Question 1Multiple choice · 1 mark
What is produced when magnesium reacts with steam?
- A magnesium oxide and hydrogen
- B magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen
- C magnesium hydroxide only
- D magnesium oxide and oxygen
Show answer
Answer: A
Free Group 2 questions for AS Level Chemistry (9701), part of Inorganic chemistry. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.
Generate a full Group 2 worksheet →All Inorganic chemistry questionsWhat is produced when magnesium reacts with steam?
Answer: A
Which term is described by this statement?
“Resistance to decomposition, which increases down the group.”
Answer: B
The Group 2 elements and their compounds show trends.
Describe and explain the trend in reactivity of the Group 2 metals with water.
Write an equation for the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate.
Explain why the thermal stability of Group 2 carbonates increases down the group.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | increases down; IE decreases reactivity increases down the group B1 ionisation energies decrease B1 outer electrons further from nucleus/more shielded B1 | 3 |
| (b) | CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂ CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂ B1 | 1 |
| (c) | larger cation, less polarising cation radius increases so charge density decreases B1 less polarisation of the carbonate ion B1 | 2 |
A 2.00 g sample of magnesium carbonate is heated strongly until there is no further change in mass.
Write an equation for the reaction and calculate the expected loss in mass.
Explain the trend in thermal stability of the Group 2 carbonates down the group.
The solid product is added to water and the mixture tested with universal indicator. Write the equation and state the approximate pH.
State and explain the trend in the solubility of Group 2 sulfates, and a use of barium sulfate.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | MgCO3 → MgO + CO2; 1.04 g balanced equation B1 moles = 2 ÷ 84.3 C1 1.04 A1 | 3 |
| (b) | stability increases; cation radius increases, charge density decreases; less polarisation/distortion of carbonate ion increases down the group B1 larger cation, lower charge density B1 carbonate anion polarised less B1 | 3 |
| (c) | MgO + H2O → Mg(OH)2; pH 9–10 equation B1 pH alkaline value consistent with solubility B1 | 2 |
| (d) | decreases down the group; barium meal for X-rays (insoluble, so not toxic) solubility decreases B1 barium meal / insoluble so safe B1 | 2 |
This question is about the Group 2 elements and their compounds.
Describe and explain the trend in first ionisation energy down Group 2.
Write the equation for the thermal decomposition of strontium nitrate.
Calculate the mass of strontium oxide formed when 3.70 g of anhydrous strontium nitrate is heated to constant mass. [Mᵣ: Sr(NO₃)₂, 211.6; SrO, 103.6]
Explain why the thermal stability of Group 2 nitrates increases down the group.
Describe the trend in solubility of the Group 2 hydroxides and sulfates, and give one use of each trend.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | decreases; outer electron further from nucleus; more shielding outweighs increased nuclear charge decreases down the group B1 outer electrons are in shells further from the nucleus B1 increased shielding outweighs the increase in nuclear charge B1 | 3 |
| (b) | 2Sr(NO₃)₂ → 2SrO + 4NO₂ + O₂ correct products B1 balanced B1 | 2 |
| (c) | 1.81 g moles = 3.70/211.6 = 0.0175 M1 1.81 g A1 | 2 |
| (d) | cation larger, lower charge density; polarises nitrate anion less; less distortion of N–O bonds cation radius increases down the group B1 charge density decreases so the cation polarises / distorts the nitrate ion less B1 more heat is needed to break the N–O bonds B1 | 3 |
| (e) | hydroxides more soluble down; sulfates less soluble down; Mg(OH)₂ antacid / BaSO₄ in barium meals or test for sulfate hydroxides become more soluble down the group B1 sulfates become less soluble B1 use: e.g. Mg(OH)₂ as antacid / barium sulfate test or barium meal B1 | 3 |
Group 2 hydroxides have uses.
State the trend in solubility of Group 2 hydroxides and give one use of calcium hydroxide.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| increase down group; neutralising acidic soil solubility increases down the group B1 calcium hydroxide used to neutralise acidic soil B1 | 2 |
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