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Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Chapter

Gases in the Atmosphere

86 practice questions

Start practising (15 questions)

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Practice questions

11–15 of 15 · Hard

  1. Question 11

    5 marks · Hard

    A student heats a sample of iron(II) carbonate to investigate the formation of carbon dioxide gas.

    (a)

    Write the balanced chemical equation, including state symbols, for the thermal decomposition of iron(II) carbonate.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    State the type of reaction taking place.

    [1 mark]
    (c)

    Describe one observation the student would make as the reaction occurs.

    [1 mark]
    (d)

    Name the gas formed in this reaction.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →

  2. Question 12

    2 marks · Hard

    Explain why carbon dioxide, but not nitrogen, can act as a greenhouse gas.

    Answer and see the solution →

  3. Question 13

    7 marks · Hard

    This question is about the composition of air and the environmental impact of greenhouse gases.

    (a)

    State the approximate percentage by volume of oxygen in dry air.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Explain, using your knowledge of greenhouse gases, why increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere matters.

    [2 marks]
    (c)

    A student claims that the Earth’s atmosphere could safely be made up almost entirely of carbon dioxide, so long as there is still about 21% oxygen for breathing. Explain, using scientific reasons, whether you agree with this statement.

    [2 marks]
    (d)

    State one major human activity that increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and explain how it contributes to environmental change.

    [2 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →

  4. Question 14

    7 marks · Hard

    This question is about experiments to measure oxygen in air and the formation of carbon dioxide from metal carbonates.

    (a)

    Describe how an experiment using wet iron filings can be used to determine the percentage of oxygen in air. Include the main steps and how the data is used.

    [3 marks]
    (b)

    A student heats 1.50 g of copper(II) carbonate and collects 275 cm³ of gas at room temperature and pressure. (i) Name the gas collected. (ii) Write a balanced equation for the reaction. (iii) Explain why the solid left at the end of the experiment has a different colour to the original solid.

    (i)

    Name the gas collected.

    [1 mark]
    (ii)

    Write a balanced equation for the reaction.

    [1 mark]
    (iii)

    Explain why the solid left at the end of the experiment has a different colour to the original solid.

    [1 mark]
    (c)

    State and explain one precaution that should be taken when interpreting the percentage of oxygen obtained from the iron experiment.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →

  5. Question 15

    8 marks · Hard

    The table below shows the main gases present in dry, unpolluted air:

    Approximate composition of dry air
    GasPercentage by volume (%)
    Nitrogen78
    Oxygen21
    Argon1
    Carbon dioxide0.04

    Read the data carefully. Then refer to the information provided to answer the following questions about atmospheric composition and environmental impact.

    (a)

    State the two most abundant gases in dry air and their approximate percentages by volume.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    Suggest a reason for the very low percentage of carbon dioxide, even though its environmental impact is significant.

    [1 mark]
    (c)

    Describe, with reference to an experiment involving copper, how you could show that air contains about one-fifth oxygen by volume.

    [3 marks]
    (d)

    Explain what is meant by the term 'greenhouse gas', and why carbon dioxide is an important greenhouse gas.

    [2 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →