Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Chapter
Gases in the Atmosphere
86 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
1–10 of 15 · Hard
Question 1
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Name the two most abundant gases in dry, unpolluted air. State their approximate percentage composition by volume for each gas.
Question 2
5 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →The diagram below shows apparatus used to investigate the amount of oxygen in air using heated copper.
Apparatus for measuring oxygen in air with heated copper. Describe and explain how this experiment is carried out to determine the percentage of oxygen in air.
(a)[2 marks]State what change you would expect to see in the copper during the experiment, and explain your answer.
(b)[3 marks]Describe how you would use the readings from the gas syringes to calculate the percentage of oxygen in air. Include the calculation in your answer.
Question 3
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Argon and carbon dioxide are both present in dry, unpolluted air. Which is present in a larger amount? Give an approximate percentage for both gases.
Question 4
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Explain why a strip of iron wool burns more vigorously in pure oxygen than in air.
Question 5
5 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Sodium and magnesium both burn in oxygen, forming new compounds. The reactions are more vigorous in pure oxygen than in air.
(a)[1 mark]Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of sodium with oxygen.
(b)[2 marks]Describe what you would observe when magnesium burns in pure oxygen.
(c)[2 marks]Explain, using ideas about the percentage of oxygen in air, why sodium and magnesium burn more vigorously in pure oxygen than in air.
Question 6
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Describe what is meant by a combustion reaction, and give one example of such a reaction involving an element.
Question 7
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Calcium reacts with oxygen to form calcium oxide. State whether calcium oxide is acidic, basic or neutral. Explain your answer.
Question 8
5 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →This question is about the nature of oxides.
(a)[2 marks]Complete the table by identifying whether each oxide is acidic, basic or neutral.
Oxide Type (acidic, basic or neutral) Sodium oxide Carbon dioxide (b)[3 marks]Explain your answers for both oxides, referring to the type of element each oxide is formed from.
Question 9
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →When phosphorus is burned in oxygen, phosphorus(V) oxide is formed. State whether phosphorus(V) oxide is acidic, basic or neutral. Give a reason for your answer.
Question 10
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Explain two reasons why an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could lead to changes in Earth's climate.