly)peptide
 ROUND 1

1. Which Gas Laws combine to give Ideal Gas equation?

Ans: Boyle’s, Charles’ and Avogadro’s Laws

2. State Charles’ Law and show how the Kinetic Theory of gases explains it,
Ans: At constant Pressure, the volume of a fixed amount of a gas is indirectly
proportional to absolute temperature. When a fixed amount of gas is heated the
molecules attain a higher kinetic energy and therefore experience more collisions
with the walls of the container

3. State Boyle’s Law and show how the Kinetic Theory of gases explains it.
Ans: The volume of a fixed amount of gas is inversely proportional to its pressure at
constant temperature. As volume is increased the rate of collision with the
surface of the container decreases. Pressure depends on these collisions.

ROUND 1

1. 320 cm3 of a standard solution, 0.10 moldm-3 with respect to H+ ions is required. How
can this be prepared from 0.40 moldm-3 stock solution of H2SO4.
Ans: 0.40 moldm-3 H2SO4 ≡ 0.80 moldm-3 H+
Dilution 0.8 moldm-3 → 0.1 moldm-3 ie 1 in 8
3 3
Measure 40 cm of stock solution and dilute to 320 cm

2. 600 cm3 of a standard solution, 0.02 moldm-3 with respect to chloride ions is required.
How can this be prepared from 0.15 moldm-3 stock solution of MgCl2 ?
Ans: 0.15 moldm-3 MgCl2 ≡ 0.30 moldm-3 of Cl-
Dilution 0.30 moldm-3 → 0.02 moldm-3 ie 1 in 15
Measure 40 cm of stock solution and dilute to 600 cm3
3

3. 350 cm3 of a standard solution, 0.18 moldm-3 with respect to Na+ ions is required. How
can this be prepared from 0.21 moldm-3 stock solution of Na2SO4.
Ans: 0.21 moldm-3 Na2SO4 ≡ 0.42 moldm-3 Na+
Dilution 0.42 moldm-3 → 0.18 moldm-3 ie 3 in 7
3 3
Measure 150 cm of the stock solution and dilute to 350 cm .
 ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Cis-trans isomerism is an example of stereoisomerism.

Ans: T
2. Cis-trans isomerism could also be classified as Positional isomerism
Ans: F
3. Once two compounds bear mirror image relationship , the compounds are likely to be
enantiomers
Ans: F Mirror images should not be superimposable to be enatiomers

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. In a mixture of ideal gases, the partial pressure of each component gas is proportional to
its molar mass.
Ans: F It is proportional to mole fraction

2. The rate of diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its density.
Ans: T Density of a gas is directly proportional to its molar mass.

3. According to the Kinetic Theory of gases, the volume of a gas is virtually an empty
space.
Ans T The Theory assumes that the volume occupied by gaseous molecules is
negligible.
 RIDDLE

1. Sometimes I am visible, sometimes not so visible and you have to fish me out.

2. All substances in the elemental form do not want to have anything to do with me

3. I trace my ancestry to the oxygen atom.

4. At the end of the day I am only a number.

5. With regard to oxygen I am a negative integer, with hydrogen I am a positive integer.

6. Though Reduction and Oxidation constitute an inseparable pair I am stuck only to the

latter

Who am I?

Oxidation number/state

ROUND 1

1. What is the systematic name for the amide derived from propanoic acid and ammonia?
Ans; Propanamide

2. What is the systematic name for the amide derived from butanoic acid and ethylamine?
Ans: N-Ethylbutanamide

3. What is the systematic name for the amide derived from benzoic acid and
dimethylamine?
Ans: N,N-dimethylbenzamide/benzanamide
 ROUND 1

Preamble to all schools:

You will be given a statement. You will complete the statement by supplying the missing word
or phrase

1. Standard Enthalpy of neutralization is the enthalpy change when one mole of an acid
reacts with one mole of ………..
Ans: hydroxide ions under standard conditions OR at 298K and 100 kPa.

2. Standard Enthalpy of Combustion is the enthalpy change when one mole of a substance is
………under standard conditions
Ans: burnt completely in excess oxygen

3. For a mixture of gases that do not react together the total pressure is ……..
Ans: sum of the partial pressures of the gases

ROUND 1

1. Give the chemical formula for Epsom Salt.

Ans: MgSO4.7H2O

2. Give the chemical formula for Plaster of Paris.

Ans: CaSO4.½H2O

3. Give the chemical formula for potash alum.

Ans: KAl(SO4)2.12H2O
 ROUND 1

1. An oxide of iron contains 30.0% of oxygen. Calculate its empirical formula. [Fe = 56.0;
O = 16.0]
Ans: Fe 70/56 O 30/16

10/8 15/8

Hence 2 3 Empirical formula Fe2O3

2. An oxide of manganese contains 63.2% manganese. What is the empirical formula of the
oxide. [Mn = 55.0; O = 16.0]
Ans: Mn 63.2/55 O 36.8/16
1.15 2.30
Hence 1 2 Empirical formula MnO2

3. An oxide of vanadium contains 56.0% of the metal. Determine its empirical formula.
[V =51.0; O = 16.0]
Ans: V 56/51 O 44/16
1.10 2.75
1 2.5
2 5 Empirical formula V2O5

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. A diprotic acid may not necessarily be a dibasic acid

Ans: F Both possess 2 replaceable hydrogens.

2. A mixture of a weak acid and any weak base will constitute a buffer.
Ans: F It should be a weak acid and its conjugate base.

3. Indicators for acid-bases titrations can be used for redox titrations.

Ans: F Redox titration may not undergo pH changes
 ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. A mole of oxygen gas will occupy 22.4 dm3 at a pressure of 100 kPa and temperature of
298 K
Ans: F Standard temperature is 273 K

2. One mole of nitrogen gas at 100kPa and 273K will occupy a volume of 0.0244m3.
Ans: T 22.4 dm3 ≡ 0.0224m3

3. A plot of volume V of a gas against temperature ToC at a constant pressure will intercept
the temperature axis -273 oC
Ans: T

RIDDLE

1. I had very little formal education in my childhood.

2. I was the third of 4 siblings.
3. At the age of 14 in 1805 I started an apprenticeship in bookbinding.
4. I started educating myself during the apprenticeship by reading science books.
5. I became a Professor of Chemistry later in my life and I discovered the laws of
Electrolysis.
6. I also discovered the electric motor and constructed the first dynamo
Who am I Michael Faraday

ROUND 1

1. Which property of the C-C double bond enables alkenes to have stereoisomers?
Ans: Rigidity or restricted rotation in the double bond

2. What property of the triple bond makes the hydrogen of a terminal alkyne acidic?
Ans: Higher electronegativity of the carbon of the terminal group.

3. What property of cyclobutane makes it possible to have cis-trans isomers?

Ans: Rigidity in the ring
 ROUND 1

1. If a mixture of limestone and sand is heated strongly together name the product that is
likely to be formed.
Ans: Calcium trioxosilicate IV (CaSiO3)

2. If a mixture of limestone and clay is heated strongly together name the possible product
or products that will be formed.
Ans: Calcium trioxosilicate IV (CaSiO3 ) and Calcium dioxoaluminate III [Ca(AlO2)2]

3. Name any two raw materials needed for the manufacture of soda-glass or pyrex.
Ans: Sand, limestone and either sodium oxide for soda-glass or boron oxide and
aluminium oxide for pyrex

ROUND 1

1. Name any three cations whose presence in water may cause permanent hardness
Ans: Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, Fe3+

2. Why is temporary hardness so called?

Ans: Temporary hardness can be removed simply by boiling.

3. What are synthetic or soapless detergents.

Ans: They are derivatives/sodium salts of alkylsulphonic acids or substituted
benzenesulphonic acids

ROUND 1

Preamble to all schools.

MnO4- ion reacts with iron II in acidic medium according to the following equation;

MnO4- + 5Fe2+ + 8H+ → Mn2+ + 5Fe3+ + 4H2O

In a typical redox titration 25cm3 of Fe2+ solution required 15cm3 of 0.080 moldm-3 solution of
KMnO4 in acid medium.
1. What is the concentration of the Fe2+ solution?
Ans: MnO4-/Fe2+ = 1/5
(15 x 0.80)/(25 x M) = 1/5 where M is the concentration of Fe2+
M = 0.24 moldm-3

2. What is the minimum amount in moles of H+ required for complete reaction?

Ans: Moles of MnO4 - present = (15/1000) x 0.080 = 1.20 x 10-3
Minimum moles of acid required = 8 x 1.2 x 10-3
= 9.6 x 10-3 or 0.0096

3. Suppose the reaction between the MnO4 - ion and Fe2+ ion would run more smoothly
when an excess of 50% acid is present. How much 0.5 moldm-3 of H2SO4 must be added
to 15cm3 of 0.080 moldm-3 of MnO4 - solution.
Ans: Minimum mole of acid required = 9.6 x 10-3
Minimum plus 50% = (9.6 +4.8) x 10-3
= 14.4 x 10-3 moles
But 0.5 moldm-3 H2SO4 ≡ 1.0 moldm-3 H+
Hence volume required = 14.4 cm3

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Primary alkanols can act as reducing agents

Ans: T Alkanols can be oxidized
2. Alkanals can be either reducing or oxidizing agents
Ans: T Alkanals can be reduced or oxidized

3. Alkanoic acids can act as proton donors as well as reducing agents

Ans: F Alkanoic acids can donate protons but cannot be oxidized, it can only be
reduced.

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. In recent times primary cells can be recharged.

Ans: F By definition primary cells are those that cannot be recharged.

2. Electrolytic cells and Voltaic cells are both types of Electrochemical cells
Ans: T

3. Voltaic cells are also known as Galvanic cells

Ans: T

RIDDLE

1. If I were covalent molecule you would describe me as a diatomic molecule

2. But I am not a covalent molecule because my units carry fully formed charges.

3. One part of me is derived from a metal and the other from a non-metal.
4. Although I am a chemical, an inorganic compound I am universally known as a

condiment

5. My common name suggests I am a salt of or for a particular type of furniture.

6. My metal portion has atomic mass of 23 and the non-metal part atomic mass of 35.5

Who am I?

Sodium chloride/NaCl ROUND 1

1. What observation can be made about number of carbons in the fatty acid residues in fats
and oils?
Ans: There are even numbers of carbons

2. Generally what is the main difference between the fatty acid residues in oils and fats?
Ans Fatty acid residues in oils contain more unsaturated carbon-carbon double bonds.

3. What is the alkanol residue common to all fats and oils?

Ans: 1,2,3-propantriol/ glycerol

ROUND 1

1. Define Kp of an equilibrium reaction in the gaseous phase.

Ans: It is the equilibrium constant expressed in terms of the partial pressures of the
reactant and product gases

2. Define Kc of an equilibrium reaction in the gaseous phase.

 Ans It is the equilibrium constant expressed in terms of the concentrations of the
reactant and product gases.

3. Give the type of equilibrium reaction for which:

i) Kp ≠ Kc
ii) Kp = Kc

Ans: i) Kp ≠ Kc When the equilibrium reaction proceeds with either an increase or

decrease in the number of (gaseous) molecules

iii) Kp = Kc when the equilibrium reaction proceeds with no change in the

number of gaseous molecules

ROUND 1

1. State the number of stereoisomers that 1-butene would have.

Ans: Nil, Double bond with identical groups (H) on one of the carbons.

2. How many stereoisomers would the compound 3-chloro-3-methylpentanol have?

Ans: 2 optical isomers/enatiomers. Molecule contains a chiral carbon

3. How many isomers would the compound chlorophenol have?

Ans: 3 isomers, 2-chloro-, 3-chloro-, and 4-chlorophenol.

ROUND 1

1. When H2S is bubbled through concentrated tetraoxosulphateVI acid, sulphur IV oxide,

elemental sulphur and water are formed. Write a balanced equation for the reaction.
Ans: H2S + H2SO4 → SO2 + 2H2O + S
2. Cr2O72- ion oxidizes H2S in acidic medium to give Cr3+ ions, elemental sulphur and
water. Give a balanced equation for this reaction.
Ans: Cr2O72- + 3H2S + 8H+ → 2Cr3+ + 3S + 7H2O

3. MnO4- ion oxidizes SO32- ion in acidic medium to give Mn2+ ion, SO42- ion and water.
Write a balanced equation for the reaction.
Ans: 2MnO4- + 5SO32- + 6H+ → 2Mn2+ + 5SO42- + 3H2O

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Hydrogen has two natural isotopes, protium and deuterium.

Ans: F hydrogen has 3 isotopes, including tritium

2. Carbon has two natural isotopes.

Ans: F Carbon has 3 isotopes, carbon -12, -13 and -14

3. Oxygen has three natural isotopes

Ans: T O-16, O-17 and O-18

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Faraday’s Second Law says that the mass of a metal discharged for a given quantity of
charge is proportional to its atomic weight.
 Ans: F It is rather proportional to the equivalent weight or atomic weight divided
by the charge on the ion.

2. Faraday’s First Law of Electrolysis relates the amount of a substance discharged at an

electrode to the magnitude of current and length of time the current is passed.
Ans: T Mass discharged is proportional to quantity of charge It.

3. In the electrolysis of dilute H2SO4 a charge of 3 Faradays will discharge 3 moles of

hydrogen gas
Ans: F 3F = 3H =1½ mole of H2

RIDDLE

1. In my town I live in a neighbourhood reserved for the rich citizens

2. Indeed my closest neighbours are very rich if not the richest in town but unfortunately I

am not.

3. Everyone knows me as a good messenger, able to send electrical power to all corners of

your country cheaply and quickly.

4. I have been known to mankind for at least the past 5,000 years

5. As an element I reside in nearly the last room of what may be regarded as the transit

quarters of the Periodic Table.

6. Bronze and brass are two of my important alloys.

Who am I?

Copper/Cu
 ROUND 1

1. Name two isomers of n-hexane with a maximum of 5 carbons in an open chain.

Ans: 2-Methylpentane; 3-methylpentane

2. Name two isomers of n-hexane with a maximum of 4 carbons in an open chain.

Ans: 2,2-dimethylbutane; 2,3-dimethylbutane.

3. Name any two compounds with the formula C6H12 containing cyclobutane ring.
Ans: Ethylcyclobutane; 1,1-dimethylcyclobutane; ( cis or trans-)1,2-
dimethylcyclobutane; ( cis or trans-)1,3-dimethylcyclobutane

ROUND 1

1. A reaction has a Rate Law Rate = k[A][B]2 where A and B are reactants. By what
factor does the rate increase when the concentrations of both reactants are doubled?
Ans: Rate will increase by a factor of 2 x 4 = 8.

2. Consider the reaction 4HBr + O2 → 2Br2 + 2H2O. How would the rates of
the disappearance of O2 and HBr be related?
Ans: The rate of disappearance of oxygen will be ¼ of the rate of disappearance of HBr
and that of HBr to O2 will be 4 times.

3. Consider the reaction 3A + 5B → products. How would the rates of the

disappearance of A and B be related?
Ans: The rate of disappearance of A will 3/5 th of the rate of disappearance of B and
that of B to A will be 5/3 times
 ROUND 1

1. Two test tubes one containing Ca2+ and the other Zn2+ ions. How can you identify the
contents of the test tubes using H2S gas only?
Ans: Bubble H2S through each solution. Ca2+ gives no precipitate; Zn2+ gives a white
precipitate.

2. Two test tubes one containing Cu2+ and the other Al3+ ions. How can you identify the
contents of the test tubes using dilute NaOH solution only?
Ans: Add dilute NaOH solution in drops and in excess. Cu2+ gives light blue
precipitate insoluble in excess. Al3+ gives white gelatinous precipitate soluble in
excess.

3. Two test tubes one containing Pb2+ and the other Zn2+ ions. How can you identify the
contents of the test tubes using dilute ammonia solution only?
Ans: Add dilute ammonia solution in drops and in excess. Pb2+ gives white precipitate
insoluble in excess. Zn2+ gives white precipitate soluble in excess.
 ROUND 1

1. A factory manufactures vinegar by converting ethanol into ethanoic acid. What is the
percentage yield if 69kg of ethanol gave 81kg of ethanoic acid? [O = 16.0; C = 12.0;
H = 1.0]
Ans CH3CH2OH → CH3COOH
46 kg → 60 kg
Therefore 69kg → 90kg
Hence %yield = (81/90) x 100
= 90

2. An experiment in the laboratory converts toluene by oxidation to benzoic acid. What is

the percentage yield of the conversion if 195.2g of benzoic acid is obtained from 184 g of
toluene? [O = 16.0; C = 12.0; H = 1.0]
Ans: C6H5CH3 → C6H5COOH
92g → 122g
Therefore 184g → 244g
Hence %yield = (195.2/244) x 100
= 80

3. 1-Butanol is prepared by hydration of 1-butene. What is the percentage yield if 56g of

the alkene yields 55.5g of the alkanol. [O = 16.0; C = 12.0; H = 1.0]
Ans: C4H8 → C4H9OH
56g → 74g
Therefore % yield = (55.5/74) x 100
= 75
 ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Antiseptics and disinfectants perform the same functions.

Ans: F Although both kill microorganisms the latter is harmful to animals and
cannot be used on the body
2. Disinfectants can harm the cells of the animal hosting the microorganisms
Ans T
3. Iodine can be used as an antiseptic.
Ans: T

ROUND 1

TRUE OR FALSE

1. All salts of magnesium will cause hardness of water.

Ans: F Magnesium hydrogen trioxocarbonate IV [Mg(HCO3)2] will cause
temporary hardness.

2. De-ionised water is produced by passing the water through columns of cation and anion
exchangers.
Ans: T

3. The hardness of sea water is partly due to the high levels of sodium chloride.
Ans: F It is due to Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions present.

RIDDLE

7. I consider myself as a physical attribute.

8. I can also be a powerful analytical tool.
9. I am usually associated with one of the phases of matter in which the Kinetic Energy of
the constituent units is neither at its maximum nor at its minimum.
10. I vary with pressure
11. I am regarded by scientists as a point but I do not share their point of view
12. If you know what 100oC is to water then you who I am?
Who am I?
BOILING POINT
 ROUND 1

1. Name the two most abundant elements in the earth’s crust

Ans: 1st O2 2nd Si

2. In May this year, 2013, it was announced that the level of CO2 in the atmosphere had
crossed a certain threshold in the history of the globe. What is this threshold in ppm?
Ans: 400 ppm

3. The level of CO2 in the atmosphere is now about 400 ppm. What is this as a percentage?
Ans: 0.04%

ROUND 1

1. State the value of the Faraday’s constant.

Ans: F = 9.65 x 104 or 96,500 C

2. A mole of a substance contains Avogadro’s number of molecules or units. What is this

number?
Ans: Avogadro’s number = 6.02 x 1023

3. What is the ideal gas constant R in kPadm3 K-1 mol-1

Ans: R = 8.31 kPadm3K-1mol-1 same as 8.31 JK-1 mol-1
 ROUND 1

1. How many fused benzene rings are in the compound ANTHRACENE?

Ans: 3
2. How many fused benzene rings are in the compound PHENANTHRENE?
Ans: 3
3. Naphthalene has two fused benzene rings. How many isomeric OH derivatives can it
have?
OH
OH

Ans: 2; α- and β-naphthol

ROUND 1

Preamble to all schools:

An electrolytic cell A, containing CuSO4 solution with graphite electrodes is connected to

another cell B, containing CuSO4 solution with copper electrodes. [Cu = 64.0; S = 32;
O = 16; H = 1.0]

1. What substances and how much of each in g will be discharged at the cathodes of the two
cells after passing a charge of 3Faradays?
Ans: Cell A Cathode: Cu discharged/deposited 3F ≡ 1½ mol Cu Mass of Cu = 96g
Cell B Cathode: Cu discharged/deposited Mass of Cu = 96g

2. What substances and how much of each in g will be discharged at the anodes of the two
cells when a charge of 5Faradays had been passed?
Ans: Cell A Anode O2 discharged 2F ≡ O = ½O2, hence 5F ≡ 1¼mol of O2
1¼mol of O2 = 32 + 8 = 40g
Cell B Anode Cu dissolves 2F ≡ Cu hence 5F ≡ 2½ mole Cu dissolves
Mass of Cu that dissolves = 64 x 2.5 = 160g

3. For Cell B the anode is a copper rod weighing 400g. After what charge in Faradays will
the mass of the anode be reduced to 48g?
Ans: Mass of Cu that had gone into the electrolyte = 400 – 48 = 352g
But 64g of Cu requires 2F charge or 32g of Cu requires 1F
Therefore 160g of Cu will require (352/32) x 1F
= 11F
 ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Inorganic fertilizers no longer contaminate our natural water bodies.

Ans: F Promote growth of algae to the extent that other living systems cannot
survive in the water bodies.

2. Galamsey operators get poisoned with inhaled mercury vapour rather than mercury in
their drinking water.
Ans: T During the concentration of gold the amalgam is formed and this is heated
to regenerate the gold. There is usually no protection against the inhalation of the
mercury vapour

3. Galamsey operators use mercury to concentrate the gold mined.

Ans: T The mercury selectively reacts with the gold leaving the impurities behind.

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. While metals generally are hard metalloids are soft.

Ans: T

2. All metals are good conductors of electricity but non-metals are not
Ans: F Carbon/graphite is a good conductor of electricity.

3. What makes gold a precious metal is primarily its malleability.

Ans: F It is its resistance to the effects of air, moisture and basic chemicals
 RIDDLE

1. I studied at Canterbury College in Christchurch and got BA, MA and BSc degrees in that

order.

2. I was the 4th of 12 siblings, my father a farmer and mother, a teacher.

3. In 1895, at the age of 24, I enrolled as the first Research Scientist at the Cambridge

Cavendish Laboratory.

4. I left the Laboratory in 1902 and worked in Canada as a Chemist and Physicist, returning

after 5 years to England as Professor in University of Manchester.

5. I was regarded as the father of the Nuclear Age, having discovered the α- and β-particles

and receiving a Nobel Prize in 1908.

6. My experiment involving firing α–particles at a metal foil led to the discovery of the

modern structure of the atom.

Who am I?

Ernest Rutherford

ROUND 1
 1. Give the standard test for ammonia gas in the laboratory.
Ans: Open a bottle of conc HCl or dip a glass rod into conc HCl and bring it close to a
source of ammonia and white fumes observed

2. Give the standard test for carbon IV oxide in the laboratory.

Ans: Bubble the gas through lime water, if it becomes milky continue and the solution
becomes clear

3. When CO2 is bubbled through lime water the solution turns milky and then becomes
clear. Explain in terms of chemical reactions what happens during this test.
Ans: Lime water is a solution of calcium oxide. CO2 reacts with the hydroxide to give
insoluble calcium trioxocarbonate IV which reacts with excess CO2 to give
soluble calcium hydrogen trioxocarbonate IV.

ROUND 1

1. What is the shape of BCl3 molecule?

Ans: Trigonal planar; boron is sp2 hybridised

2. What is the shape of H2S molecule?

Ans: Bent or V-shaped like H2O

3. What is the shape of PH3 molecule?

Ans: Trigonal pyramidal like NH3

ROUND 1

Common preamble to all schools:

Two half-cells A+/A and B+/B with electrode potentials -0.50 and +0.75 V respectively are to be
used in constructing a primary cell. A and B are metals.

1. Which metal will serve as the anode?

Ans: Metal A Anode is where oxidation takes place.

2. Give the chemical equation for the cell reaction.

Ans: A + B+ → A+ + B

3. What is the initial emf of the cell?

Ans: Emf = oxidation potential + reduction potential
= +0.50 + 0.75 = 1.25V

ROUND 1

Common preamble to all schools:

A salt whose formula is AX has the solubility product Ksp of 3.6 x 10-7. The atomic masses of
A and X are 64.0 and 80.0 respectively.

1. Calculate the solubility in moldm-3 of the salt.

Ans: Ksp = [A+][X-] = 3.6 x 10-7
In solution [A+] = [X-]
Solubility = (Ksp)½ = 6.0 x 10-4 moldm-3

2. Calculate the concentration in gdm-3 of a saturated solution of AX with respect to A+

ions.
Ans: Atomic mass of A = 64
-3
Concentration in gdm = 64 x 6 x 10-4
= 3.84 x 10-2 or 0.0384 gdm-3

3. What mass of solid will be harvested if 500 cm3 of the saturated solution of the salt is
evaporated to dryness?
Ans: Molar mass of the salt = 64 + 80 = 84
Solid to be harvested = (84 x 6 x 10-4)g per dm3
3
Hence per 500 cm = ½(84 x 6 x 10-4)g = 2.52 x 10-2 or 0.0252 g

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE
1. For a given amount of an ideal gas at constant pressure, its density is inversely
proportional to the absolute temperature.
Ans: T PV = nMRT where M is molar mass of gas
Hence nM/V ≡ density = (P/R) x 1/T

2. An endothermic reaction is favoured by an increase in temperature.

Ans: T Le Chaterlier’s Principle

3. For a given mass of an ideal gas at constant pressure a plot of its volume V vs
temperature T will give a straight line of negative gradient.
Ans: F V = (nR/P) x T hence positive gradient

ROUND 3

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Very dry ammonia gas should not turn dry red litmus blue.
Ans: T proton transfer takes place in aqueous medium

2. Dry ammonia cannot be defined as a base.

Ans: F Ammonia molecule possesses a pair of electrons that can be donated to an
electron-pair acceptor.

3. Phenolphthalein is colourless in sodium hydroxide solution.

Ans: F Red in base

RIDDLE

1. I am the third born of three siblings of a closely knit family

2. In our house obesity is unknown since we all keep our body weight index below average.

3. Despite being the youngest I am the heaviest.

4. We deal in the acid trade, indeed our oldest sibling is synonymous with acidity, whether

organic or inorganic.

5. I and my siblings we form about 75% of the mass of the universe.

6. Of the three of us I am the only radioactive one with a half-life of 12½ years.

Who am I?

TRITIUM

RIDDLE

1. I am a purification method.

2. I specialize in sorting light weights from heavy weights.

3. The strategy I adopt is to make all those to be sorted climb a staircase.

4. To hurry them up the steps I heat them up.

5. I also aid the sorting by evacuating the stairway and all the pathway of foreign bodies.

6. A vacuum pump is a must and is only effective if there are no leaks in the system.

What am I?

VACUUM DISTILLATION

RIDDLE

1. I am a chemical element.

2. I cannot be prepared by any chemical means; I am obtained only by electrolysis.

 3. I am so reactive that I react with most elements in the Periodic Table.

4. I can attack your precious metals, gold and platinum if they are hot.

5. I have atomic 9 so you can work out which group of the Periodic Table I belong.

6. According to Pauling’s scale I am the most electronegative element known.

Who am I?

FLOURINE

PROBLEM OF THE DAY – 1

List the apparatus and/or pieces of glassware needed to do a melting point determination of a

crystalline solid whose melting point is likely to be over 100 oC.

1. Thermometer, upper limit greater than 100oC

2. Glass capillary tube with one end sealed.

3. Heating bath, oil.

4. Retort stand with a clamp.

5. Stirrer for the oil bath.

6. Bunsen burner and a tripod or electrically heated plate

 7. Watch glass for preparing sample to go into the capillary tube.

8. (Micro)-spatula

9. Rubber band or any suitable material to tie the capillary tube to the thermometer.

10. Filter paper to test the dryness of crystals.

PROBLEM OF THE DAY – 2

You are given about 300cm3 of impure methanol, boiling point 65oC. The impurity is an organic

solid soluble in the methanol. List all apparatus and pieces of glassware you will need to be able

to obtain pure methanol by simple distillation.

1. Round-bottom flask, 500 cm3. No mark if right volume is not given.

2. Liebig Condenser or any double surface water condenser

3. Receiver adapter

4. Still head

5. (Glass) funnel
 6. Heating mantle or water bath + Bunsen burner

7. Thermometer

8. 2 Conical flasks to collect distillates

9. Boiling chips

10. Labeled bottle to store the pure methanol

PROBLEM OF THE DAY – 3

You found in the laboratory sodium hydroxide solution labeled ‘About 0.1 moldm-3 solution.’

List all apparatus, pieces of glassware and reagents you will need to determine the exact

concentration of the solution.

1. Burette, 25 or 50 cm3.

2. Pipette, 10 or 20 or 25 cm3.

3. Retort stand plus a clamp.

4. Funnel

5. A beaker, 100 or 250 cm3.

 6. At least 2 conical flasks, 100 or 250cm3

7. pH indictor – methyl orange or phenolphthalein.

8. Standardized HCl or H2SO4 solution (dilute).

9. Filter paper on top of the base of the retort stand to enable end point read accurately.

10. Extra mark for the volumes of the burette and pipette given

PROBLEM OF THE DAY – 4

You needed some naphthalene, a solid, for an experiment but were informed that the only sample

available at the chemical store was contaminated with aniline. You agreed to go for it and purify

it. Explain in detail how you would get rid of the aniline.

1. Dissolve the impure naphthalene in a suitable organic solvent.

2. Add mineral acid, eg dil. HCl, about 10 -20% the volume of the organic solution in a

separating funnel and shake the mixture.

3. Separate the organic layer from the aqueous layer

4. Repeat the extraction of the aniline with mineral acid about two more times.

5. Wash the organic layer with small volume of deionized water.

6. Repeat the washing two or three times.

 7. Dry the organic layer with anhydrous Na2SO4 or MgSO4

8. Filter off the solid.

9. Distill off the organic solvent till a residue of naphthalene is obtained.

10. Recrystallise the crude naphthalene using a suitable solvent

11. Dry the crystals in a desiccator or spread over filter paper in the air.

PROBLEM OF THE DAY – 5

You are provided with an organic solid for which the best solvent for its crystallization is

ethanol. Outline a step by step procedure for obtaining dry crystals of the solid.

1. The solid is transferred into a beaker.

2. A small amount of the solvent is added to the solid (not solid to solvent).

3. The mixture is stirred while heating it on a water bath, some solid remains undissolved.

4. More solvent is added while stirring and heating continue.

5. The process is repeated until the solid dissolves in the minimum volume of hot solvent.
 6. The hot solution is filtered through fluted filter paper to remove any impurities insoluble

in ethanol into a conical flask

7. The hot solution is covered, and set aside to cool.

8. Crystals formed are filtered (by suction filtration).

9. The filtered crystals are washed twice with very cold ethanol.

10. The crystals are spread on a watch glass in the open air to allow the solvent to evaporate.

11. The crystals are transferred into a labeled bottle with a stopper.

PROBLEM OF THE DAY – 6

You are provided with about 250 cm3 of a mixture of two organic solvents, one with a boiling

point of 65oC and the other with a boiling point of 80oC. Outline a method by which the two

solvents can neatly be separated.

1. The liquid mixture is transferred into a 500 cm3 round bottom flask with a funnel.

2. A few boiling chips are added.

3. The flask is clamped over a water bath or in a heating mantle.

4. A fractionating column is connected to the flask, followed by a still head with a

thermometer.

5. A water/Liebig condenser with a receiver adapter is attached.

6. With the water running in the condenser and a receiver in place, the heating of the water

bath is started.
 7. As the mixture boils drops of the first solvent collect in the receiver.

8. The temperature is watched and the moment it rises to 65 oC the receiver is changed and

the collection of the first solvent begins.

9. When all the first solvent distills off, the temperature drops.

10. The receiver is changed, the bath temperature increased and kept at a steady temperature

until all the second solvent distills off.

11. The distillation is stopped when about 5 cm3 is left in the flask.

PROBLEM OF THE DAY - 7

An organic substance C has been isolated from a local medicinal plant. From its melting point it

is suspected to be one of two known compounds A and B. A and B have almost the same melting

points. Outline a method for determining the identity of C by mixed melting point

determination.

1. A small amount of the crystals of C is transferred with a spatula onto a watch glass.

2. A smooth powder is prepared by grinding the crystals with the spatula.

3. A glass capillary tube, one end sealed is filled up to about ½ cm from the bottom with a

small amount of the powdered crystals.

4. The tube is attached to the thermometer such that the bottom of the capillary tube is in

contact with the bottom of the thermometer.

5. The clamped thermometer with the capillary tube is immersed in an oil bath.

6. The heating of the bath is started

 7. The temperatures at which the first and last crystals melt are noted as the melting point

range for C.

8. A 1:1 mixture of A and C is powdered and its melting point range determined.

9. This is repeated for B and C.

10. C is identified to be the same as the compound which did not cause any depression in the

melting point.

PROBLEM OF THE DAY - 8

Outline a method to determine the concentrations of Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 in a common

solution. Show how you would use your experimental results to determine the individual

concentrations.

1. The burette is filled with a standardized HCl solution with the aid of a funnel.

2. 20 or 25 cm3 of the solution containing the two salts is pipetted into a conical flask.

3. A few drops of phenolphthalein indicator are added and a titration is carried out to a

colourless end point.

4. Titration is repeated until at least two successive titres are consistent.

5. The average of the consistent titres is calculated as V1.

6. The titration is repeated using methyl orange as indictor and the average titre recorded as

V2.

7. The equations for the reactions are as follows:

 With phenolphthalein (V1): HCl + Na2CO3 → NaHCO3 + NaCl

With methyl orange: (V2) 2HCl + Na2CO3 → 2NaCl + CO2 + H2O

HCl + NaHCO3 → NaCl + CO2 + H2O

8. Calculations: Let the concentrations of HCl, Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 be Ma, Mb and Mb’

respectively (Ma is known);

(Mb x 20 or 25)/(Ma x V1) = 1/1

Hence Mb

9. Volume of the acid that reacted with the NaHCO3 alone is (V2 – 2V1)

10. [Mb’ x 20 or 25]/[Ma x (V2 – 2V1)] = 1/1

Hence Mb’

PROBLEM OF THE DAY – 9

A separation of a mixture of two coloured organic compounds has to be performed by column

chromatography. Outline a step by step procedure for this experiment. The compounds are
coloured red and yellow. You are provided with a glass column containing the adsorbent
alumina in petroleum ether. The pet ether in the column is about 5cm above the level of the
alumina. Several organic solvents with different polarities are also provided.

1. The mixture is dissolved in the minimum amount of a very polar, cold, solvent,
preferably trichloromethane.
2. By opening the tap of the column the pet ether in the column is drained until the level is
just at the top of the alumina.
3. The tap is closed and the solution of the mixture is transferred to top of the alumina using
a dropping pipette.
 4. The tap of column is re-opened and the solvent is allowed to flow down and collected at a
rate of about one drop per second.
5. More of the pet ether is added and the collection of the solvent in fractions of about 10
cm3 continues in small conical flasks
6. When there are signs that the two compounds/colours are separating the polarity of the
solvent is increased by eluting with a 1:9 mixture of ethyl acetate and pet ether.
7. The polarity may be increased from 10% ethyl acetate to 20 and then 30% all in attempt
to separate the compounds and let them descend faster down the column.
8. When one colour is completely down the polarity may be increased rapidly from 30 to 40
and then to 50% ethyl acetate and if necessary to 60%. One should avoid increasing the
polarity by big jumps.
9. When the two colours are both out of the column the fractions with the same colours are
combined to obtain the solutions of the two compounds.
10. Solvents are distilled off to obtain pure solids/crystals of the organic compounds.

PROBLEM OF THE DAY

You are presented with four solutions each solution containing only one of the compounds
NaOH, FeSO4, Pb(NO3)2 and ZnCl2. You are required add a few drops of one solution to small
volumes of the three solutions separately and record observations. This is repeated using each of
the remaining solutions in turn. The observations are recorded in grid (special table) and from the
observations deduce the identity of each solution. Since the actual experiment cannot be
performed your observation should be the anticipated results based on the chemistry of the
substances.

Answer

Solutions labeled as A, B, C and D

Anticipated results:

A B C D

A x White precipitate White precipitate White precipitate

soluble in excess
 B White precipitate X Green gelatinous No observable
precipitate change

C White precipitate Green gelatinous x White gelatinous

precipitate precipitate

D White precipitate No observable White gelatinous x

change precipitate soluble
in excess

Deductions

Pb(NO3)2 is expected to give white precipitate with FeSO4, NaOH and ZnCl2 and none is
expected to be gelatinous. Hence A must be Pb(NO3)2

FeSO4 is expected to give green gelatinous precipitate with NaOH and a white precipitate with
Pb(NO3)2 and no observable reaction with ZnCl2. Hence B must be FeSO4

NaOH is expected to give white precipitate with Pb(NO3)2, green gelatinous precipitate with
FeSO4 and white gelatinous precipitate soluble in excess with ZnCl2. Hence C must be NaOH.

ZnCl2 is expected to give white precipitate with Pb(NO3)2, white gelatinous precipitate with
NaOH and no observable reaction with FeSO4. Hence D must be ZnCl2