Karatina University: University Examinations 2018/2019 ACADEMIC YEAR

KARATINA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS
2018/2019 ACADEMIC YEAR
THIRD YEAR FIRST SEMESTER EXAMINATION
FOR THE DEGREE OF
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE& BACHELOR OF

EDUCATION SCIENCE
COURSE CODE: CHE 310
COURSE TITLE: CHEMISTRY OF THE s-and p-BLOCK

ELEMENTS
DATE: NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2018 TIME: 3 HRS

INSTRUCTION TO CANDIDATES
 SEE INSIDE
Page 1 of 5
CHE 310: CHEMISTRY OF THE s-and p-BLOCK ELEMENTS TIME: 3 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS:
 Answer ALL questions
 Periodic table attached: Appendix A
QUESTION ONE (18 MKS)

a) (a) Using the examples of alkali group metals; 3Li, 11Na and 19K, as well as the group
14 elements; 6C, 14Si and 32Ge, justify the classification of the main group elements into
s-block and p-block. (2 mks)
b) Use the information in the following table to explain the statements below.
Element Na Mg Al Si P S Cl
Atomic radius (nm) 0.156 0.136 0.125 0.117 0.110 0.104 0.099
Ionic radius (nm) 0.095 0.065 0.050 - - 0.184 0.181
1st ionization energy (kJ mol-1) 492 743 579 791 1060 1003 1254
(i) The atomic radius decreases across the period from Na to Cl. (2 mks)
(ii) The ionic radii of Na+, Mg2+ and Al3+ are less than their respective atomic
radii whereas the ionic radii of Cl- and S2- are greater than their respective atomic
radii. (2 mks)
(iii) The first ionization energy of Al is less than that for Mg. (2 mks)
c) (i) Using balanced chemical equations, explain how the Group I elements react
with oxygen, giving only the major products. (6 mks)
(ii) Give reasons for the preferred products in (i) above. (2 mks)
d) Use equations to explain what happens when boric acid is heated above 370 K.
(2 mks)
QUESTION TWO (18 MKS)

a) Give the structure of diborane and explain the concept of three-centre two electron
bonds in the bridges. (5 mks)
b) (i) Define the term “catenation”. (1 mk)
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(ii) Explain why in Group IV, carbon (1st row element) has a stronger tendency to
catenation than its homologues, while in group VI, sulphur (2nd row element) has
a stronger tendency to catenation relative to the other group members. (3 mks)
c) Carbon is known to exist as two different allotropes: diamond and graphite. Both
diamond and graphite consist of carbon atoms bonded together in three-dimensional
structures.
(i) Diamond is one of the hardest substances known to man and is used on the
edges of glass cutting tools. Explain. (2 mks)
(ii) Graphite is soft and slippery and is used to lubricate surfaces. Explain why
the structure of graphite makes it soft and slippery. (2 mks)
d) Alumino-silicates which are formed from the three dimensional framework of ortho-
silicates ((SiO2)n) by replacement of some silicon atoms by aluminium are among the
most widespread, diverse and useful silicate minerals in nature.
(i) Name the three types of these alumina-silicates. (1½ mks)
(ii) Mention three important uses of these materials which occur naturally.
(1½ mks)
e) Give balanced equations to show how the following TWO compounds react with
water.
(i) XeF4 (1 mks)
(ii) XeF6 (1 mks)
QUESTION THREE (17 MKS)

a) Boiling points of the halogens and hydrogen halides are given in the following table;
Element , X F Cl Br I
Boiling points (°C) X -188 -34 59 183
HX +20 -85 -67 -35
Explain the trend of:
(i) The boiling point of the halogens (2 mks)
(ii) The boiling point of the hydrogen halides (4 mks)
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b) Give FOUR factors to which differences between the chemistry of fluorine and the
other halogens can be attributed. (4 mks)
c) State any FOUR applications of the Group II elements and their compounds.
(4 mks)
d) Give equations to show how O2, PH3 and N2 can be prepared in the laboratory.
(3 mks)
QUESTION FOUR (17 MKS)

a) A student gave the electronic configuration of element X (atomic number 12) as
1s22s22p62d2
(i) State what letters s, p and d represent. (1 ½ mks)
(ii) Comment on the configuration given by the student. (1 ½ mks)
b) Explain the variation in the boiling points of the group VI hydrides in the following
table;
Hydride H2O H2S H2Se H2Te

Boiling point (°C) 100 -61 -42 -2
(2 mks)
c) Thallium (Group III) forms both TiCl3 and TiCl, the latter being more stable than the
former. Explain. (4 mks)
d) Ammonia and nitric acid are among the most important compounds of nitrogen.
(i) Describe the commercial methods for manufacturing NH3 and HNO3.
(4 mks)
(ii) State ONE use for each compound in (i) above. (2 mks)
e) Suggest a reason as to why CO is poisonous. (2 mks)
Page 4 of 5
Appendix A: The Periodic Table of Elements
Page 5 of 5

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KARATINA UNIVERSITY

THIRD YEAR FIRST SEMESTER EXAMINATION

FOR THE DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE& BACHELOR OF

COURSE CODE: CHE 310

COURSE TITLE: CHEMISTRY OF THE s-and p-BLOCK

DATE: NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2018 TIME: 3 HRS

QUESTION ONE (18 MKS)

QUESTION TWO (18 MKS)

QUESTION THREE (17 MKS)

QUESTION FOUR (17 MKS)

Hydride H2O H2S H2Se H2Te

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