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

Covalent Bonding

68 practice questions

Topics covered

Practice questions

11–20 of 28 · Normal

  1. Question 11

    3 marks · Normal

    Hexane is a simple molecular compound. It melts at –95°C and boils at 69°C. Calculate the temperature range (in °C) over which hexane is a liquid and explain why this range exists for simple molecular substances.

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  2. Question 12

    3 marks · Normal

    Explain why bromine (Br2) is a liquid at room temperature, whereas chlorine (Cl2) is a gas, in terms of molecular mass and intermolecular forces.

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  3. Question 13

    4 marks · Normal

    Analyze the data in the table below and answer the questions.

    Melting and boiling points of halogens
    HalogenFormulaRelative molecular mass (Mr)Melting point (°C)Boiling point (°C)
    FluorineF238–220–188
    ChlorineCl271–101–34
    BromineBr2160–759
    IodineI2254114184
    (a)

    Describe the trend in boiling points as you go down the group from fluorine to iodine.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Explain this trend in terms of molecular structure and forces.

    [2 marks]
    (c)

    Which halogen is a solid at room temperature (25°C)? Explain how you decided.

    [1 mark]
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  4. Question 14

    1 mark · Normal

    Which statement describes the effect of increasing molecular mass on the boiling point of simple molecular substances?

    1. A.Boiling point decreases as molecular mass increases.
    2. B.Boiling point stays the same as molecular mass increases.
    3. C.Boiling point increases as molecular mass increases.
    4. D.Boiling point alternates up and down as molecular mass increases.
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  5. Question 15

    2 marks · Normal

    Explain why substances with simple molecular structures do not conduct electricity, even when melted.

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  6. Question 16

    4 marks · Normal

    A student compares the properties of diamond (a giant covalent structure) with carbon dioxide (a simple molecular compound).

    (a)

    State one difference between the melting points of diamond and carbon dioxide.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Explain this difference in terms of bonding and structure.

    [2 marks]
    (c)

    Which of the two substances can conduct electricity? Explain your answer.

    [1 mark]
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  7. Question 17

    2 marks · Normal

    Describe the structure and bonding in graphite.

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  8. Question 18

    4 marks · Normal

    The table shows some physical properties of diamond and graphite.

    Physical properties of diamond and graphite
    SubstanceMelting point/°CHardnessConducts electricity
    Diamond3550Very hardNo
    Graphite3600SoftYes
    (a)

    Explain, in terms of their structures and bonding, why diamond is much harder than graphite.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    Explain, in terms of bonding, why graphite conducts electricity but diamond does not.

    [2 marks]
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  9. Question 19

    3 marks · Normal

    A student connects graphite, diamond and C60 fullerene electrodes into identical electric circuits. The student measures the current in each case:

    Electrical current measured
    SubstanceCurrent/mA
    Diamond0.0
    Graphite15.0
    C60 fullerene0.0
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  10. Question 20

    3 marks · Normal

    C60 fullerene, diamond and graphite are all allotropes of carbon. Explain how the structure and bonding in C60 fullerene differs from that in diamond and graphite.

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