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

Explaining what's happening

19 practice questions

Practice questions

1–3 of 3 · Hard

  1. Question 1

    2 marks · Hard

    The reaction between excess potassium carbonate and dilute nitric acid is observed to slow down over time. Explain, using collision theory, why this happens.

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  2. Question 2

    5 marks · Hard

    A student compares the rates of reaction between two samples of marble chips (calcium carbonate) and dilute phosphoric acid at room temperature. In experiment 1, large marble chips are used; in experiment 2, the marble chips are crushed into a fine powder. The same mass of marble and the same volume of acid are used in both experiments.

    (a)

    State which experiment will have the faster initial rate of reaction, and give a reason using collision theory.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    Draw a suitable diagram to show the difference in surface area between the marble chips in experiment 1 and the powder in experiment 2.

    [1 mark]
    (c)

    Explain, using collision theory, why the reaction stops even though there is excess marble in both experiments.

    [2 marks]
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  3. Question 3

    2 marks · Hard

    A sealed flask contains hydrogen peroxide decomposing into water and oxygen gas. The reaction rate decreases over time. Use collision theory to explain why the rate gets slower, even though the temperature stays the same.

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