AS Level · Chemistry 9701 · Physical chemistry

Chemical energetics: AS Level Chemistry questions with answers

Free Chemical energetics questions for AS Level Chemistry (9701), part of Physical chemistry. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Chemical energetics practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Standard enthalpy changes of combustion in kJ mol−1: C(s) -393; H2(g) -286; ethane -1560.
What is the standard enthalpy change of formation of ethane, C2H6?

  1. A −3200 kJ mol−1
  2. B −84.0 kJ mol−1
  3. C 84.0 kJ mol−1
  4. D 488 kJ mol−1
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which term is described by this statement?
“The enthalpy change when one mole of a compound is formed from its elements in their standard states.”

  1. A solubility product
  2. B Hess’s law
  3. C zwitterion
  4. D standard enthalpy change of formation
Show answer

Answer: D

Question 3Structured · 4 marksA* challenge

Hess’s law can be used to find enthalpy changes that cannot be measured directly.

(a)

State Hess’s law.

[1]
(b)

Use ΔHc(C) = −394, ΔHc(H₂) = −286 and ΔHc(CH₄) = −890 kJ mol−1 to calculate ΔHf(CH₄).

[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)enthalpy change independent of route
the enthalpy change of a reaction is independent of the route taken (if initial and final conditions are the same) B1
1
(b)−76 kJ mol−1
cycle drawn or ΔHf = −394 + 2(−286) − (−890) M1
correct arithmetic C1
−76 kJ mol−1 A1
3
Question 4Structured · 11 marks

This question is about the standard enthalpy change of formation of ethanol, C₂H₅OH.

(a)

Define standard enthalpy change of formation.

[3]
(b)

Write the equation that represents the standard enthalpy change of formation of the compound, with state symbols.

[1]
(c)

Use the standard enthalpy changes of combustion below to calculate the standard enthalpy change of formation of ethanol. ΔHc: C(s) −394, H₂(g) −286, C₂H₅OH −1367 kJ mol−1.

[3]
(d)

Explain why the enthalpy change of formation of the compound cannot be measured directly.

[1]
(e)

Define bond energy and explain why values calculated from mean bond energies differ from values found by Hess’s law.

[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)enthalpy change when 1 mol of compound formed from its elements in their standard states under standard conditions
enthalpy change when one mole of a compound is formed B1
from its elements in their standard states B1
under standard conditions (298 K, 101 kPa) B1
3
(b)2C(s) + 3H₂(g) + ½O₂(g) → C₂H₅OH(l)
2C(s) + 3H₂(g) + ½O₂(g) → C₂H₅OH(l) B1
1
(c)−279 kJ mol−1
Hess cycle with combustion products M1
2(−394) + 3(−286) − (−1367) M1
−279 kJ mol−1 A1
3
(d)elements do not react directly / other products form
carbon and hydrogen do not react directly to give only this compound under standard conditions B1
1
(e)energy to break 1 mol of bonds in gaseous molecules; mean values averaged over compounds; states not gaseous
energy needed to break one mole of a covalent bond in gaseous molecules B1
mean bond energies are averages over many compounds B1
and the bond energy method assumes all species are gaseous B1
3
Question 5Structured · 4 marks

The standard enthalpy change of combustion of a fuel can be found by calorimetry.

(a)

Define standard enthalpy change of combustion.

[2]
(b)

Explain why the experimental value is usually less exothermic than the data book value.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)enthalpy change when 1 mol burns completely in oxygen under standard conditions
enthalpy change when one mole of a substance is burned completely in oxygen B1
under standard conditions (298 K, 101 kPa) B1
2
(b)heat loss; incomplete combustion
heat lost to surroundings B1
incomplete combustion (or evaporation of fuel) B1
2
Question 6Structured · 11 marksA* challenge

0.02 mol of magnesium oxide reacts with 50 cm3 of excess dilute hydrochloric acid in a polystyrene cup. The temperature rises by 7.3 °C. (c = 4.18 J g−1 K−1)

(a)

Calculate the enthalpy change for MgO(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H2O(l).

[3]
(b)

The enthalpy change for Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H2(g) is −467 kJ mol−1, and ΔHf of H2O(l) is −286 kJ mol−1. Construct a Hess cycle and calculate ΔHf of MgO(s).

[4]
(c)

The data-book value is −602 kJ mol−1. Suggest two reasons for the difference.

[2]
(d)

Define standard enthalpy change of formation.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)−76.3 kJ mol−1
q = mcΔT C1
÷ moles of MgO C1
−76.3 with negative sign A1
3
(b)−677 kJ mol−1
correct cycle M1
ΔHf = −467 + (−286) − ΔH(a) M1
correct signs A1
−677 A1
4
(c)heat losses to surroundings; heat capacity of cup ignored; incomplete reaction; density/c of solution not equal to water
any two valid sources of error B2
2
(d)enthalpy change when one mole of a compound is formed from its elements in their standard states under standard conditions
one mole formed from its elements B1
standard states, standard conditions (298 K, 101 kPa) B1
2

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in