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

Rubidium and caesium

19 practice questions

Practice questions

11–19 of 19

  1. Question 11

    3 marks · Normal

    A student is given the information below about the reactions of three Group 1 metals with water:

    MetalTime taken to disappear in water (s)
    Lithium45
    Sodium35
    Potassium18

    Calculate the average decrease in time taken to disappear from lithium to potassium per step down the group.

    Answer and see the solution →
  2. Question 12

    3 marks · Normal

    Explain, in terms of atomic structure, why potassium is more reactive than lithium.

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  3. Question 13

    4 marks · Normal

    The table below shows times taken for different alkali metals to disappear when added to water:

    Time taken to disappear in water
    MetalTime (s)
    Lithium50
    Sodium30
    Potassium11
    (a)

    State the relationship between the metal and the time taken to disappear in water.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Which metal is the most reactive? Explain how the data supports your answer.

    [2 marks]
    (c)

    Rubidium is below potassium in Group 1. Predict what you would expect to observe if rubidium was added to water.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →
  4. Question 14

    1 mark · Normal

    Which statement best explains the trend in reactivity of Group 1 metals as you go down the group?

    1. A.The outer electron is closer to the nucleus and more difficult to remove.
    2. B.Metals lower in the group have smaller atoms.
    3. C.The outer electron is further from the nucleus and less strongly attracted.
    4. D.The number of protons decreases down the group.
    Answer and check →
  5. Question 15

    2 marks · Normal

    Lithium, sodium, and potassium all react with water. State the name and a property of the gas produced in each reaction.

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  6. Question 16

    4 marks · Normal

    (a)

    Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of potassium with water.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Describe what you would observe when a small piece of sodium is placed in water.

    [2 marks]
    (c)

    Suggest one safety precaution that should be taken when carrying out this reaction.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →
  7. Question 17

    2 marks · Hard

    State two observations you would expect when a piece of sodium is added to water. Explain how these observations differ from the reaction of potassium with water.

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  8. Question 18

    5 marks · Hard

    The table below shows some properties of Group 1 metals at room temperature.

    MetalMelting Point (°C)
    Lithium181
    Sodium98
    Potassium64
    Rubidium39
    Caesium29
    (a)

    Describe the trend in melting point as you go down Group 1 from lithium to caesium.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Predict the appearance (physical state and colour) of caesium at room temperature.

    [1 mark]
    (c)

    Explain, in terms of atomic structure, the trend in reactivity from lithium to caesium.

    [3 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →
  9. Question 19

    2 marks · Hard

    Describe the appearance of lithium and potassium at room temperature. State one difference you would notice between them by observation.

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