IB Chemistry HL Structure 3: Classification of matter questions

Exam-style multiple choice and written questions with full markschemes. Check multiple choice answers straight away, or type, photograph or draw a written answer and get it marked.

Question 1

Multiple choiceEasy1 mark

A data set gives atomic radii for four consecutive period 3 elements: Na, 186 pm; Mg, 160 pm; Al, 143 pm; Si, 118 pm. What is the mean decrease in atomic radius per step from Na to Si, to the nearest whole picometre?

Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. The mean decrease per step is the total decrease divided by the number of intervals: (186 − 118) pm ÷ 3 = 22.7 pm, which rounds to 23 pm.

A: divides the total decrease by the four elements rather than the three intervals, giving 17 pm. C: divides by two instead of three intervals, giving 34 pm. D: gives the total decrease, 68 pm, rather than the mean decrease per step.

Remember: four consecutive elements have three intervals between them.

Question 2

Multiple choiceEasy1 mark

In a compound’s ¹H NMR spectrum, the signal from a CH₂ group is a quartet. Assume the splitting is caused by equivalent hydrogen atoms on adjacent carbon atoms. How many equivalent adjacent hydrogen atoms cause the splitting?

Show answer and explanation

Answer: D. A quartet contains four peaks. When splitting is caused by equivalent hydrogen atoms on adjacent carbon atoms, the number of peaks is one greater than the number of those hydrogen atoms: 4 − 1 = 3.

A: associates no adjacent hydrogen atoms with a quartet; no adjacent hydrogen atoms would give a singlet.
B: associates one adjacent hydrogen atom with a quartet; it gives a doublet.
C: associates two adjacent hydrogen atoms with a quartet; they give a triplet.
Remember: the number of equivalent adjacent hydrogen atoms is one less than the number of peaks.

The best questions are still waiting

Unlock every question in this topic, then type, photograph or draw your answer and have it marked against the markscheme. Find out where you are dropping marks.