Properties of Metals (Cambridge O Level Chemistry)

Exam Questions

1 hour14 questions
1a2 marks

The uses of a substance are determined by its properties.

Chromium is a hard, shiny metal. Suggest two reasons why chromium is used to electroplate steel.

1b2 marks

Why is aluminium used extensively in the manufacture of aeroplanes?

screen-shot-2022-09-15-at-17-28-50 
1c2 marks

Why is copper a suitable material from which to make cooking utensils?

screen-shot-2022-09-15-at-17-28-56
1d2 marks

Describe the bonding in a typical metal.

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2a3 marks

Iron is a metal.

Give three physical properties that are characteristic of metals.

2b2 marks

Iron reacts with chlorine and other halogens.

Name two other substances which react with iron.

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1a
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3 marks
Strontium and zinc are both metals with a valency of 2. Strontium is more reactive than zinc. Its chemistry is similar to that of calcium.

i)
Complete the following table that shows the number of protons, electrons and neutrons in each particle.

particle protons electrons neutrons
Sr presubscript blank presuperscript 88      
begin mathsize 16px style Sr presubscript blank presuperscript 90 end style      
Zn presubscript blank presuperscript 65 superscript 2 plus end superscript      

[3]

ii)
Explain why Sr presubscript blank presuperscript 88 and Sr presubscript blank presuperscript 90 are isotopes.

[1]

1b5 marks

The major ore of strontium is its carbonate, SrCO3. Strontium is extracted by the electrolysis of its molten chloride.

i)
Name the reagent that will react with the carbonate to form the chloride.

[1]

ii)
The electrolysis of molten strontium chloride produces strontium metal and chlorine. Write ionic equations for the reactions at the electrodes.

negative electrode (cathode) ..............
positive electrode (anode) ................
[2]
iii)
One of the products of the electrolysis of concentrated aqueous strontium chloride is chlorine. Name the other two.

[2]

1c6 marks

Both metals react with water.

i)
Write a word equation for the reaction of zinc and water and state the reaction conditions.

word equation .........
[1]
conditions ............
[2]
ii)
Write an equation for the reaction of strontium with water and give the reaction condition.

equation .........
[2]
condition .........
[1]

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1a4 marks

This question is about metals and non-metals.

Compare the properties of metals and non-metals.

1b1 mark

The Group I metals exhibit some properties that the majority of metals do not share.


Give one example of a property of Group I metals that is different from most other metals.

1c4 marks

For each of the metals below, complete the table to identify a use of the metals and state the most important property of the metal that makes it suitable for that use.

Metal Use Most important property
Aluminium    
Copper    

1d
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4 marks

An aluminium alloy containing 0.7% magnesium and 0.4% silicon by mass is used for making masts for sailing boats.

Calculate the number of moles of magnesium and silicon present in a mast with a mass of 17 kg.

[Ar (Mg) = 24;      Ar (Si) = 28]

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2a2 marks

Some metals react with cold water.

Give the balanced symbol equation for the reaction of calcium reacting with water. Include state symbols.

2b3 marks

Using oxidation numbers, show that calcium is oxidised during the reaction with water.

2c3 marks

A student added 20 cm3 of dilute hydrochloric acid to two boiling tubes. To one of the boiling tubes they added a small piece of calcium and to the other they added a small piece of magnesium.

State two observations that the student would make and how the observations would differ between the two boiling tubes.

2d3 marks

The student had added the exact amount of magnesium required to react with the hydrochloric acid used. After carrying out the experiment, the student accidentally added some more magnesium. The student was surprised that the extra magnesium still reacted although the reaction was a lot slower. 

Explain these observations. Include an equation in your answer.

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