Unit 37

Mastering
Chemistry
• Book
Book 2A
• Topic
Topic 4 Acids andBases
Acids and Bases
Jing
Jing
Kung
Kung
Educational
Educational
Press
Press
AllAll
Rights
Rights
Reserved
Reserved
Unit 14 Acids and alkalis 2
Content
14.1 Acids around you
14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids
14.3 The role of water in exhibiting properties
of acid
14.4 Ionic equations for reactions of dilute
acids
14.5 Basicity of an acid
14.6 Bases and alkalis
14.7 Uses of alkalis and bases
Continued on next page
Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

Content
14.8 Characteristics of dilute solutions of
alkalis
14.9 Concentrated acids
14.10 Corrosive nature of concentrated acids
and alkalis
14.11 Identifying ions in unknown samples
14.12 Drying agents
Key terms
Summary
Unit Exercise

14.1 Acids around you (p.2)
w Vinegar contains ethanoic acid (乙酸). Orange, lemon and

other citrus fruits contain citric acid (檸檬酸). Tomato contains
oxalic acid (草酸). Yogurt contains lactic acid (乳酸). They
are all sour tasting because of the presence of acids.
w Carbonic acid (碳酸) from carbon dioxide dissolved in water
is present in soft drinks. Some toilet bowl and tile cleansers
contain phosphoric acid (磷酸).

14.1 Acids around you (p.2)
Some common
substances that
contain acids

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

w Three acids commonly found in the laboratory are
• dilute hydrochloric acid (氫氯酸)(HCl(aq));
• dilute sulphuric acid (硫酸) (H2SO4(aq));
• dilute nitric acid (硝酸) (HNO3(aq)).
Common acids found in the laboratory:

dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute sulphuric acid
and dilute nitric acid (from left to right)
Investigating the properties of

dilute hydrochloric acid Ref.


w These are called mineral acids (礦酸) because they are
derived from minerals.
w Dilute acids
• are conductors of electricity;
• react with reactive metals;
• react with bases;
• react with metal carbonates and hydrogencarbonates.


Electrical conductivity
w Dilute hydrochloric acid and dilute sulphuric acid conduct
electricity because they contain mobile ions for carrying the
current.
Experimental set-up to test the electrical

conductivity of a dilute acid


Reaction with reactive metals
w Both dilute hydrochloric acid and dilute sulphuric acid can
react with a metal above hydrogen in the reactivity series,
forming hydrogen plus an ionic compound called a salt.
metal + dilute acid salt + hydrogen
w The hydrogen present in the acid is replaced by a metal to

give a salt. The salt formed depends upon the acid and the
metal used. Hydrochloric acid gives salts called chlorides
while sulphuric acid gives salts called sulphates.


w For example, magnesium reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid,
forming magnesium chloride and hydrogen.
Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)
w The hydrogen is released as bubbles in the acid. Soluble
magnesium chloride also forms. This is why a piece of
magnesium ribbon appears to dissolve if you put it into dilute
hydrochloric acid.
w Iron reacts with dilute sulphuric acid, forming iron(II) sulphate
and hydrogen.
Fe(s) + H2SO4(aq) FeSO4(aq) + H2(g)


w Unreactive metals, such as copper, do not react with both
dilute hydrochloric acid and dilute sulphuric acid.
Magnesium ribbon reacting Iron reacting with dilute

with dilute hydrochloric acid sulphuric acid — giving off
— giving off hydrogen hydrogen


Reaction with bases
w Most oxides and hydroxides of metals are bases (鹽基). A
base is a substance that reacts with an acid to form a salt
and water only. This reaction is known as a neutralisation
(中和作用).
oxide or hydroxide of metal + dilute acid

salt + water


w Copper(II) oxide is insoluble in water. It reacts with dilute
sulphuric acid to form copper(II) sulphate and water.
CuO(s) + H2SO4(aq) CuSO4(aq) + H2O(l)
The reaction between copper(II) oxide and

dilute sulphuric acid to form a
blue copper(II) sulphate solution


w Zinc hydroxide is also insoluble in water. It reacts with dilute
hydrochloric acid to form zinc chloride and water.
Zn(OH)2(s) + 2HCl(aq) ZnCl2(aq) + 2H2O(l)


Reaction with metal carbonates and hydrogencarbonates
w Both dilute hydrochloric acid and dilute sulphuric acid react
with a metal carbonate or hydrogencarbonate to form a salt,
water and carbon dioxide.
metal carbonate
or + dilute acid salt + water +
hydrogencarbonate carbon dioxide


w Calcium carbonate reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to form
calcium chloride, water and carbon dioxide.
CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) CaCl2(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
w The carbon dioxide is released as bubbles in the acid.
Effervescence (泡騰) occurs.
Calcium carbonate reacts

with dilute hydrochloric acid
to give carbon dioxide gas.
Effervescence occurs as a
result


w The presence of carbon dioxide can be confirmed by bubbling
the gas through limewater. The limewater initially turns milky,
but then becomes clear again if excess carbon dioxide is
passed through the limewater.
CO2(g) + Ca(OH)2(aq) CaCO3(s) + H2O(l)
CaCO3(s) + H2O(l) + CO2(g) Ca(HCO3)2(aq)
w Sodium hydrogencarbonate (solid or solution) reacts with
dilute sulphuric acid to form sodium sulphate, water and
carbon dioxide.
2NaHCO3(s or aq) + H2SO4(aq)
Na2SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l) + 2CO2(g)

A summary of reactions of
dilute hydrochloric acid and
dilute sulphuric acid


Practice 14.1
1 a) State the products for each of the following reactions

involving dilute hydrochloric acid.
i) iron + dilute hydrochloric acid
iron(II) chloride + hydrogen
ii) limewater + dilute hydrochloric acid
calcium chloride + water
iii) magnesium carbonate + dilute hydrochloric acid
magnesium chloride + water + carbon dioxide
b) Write the chemical equation for each reaction in (a).
i) Fe(s) + 2HCl(aq) FeCl2(aq) + H2(g)
ii) Ca(OH)2(aq) + 2HCl(aq) CaCl2(aq) + 2H2O(l)
iii) MgCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) MgCl2(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)


Practice 14.1 (continued)
2 The diagram below shows some reactions of a common.

dilute acid A.


2 a) Give the names of

i) acid A; dilute sulphuric acid
ii) gas B; hydrogen
iii) gas C; carbon dioxide
iv) colourless solution D; sodium sulphate solution
v) black solid E; copper(II) oxide
vi) blue solution F. copper(II) sulphate solution
b) Suggest a test for identifying gas B.

Test with a burning splint.
Gas B gives a ‘pop’ sound.


of acid (p.9)
w Pure acids may be solids (such as citric acid and oxalic),
liquids (such as sulphuric acid, nitric acid and ethanoic acid)
or gases (such as hydrogen chloride which becomes
hydrochloric acid when it dissolves in water).
Citric acid crystals and oxalic

acid crystals
Comparing the properties of
solid citric acid and its
aqueous solution Ref.


of acid (p.9)
w Test citric acid crystals and the aqueous solution of citric acid
with
• dry blue litmus paper;
• magnesium ribbon;
• sodium carbonate.
w Only the aqueous solution of citric acid exhibits typical
properties of an acid. This suggests that water must be
present for an acid to exhibit its typical properties.


of acid (p.9)
w When citric acid crystals dissolve in water, the citric acid
molecules dissociate (or ionise) to produce hydrogen ions.
This process is called dissociation (離解作用).
citric acid + water hydrogen ion + citrate ion
w It is the hydrogen ions that are responsible for the typical
properties of an acid.


of acid (p.9) Dissolving hydrogen
chloride in water Ref.
w Consider another example. When hydrogen chloride gas

dissolves in water, the hydrogen chloride molecules dissociate
to produce hydrogen ions.
HCl(g) + water H+(aq) + Cl–(aq)
The HCl molecules

dissociate in water
to form ions


of acid (p.9)
w In a similar way, molecules of sulphuric acid and nitric acid
dissociate to produce hydrogen ions in water.
H2SO4(l) + water 2H+(aq) + SO42–(aq)
HNO3(l) + water H+(aq) + NO3–(aq)
An acid is a compound which produces hydrogen ions

(H+(aq)) as the only positive ions when dissolved in
water.


of acid (p.9)
Hydrogen ion in aqueous solution
w An acid produces hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. A
hydrogen atom loses its only electron to form a hydrogen ion
which is simply a proton.
w A hydrogen ion is too reactive to exist by itself in an aqueous
solution. It combines with a water molecule via a dative
covalent bond, producing a hydroxonium ion (水合氫離子)
(or hydronium ion), H3O+.
w For convenience, H+(aq) is used instead of H3O+ (aq) to

represent a hydrogen ion in an aqueous solution.


of acid (p.9)
Practice 14.2
A student mixed solid sodium carbonate with oxalic acid
powder. He then added water to the mixture.
A colourless gas is given out.
When water is added, oxalic acid dissolves and its molecules
dissociate to produce hydrogen ions. The hydrogen ions are
responsible for the typical properties of an acid, for example giving
carbon dioxide gas with sodium carbonate.
What would you expect to observe? Explain.


acids (p.12)
w All acids produce hydrogen ions when dissolved in water and
this is why dilute acids all react in a similar way. The typical
reactions of dilute acids are reactions of hydrogen ions.
Reaction between magnesium and dilute hydrochloric acid
w Refer to the chemical equation for the reaction between
magnesium and dilute hydrochloric acid:
Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)
w Rewrite the equation to show the ions in the solution.
Mg(s) + 2H+(aq) + 2Cl–(aq) Mg2+(aq) + 2Cl–(aq) + H2(g)
w The chloride ions do not take part in the reaction. Hence they
are left out of the equation. The ionic equation for the reaction
is: Mg(s) + 2H+(aq) Mg2+(aq) + H2(g)


acids (p.12)
Reaction between sodium hydrogencarbonate solution
and dilute sulphuric acid
w Refer to the chemical equation for the reaction between
sodium hydrogencarbonate solution and dilute sulphuric
acid:
2NaHCO3(aq) + H2SO4(aq)
Na2SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l) + 2CO2(g)
w Rewrite the equation to show the ions in the solution.
2Na+(aq) + 2HCO3–(aq) + 2H+(aq) + SO42–(aq)
2Na+(aq) + SO42–(aq) + 2H2O(l) + 2CO2(g)


acids (p.12)
w Leaving out the sodium ions and sulphate ions that do not
take part in the reaction, the equation becomes:
2HCO3–(aq) + 2H+(aq) 2H2O(l) + 2CO2(g)
w Simplify to give the ionic equation below:
HCO3– (aq) + H+(aq) H2O(l) + CO2(g)


acids (p.12)
Practice 14.3
1 Transcribe the following chemical equations into ionic
equations.
a) Fe(s) + H2SO4(aq) FeSO4(aq) + H2(g)
Fe(s) + 2H+(aq) Fe2+(aq) + H2(g)
b) CaCO3(s)+ 2HCl(aq) CaCl2(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
CaCO3(s) + 2H+(aq) Ca2+(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
2 Effervescence occurs when a few drops of lemon juice are
added to sodium carbonate powder.
Write the ionic equation for the reaction involved.
Na2CO3(s) + 2H+(aq) 2Na+(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
or CO32–(aq) + 2H+(aq) H2O(l) + CO2(g)

14.5 Basicity of an acid (p.13)
The basicity (鹽基度) of an acid is the maximum number

of hydrogen ions that can be produced by one molecule
of the acid.
w Hydrochloric acid is a monobasic acid (一元酸) because

every hydrogen chloride molecule produces one hydrogen
ion in water.
HCl(aq) H+(aq) + Cl–(aq)


w Ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) shown below is also a monobasic
acid. In a molecule of the acid, only the hydrogen atom
bonded to the –COO group can be released as a hydrogen
ion in water.
Ethanoic acid is a monobasic acid because only

the hydrogen atom bonded to the –COO group
can be released as a hydrogen ion in water


w Sulphuric acid is a dibasic acid (二元酸). When the acid is
mixed with water, each molecule dissociates to give one
hydrogen ion first.
H2SO4(aq) H+(aq) + HSO4–(aq)
w The resulting HSO4–(aq) ions then only partially dissociate:
HSO4–(aq) H+(aq) + SO42–(aq)
w Phosphoric acid (H3PO4(aq)) is a tribasic acid (三元酸). Its
dissociations are described by the equations below.
H3PO4(aq) H+(aq) + H2PO4–(aq)
H2PO4–(aq) H+(aq) + HPO42–(aq)
HPO42–(aq) H+(aq) + PO43–(aq)


w The table below summarises the basicity of some common
acids. The hydrogen atom(s) that can be released as ion(s) in
water by one molecule of each acid is / are shown in red.


Practice 14.4
The structure of tartaric acid is shown below. It is a dibasic
acid. Identify all the ionisable hydrogen atoms.

14.6 Bases and alkalis (p.15)

w Most oxides and hydroxides of metals are bases. A base is
a substance that neutralises an acid to form a salt and water
only.
w Alkalis (鹼) are bases which are soluble in water.
The relationship between

bases and alkalis


w The table below lists examples of insoluble bases and
soluble bases (alkalis).


w Sodium hydroxide is an alkali. It is an ionic solid. When it
dissolves in water, the crystal lattice is broken down and
the ions spread throughout the solution.
NaOH(s) + water Na+(aq) + OH–(aq)
w When ammonia gas dissolves in water, some of the
ammonia molecules react with water molecules. Hydroxide
ions are produced in this reaction.
NH3(g) + H2O(l) NH4+(aq) + OH– (aq)
w Ammonia is therefore an alkali. However, ammonia
does not react with water completely. Only a small
amount of hydroxide ions are formed.

An alkali is a base which releases hydroxide ions (OH– (aq))

when dissolved in water.
w The properties of solutions of alkalis depend on the

presence of hydroxide ions (OH– (aq)).
Dissolving ammonia in
water Ref.

14.7 Uses of alkalis and bases (p.16)

w Alkalis are used as degreasing agents because they convert
oil and grease into soap which can be washed away easily.
w Many drain cleansers contain sodium hydroxide.
w Ammonia is present in many glass cleansers.
w Calcium hydroxide is used to reduce the acidity of soil.
w Aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are used in

antacid tablets.

14.7 Uses of alkalis and bases (p.16)
Some common uses of alkalis and bases

14.8 Characteristics of dilute solutions of alkalis

(p.17)
w Alkalis are usually used in the laboratory as dilute
aqueous solutions. Four alkalis commonly found in the
laboratory are
• dilute potassium hydroxide (氫氧化鉀) solution, KOH(aq);
• dilute sodium hydroxide (氫氧化鈉) solution, NaOH(aq);
• calcium hydroxide (氫氧化鈣) solution, Ca(OH)2(aq);
• dilute aqueous ammonia (氨水), NH3(aq).
Common alkalis found in the
laboratory: dilute potassium
hydroxide
solution, dilute sodium hydroxide
solution, calcium hydroxide
solution and
dilute aqueous ammonia (from left
to right)


(p.17)
w Dilute solutions of alkalis feel slippery to the skin (they
convert oils in the skin into soap) and have a bitter taste.
w Dilute solutions of alkalis
• are conductors of electricity;
• react with solutions containing certain metal ions to form
precipitates;
• react with ammonium compounds.
Investigating the properties of

dilute solutions of alkalis Ref.


(p.17)
Electrical conductivity
w Dilute sodium hydroxide solution or dilute aqueous ammonia
conduct electricity because they contain mobile ions for
carrying the current.
Experimental set-up to test the

electrical conductivity of a dilute
solution of an alkali


(p.17)
Reaction of dilute sodium hydroxide solution with
solutions containing metal ions
w Most metal hydroxides are insoluble. The table below lists
the results when dilute sodium hydroxide solution is added
until in excess to solutions containing certain metal ions.


(p.17)
w Magnesium sulphate solution reacts with dilute sodium
hydroxide solution, forming a white precipitate of magnesium
hydroxide.
MgSO4(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) Mg(OH)2(s) + Na2SO4(aq)
w This reaction can also be represented by the ionic equation

below.
Mg2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq) Mg(OH)2(s)


(p.17)
w Lead(II) nitrate solution reacts with dilute sodium hydroxide
solution, forming a white precipitate of lead(II) hydroxide.
w The precipitate dissolves in excess dilute sodium hydroxide

solution due to the formation of a soluble complex salt. A
colourless solution is formed as a result.
Pb2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq) Pb(OH)2(s)
Pb(OH)2(s) + 2OH–(aq) [Pb(OH)4]2–(aq)
tetrahydroxoplumbate(II) ion
w Aluminium hydroxide and zinc hydroxide also dissolve in
excess dilute sodium hydroxide solution due to the formation
of soluble complex salts.


(p.17)
Lead(II) nitrate solution reacts with dilute sodium hydroxide

solution to form a white precipitate; the precipitate dissolves
in excess dilute sodium hydroxide solution to give a colourless
solution


(p.17)
w Ionic equations for reactions of solutions containing metal ions
with dilute sodium hydroxide.


(p.17)
Reaction of dilute aqueous ammonia with solutions
containing metal ions
w Solutions containing certain metal ions also form hydroxide
precipitates with dilute aqueous ammonia.


(p.17)
w A solution of copper(II) ions reacts with dilute aqueous
ammonia to form a pale blue precipitate of copper(II)
hydroxide.
w The precipitate dissolves in excess dilute aqueous ammonia
due to the formation of a soluble complex salt.
Cu2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq) Cu(OH)2(s)
Cu(OH)2(s) + 4NH3(aq) [Cu(NH3)4]2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq)
tetraamminecopper(II) ion
w Zinc hydroxide also dissolves in excess dilute aqueous

ammonia due to the formation of a soluble complex salt.


(p.17)
A solution of copper(II) ions reacts with dilute aqueous

ammonia to form a pale blue precipitate; the precipitate
dissolves in excess dilute aqueous ammonia to give a
deep blue solution


(p.17)
w Ionic equations for reactions of solutions containing metal
ions with dilute aqueous.


(p.17)
Reaction of dilute sodium hydroxide solution with
ammonium compounds
w Ammonium compounds (such as ammonium chloride,
ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate) contain
ammonium ions. Heating them with dilute sodium
hydroxide solution produces ammonia gas.
w Heating ammonium nitrate (solid or solution) with dilute
sodium hydroxide solution produces ammonia gas, sodium
nitrate and water.
!"#$
NH4NO3(s or aq) + NaOH(aq) NH3(g) + NaNO3(aq) + H2O(l)
!"#$
NH4+(aq) + OH–(aq) NH3(g) + H2O(l)


(p.17)
Q (Example 14.1)
A teacher carried an experiment to illustrate the solubility of ammonia gas in
water. The experiment consisted of two parts.
Part I
A flask was filled with dry ammonia gas produced from the reaction between
ammonium chloride and calcium hydroxide. The experimental set-up shown
below was used.


(p.17)
Q (Example 14.1) (continued)
Part II
The experimental set-up shown below was used. Several cm3
of water were injected into the flask from the syringe. The water
containing universal indicator solution was then automatically
sucked into the flask through the glass tube.


(p.17)
Q (Example 14.1) (continued)
a) Why was the ammonia gas collected by upward delivery in
Part I?
b) Briefly explain why the water containing universal indicator
solution was sucked into the flask.
c) State, with explanation, an observation related to the
universal indicator in the flask.


(p.17)
A
a) Ammonia is less dense than air.
b) Ammonia is very soluble in water. As the gas dissolved, a
partial vacuum formed and the atmospheric pressure would
force the water in the trough to inject into the flask through
the glass tube.
c) The water in flask turned from green to blue.
This is because aqueous ammonia is alkaline.


(p.17)
Practice 14.5
1 A student added dilute sodium hydroxide solution to four
solutions containing metal or ammonium ions. The
observations made by the student are shown below.


(p.17)
1 a) Give the chemical formula of the green precipitate formed
from the reaction between iron(II) sulphate solution and
dilute sodium hydroxide solution.
Fe(OH)2
b) i) What would be observed when dilute sodium hydroxide
solution was added to iron(III) chloride solution?
A reddish brown precipitate appears.
ii) Write the ionic equation for the reaction involved.
Fe3+(aq) + 3OH–(aq) Fe(OH)3(s)


(p.17)
1 c) i) Name the white precipitate formed from the reaction between
aluminium sulphate solution and dilute sodium hydroxide solution.
Aluminium hydroxide
ii) The white precipitate dissolved in excess dilute sodium hydroxide
solution to give a colourless solution.
Aluminium hydroxide dissolves in excess dilute sodium hydroxide
solution due to the formation of a soluble complex salt.
Explain with the aid of an equation.
Al(OH)3(s) + OH–(aq) [Al(OH)4]–(aq)
d) i) Name gas A. Ammonia
ii) Write the ionic equation for the reaction between ammonium chloride
solution and dilute sodium hydroxide solution.
NH4+(aq) + OH–(aq) NH3(g) + H2O(l)


(p.17)
2 Solution of which alkali must be used to distinguish between
a solution containing zinc ions and a solution containing
lead(II) ions? What is the observation that distinguishes the
two?
Dilute aqueous ammonia.
A solution containing zinc ions gives a white precipitate (zinc
hydroxide) with dilute aqueous ammonia. The precipitate
dissolves in excess dilute aqueous ammonia.
A solution containing lead(II) ions gives a white precipitate
(lead(II) hydroxide) with dilute aqueous ammonia. The
precipitate does not dissolve in excess dilute aqueous
ammonia.
14.9 Concentrated acids (p.25)

w Ordinary concentrated hydrochloric acid contains about
35% hydrogen chloride by mass. Ordinary concentrated
sulphuric acid contains about 98% sulphuric acid by mass.
w Ordinary concentrated nitric acid contains about 70% nitric
acid by mass. It tends to decompose to brown nitrogen
dioxide gas. Light can speed up the decomposition. Hence
the acid is often kept in a brown bottle.
w These concentrated acids have the
characteristics of a typical acid. Concentrated
nitric acid
For example, each reacts with a stored in a
brown bottle
base to give a salt and water.


Diluting concentrated acids
w Concentrated acid is diluted by adding it slowly to a large
amount of water while stirring.
Dilute concentrated acid by adding

it slowly to a large amount of water
while stirring

w Concentrated acid may generate lots of heat when mixed

with water. Water is NEVER added to a concentrated acid.
w If you add water to a concentrated acid, the heat released

may cause the mixture to violently splash out of the
container and sputter onto your face.

14.10 Corrosive nature of concentrated acids

and alkalis (p.26)
w Concentrated acids and alkalis are corrosive.
w Concentrated acids and alkalis cause chemical burns upon
contact with the skin. They can also lead to complications
when ingested.
The action of concentrated sulphuric acid on

a piece of towel


(p.27)
w Qualitative analysis (定性分析) deals with the identification
of chemical species present in unknown samples.
Identifying metal ions
w Reacting a solution of an unknown sample with dilute
sodium hydroxide solution can help you identify the metal
ions present.
w For example, a solution containing copper(II) ions forms a
pale blue precipitate when mixed with dilute sodium
hydroxide solution.


(p.27)
A strategy for identifying the metal ions

present in an unknown sample


(p.27)
Identifying carbonate ions
w Carbonate ions (CO32–) can be identified using a dilute
acid such as dilute hydrochloric acid. Dilute hydrochloric
acid reacts with a carbonate to produce carbon dioxide
gas. The gas turns limewater milky.
w This simple test works either the carbonate is in solid form
or in a solution.
A carbonate gives carbon dioxide

with dilute hydrochloric acid A rock containing carbonate
gives carbon dioxide gas with
dilute hydrochloric acid

(p.27)
Q (Example 14.2)
For each of the following pairs of chemicals, suggest a chemical
test to distinguish between them. State also the expected
observations.
a) AgNO3(aq) and NaNO3(aq)
b) NH4Cl(s) and KCl(s)


(p.27)
A
a) Any one of the following:
Add dilute hydrochloric acid to each solution separately.
AgNO3(aq) gives a white precipitate.
NaNO3(aq) gives no observable change.
Add dilute sodium hydroxide solution to each solution
separately.
AgNO3(aq) gives a brown precipitate.
NaNO3(aq) gives no observable change.
b) Add dilute sodium hydroxide solution to each solid separately.
Warm each mixture.
NH4Cl(s) gives a gas that can turn moist red litmus paper
blue (ammonia).
KCl(s) gives no observable change.

(p.27)
Q (Example 14.3)
Three unlabeled reagent bottles each contains one of the white
solids listed below:
Anhydrous aluminium sulphate
Anhydrous zinc sulphate
Hydrated zinc sulphate
Outline how you would carry out tests to distinguish these three
solids.


(p.27)
A
Dissolve the solids in water separately.
Add dilute aqueous ammonia to each solution until in excess.
White precipitates form initially for all the solutions. However, only
the precipitate formed from aluminium sulphate solution does not
dissolve in excess dilute aqueous ammonia. Precipitates formed
from the other two zinc sulphate solutions dissolve in excess dilute
aqueous ammonia.
Heat solid anhydrous and hydrated zinc sulphate in a test tube
respectively. Place a piece of blue cobalt(II) chloride paper in the
mouth of the test tube.
Only hydrated zinc sulphate gives water that turns the blue
cobalt(II) chloride paper pink upon heating.


(p.27)
Practice 14.6
For each of the following pairs of substances, suggest a chemical test to
distinguish one substance from the other.
State also the expected observations.
a) Na2CO3(s) and NaNO3(s) Add dilute hydrochloric acid to each solid
separately.
Na2CO3(s) gives effervescence.
b) CaCl2(aq) and ZnCl2(aq) NaNO3(s) gives no observable change.
Any one of the following:
• Add dilute sodium hydroxide solution to each solution until in excess.
CaCl2(aq) gives a white precipitate which does not dissolve in excess dilute
sodium hydroxide solution.
ZnCl2(aq) gives a white precipitate which dissolves in excess dilute sodium
hydroxide solution.
• Carry out a flame test.
CaCl2(aq) gives a brick-red flame.
ZnCl2(aq) gives no characteristic flame colour.
14.12 Drying agents (p.30)

w When a beaker of concentrated sulphuric acid is left in air for
some time, the volume of the acid. This is because the acid
absorbs water vapour from air.
w Substances which do this are said to be hygroscopic (吸
濕的).
The volume of concentrated sulphuric

acid increases when it is left in air

w When anhydrous calcium chloride is left in air for some time,
it absorbs water vapour from air and eventually forms a very
concentrated solution. Substances which behave like this are
said to be deliquescent (潮解的).
w Solid sodium hydroxide is also a deliquescent substance.
w Hygroscopic and deliquescent substances are often used as
drying agents (乾燥劑).
w Drying agents have found widespread uses in food,
electronic products and many manufacturing industries.
Silica gel is used as a
drying agent to keep the
camera flashlight dry


w Three drying agents used in the laboratory are
• concentrated sulphuric acid;
• anhydrous calcium chloride;
• calcium oxide.
Concentrated sulphuric acid, anhydrous calcium chloride and calcium oxide can be
used to dry gases (from left to right)


w Concentrated sulphuric acid and anhydrous calcium chloride
cannot be used to dry ammonia gas because both react with
the gas.
w Calcium oxide is used to dry ammonia. However, calcium
oxide cannot be used to dry acidic gases such as carbon
dioxide and sulphur dioxide.
w Drying agents are used in desiccators (乾燥器) to maintain
a dry environment for chemicals.
Using a drying agent in a desiccator for

maintaining a dry environment for
the chemicals


Practice 14.7
In a laboratory class, students were asked to dry a sample of
hydrogen chloride gas. Two proposed set-ups were shown
below.


a) The teacher commented that both set-ups shown above were
inappropriate. Explain why.
Set-up 1
The end of the delivery tube for the incoming gas is above the concentrated
sulphuric acid. Thus, the incoming gas does NOT pass through the drying
agent.
Set-up 2
Calcium oxide CANNOT be used to dry HCl(g) because calcium oxide reacts
with HCl(g).
b) Draw a labelled diagram of a suitable set-up for drying the gas.

Key terms (p.33)

ethanoic acid 乙酸 sulphuric acid 硫酸
citric acid 檸檬酸 nitric acid 硝酸
oxalic acid 草酸 mineral acid 礦酸
lactic acid 乳酸 base 鹽基
carbonic acid 碳酸 neutralisation 中和作用
phosphoric acid 磷酸 effervescence 泡騰
hydrochloric acid 氫氯酸 dissociation 離解作用

Key terms (p.33)

hydroxonium ion 水合氫離子 calcium hydroxide 氫氧化鈣
basicity 鹽基度 aqueous ammonia 氨水
monobasic acid 一元酸 complex salt 絡鹽
dibasic acid 二元酸 qualitative analysis 定性分析
tribasic acid 三元酸 hygroscopic 吸濕的
alkali 鹼 deliquescent 潮解的
potassium hydroxide 氫氧化鉀 drying agent 乾燥劑
sodium hydroxide 氫氧化鈉

Summary (p.34)
1 Characteristics of dilute acids:
a) Dilute acids have a sour taste.
b) Dilute acids conduct electricity due to the presence of
mobile ions.
c) Some reactions of dilute acids are listed in the following
table:

Summary (p.34)
2 An acid is a compound which produces hydrogen ions
(H+(aq)) as the only positive ions when dissolved in water.
3 Water must be present for an acid to exhibit its typical
properties.
4 The basicity of an acid is the maximum number of hydrogen
ions that can be produced by one molecule of the acid.
5 Most oxides and hydroxides of metals are bases. A base is a
substance that neutralises an acid to form a salt and water
only.
6 Alkalis are bases which are soluble in water.
7 An alkali is a base which releases hydroxide ions (OH–(aq))
when dissolved in water.

Summary (p.34)
8 Characteristics of dilute solutions of alkalis:
a) Dilute solutions of alkalis feel slippery to the skin and
have a bitter taste.
b) Dilute solutions of alkalis conduct electricity due to the
presence of mobile ions.
c) Adding dilute sodium hydroxide solution to solutions
containing certain metal ions until in excess gives metal
hydroxide precipitates as listed in the following table:

Summary (p.34)

Summary (p.34)
8 d) Adding dilute aqueous ammonia to solutions containing
certain metal ions until in excess gives metal hydroxide
precipitates as listed in the following table:

Summary (p.34)
8 e) Heating solids or solutions of ammonium compounds

with solutions of alkalis liberates ammonia gas.
!"#$
e.g. NH4NO3(s or aq) + NaOH(aq)
NH3(g) + NaNO3(aq) + H2O(l)
or
!"#$
NH4+(aq)
+ OH–(aq)
NH3(g) + H2O(l)
9 Concentrated acids and alkalis are corrosive.
10 Concentrated sulphuric acid, anhydrous calcium chloride
and calcium oxide are common drying agents.

Unit Exercise (p.37)
Note: Questions are rated according to ascending level of

difficulty (from 1 to 5):
question targeted at level 3 and above;

question targeted at level 4 and above;
question targeted at level 5.
‘ * ’ indicates 1 mark is given for effective communication.


PART I KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
1 Complete the following concept map.
(a) hydrogen
(b) electricity
(c) hydrogen
(d) water
(e) carbon dioxide

l) copper(II) ions / iron(II) ions / iron(III) ions

Unit Exercise (p.37) m) copper(II) ions / iron(II) ions / iron(III) ions
n) ammonium ions
a) oxides / hydroxides
b) oxides / hydroxides
c) neutralise
d) hydroxide
e) electricity
f) calcium ions / magnesium ions
g) calcium ions / magnesium ions
h) aluminium ions / lead(II) ions / zinc ions
i) aluminium ions / lead(II) ions / zinc ions
j) aluminium ions / lead(II) ions / zinc ions

k) copper(II) ions / iron(II) ions / iron(III) ions

PART II MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
2 Which of the following statements concerning acids is correct?
A Nitric acid is used as a fertiliser.

B Hydrochloric acid is produced in human stomach.
C Ethanoic acid is a non-electrolyte.
D The following hazard warning label should be displayed
on a bottle of concentrated hydrochloric acid.
Answer: B

3 Magnesium oxide reacts with hydrochloric acid according

to the chemical equation below.
MgO(s) + 2HCl(aq) MgCl2(aq) + H2O(l)
What is the ionic equation for this reaction?
A Mg2+(s) + 2Cl–(aq) MgCl2(aq)

B MgO(s) + 2H+(aq) Mg2+(aq) + H2O(l)
C MgO(s) + 2H+(aq) + 2Cl–(aq) MgCl2(aq) + H2O(l)
D MgO(s) + 2Cl–(aq) MgCl2(aq) + O2–(l)
Answer: B

4 Which of the following is NOT a typical property of a dilute

acid?
A It reacts with all metals to produce hydrogen.

B It reacts with carbonates to produce carbon dioxide.
C It can conduct electricity.
D It is neutralised by bases. Answer: A
Explanation:
Unreactive metals (e.g. copper) have
NO reaction with
dilute acid.

5 Dilute sodium hydroxide solution is added to a 0.1 M

solution until in excess. Which of the following
combinations is correct?
Solution Observation
A zinc sulphate white precipitate formed
B calcium nitrate white precipitate formed
C lead(II) nitrate yellow precipitate formed
D iron(III) sulphate dirty green precipitate formed
Answer: B
(HKDSE, Paper 1A, 2018, 6)

6 Which of the following statements about dilute sulphuric acid

is INCORRECT?
A It is a mineral acid.
B It contains hydrogen ions.
C It is a dibasic acid.
D It has a slippery feel.
Answer: D

7 Compound X is soluble in water. Addition of dilute sodium

hydroxide solution to a solution of X gives a precipitate. The
precipitate dissolves upon the addition of excess sodium
hydroxide solution. X may be
A ammonium sulphate.
B calcium chloride.
C lead(II) nitrate.
D iron(II) sulphate. Answer: C

Explanation: 100
Unit 14 Acids and alkalis Option A — The end of the delivery tube for the incoming
gas is above the concentrated sulphuric acid. Thus, the
Unit Exercise (p.37) incoming gas does not pass through the drying agent.
Options B and D — Calcium hydroxide and calcium oxide
are basic substances. They react with carbon dioxide gas.
8 Which of the following set-ups can be used to dry carbon
dioxide gas?
A C
B D
Answer: C

9 Solid Y is soluble in cold water. When an aqueous solution of Y
is added separately to sodium hydroxide solution and to
acidified silver nitrate solution, a white precipitate is formed in
both cases. Which of the following compounds might Y be?
A Ammonium carbonate
B Zinc carbonate Answer: D
C Lead(II) chloride
D Magnesium chloride

10 Which of the following statements about limestone is / are

correct?
(1) It gives a golden yellow flame in a flame test.
(2) It gives a colourless gas when heated strongly.
(3) It dissolves in dilute sulphuric acid to give a clear
solution.
A (1) only
B (2) only
C (1) and (3) only
D (2) and (3) only
Answer: B


11 Which of the following statements concerning NaOH(aq)
and NH3(aq) is / are correct?
(1) Both of them can react with MgCl2(aq).
(2) Both of them can form a deep blue solution with
Cu(OH)2(s).
(3) NaOH(aq) can react with CH3COOH(aq), but
NH3(aq) cannot.
A (1) only
B (2) only
C (1) and (3) only Answer: A
D (2) and (3) only

12 Which of the following hazard warning labels should be

displayed on a reagent bottle storing concentrated
sulphuric acid?
(1)
(2)
(3)
A (1) only
B (2) only Answer: D
C (1) and (3) only
D (2) and (3) only


13
Which of the following gases can be collected by the

set-up shown above?
(1) Carbon dioxide Explanation:
(2) Hydrogen chloride (2) Hydrogen chloride is
(3) Hydrogen extremely soluble in water. It is
A (1) only denser than air and can be
B (2) only collected by downward delivery
C (1) and (3) only or by using a gas syringe.
D (2) and (3) only Answer: C


PART III STRUCTURED QUESTIONS
14 For each of the following experiments involving acids, state
the expected observation, and write a chemical equation
for the reaction involved.
a) Zinc is added to dilute hydrochloric acid.
Gas bubbles are given off. / Zinc dissolves in the acid. (1)
Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g) (1)
b) Solid copper(II) oxide is added to dilute sulphuric acid.

Solid copper(II) oxide dissolves in the acid. / A blue
solution is formed. (1)
CuO(s) + H2SO4(aq) CuSO4(aq) + H2O(l) (1)


14 (continued)
c) Solid magnesium carbonate is added to dilute
hydrochloric acid.
Effervescence occurs. / Solid magnesium carbonate
dissolves in the acid. (1)
MgCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) MgCl2(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g) (1)
d) Dilute sulphuric acid is added to potassium carbonate
solution.
Effervescence occurs. (1)
K2CO3(aq) + H2SO4(aq)
K2SO4(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g) (1)


15 For each of the following experiments, state the expected
observation(s), and write the ionic equation(s) for the
reaction(s) involved.
a) Water is added to a solid mixture of citric acid and
sodium hydrogencarbonate.
b) Dilute sodium hydroxide solution is added to aluminium
nitrate solution until in excess.
c) Dilute sodium hydroxide solution is mixed with ammonium
chloride solution and warm.
d) Dilute aqueous ammonia is added to copper(II) sulphate
solution until in excess.
e) Dilute aqueous ammonia is added to zinc sulphate
solution until in excess.


15 a) Effervescence occurs. (1)
NaHCO3(s) + H+(aq) Na+(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g) (1)
or HCO3–(aq) + H+(aq) H2O(l) + CO2(g)
b) A white precipitate forms. (1)
The precipitate dissolves in excess dilute sodium hydroxide solution
to give a colourless solution. (1)
Al3+(aq) + 3OH–(aq) Al(OH)3(s) (1)
Al(OH)3(s) + OH–(aq) [Al(OH4)]–(aq) (1)
c) Ammonia gas is given off. (1)
NH4+(aq) + OH–(aq) NH3(g) + H2O(l) (1)
d) A blue precipitate forms. (1)
The precipitate dissolves in excess dilute aqueous ammonia to give a
deep blue solution. (1)
Cu2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq) Cu(OH)2(s) (1)
Cu(OH)2(s) + 4NH3(aq) [Cu(NH3)4]2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq) (1)
e) A white precipitate forms. (1)
The precipitate dissolves in excess dilute aqueous ammonia to give a
colourless solution. (1)
Zn2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq) Zn(OH)2(s) (1)
Zn(OH)2(s) + 4NH3(aq) [Zn(NH3)4]2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq) (1)


16 The set-up shown below is used to investigate the reaction
of ethanoic acid with calcium carbonate.
a) Describe TWO changes that will be observed.

Any two of the following:
• Effervescence occurs. (1)
• Calcium carbonate decreases in size / dissolves. (1)
• Limewater turns milky. (1)
b) Write the chemical equation for the reaction involved.
CaCO3(s) + 2CH3COOH(aq)
(CH3COO)2Ca(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g) (1)
c) Name the salt formed. Calcium ethanoate (1)


17 For the following experiment, state the expected observation,
and write the chemical equation(s) for the reaction(s)
involved.
Passing carbon dioxide gas into limewater until in excess.
(HKDSE, Paper 1B, 2015, 2(a))
Answers for the questions of the public examinations in Hong

Kong are not provided (if applicable).


18 Consider the experiment below and answer the questions that
follow.
Dilute sodium hydroxide solution is added to copper(II)
sulphate solution.
a) State the expected observation.
b) Write the chemical equation for the reaction that occurs.
(HKDSE, Paper 1B, 2014, 9(a))



19 Ammonia gas can be prepared using the set-up below. A
mixture of two solids, ammonium sulphate and calcium
hydroxide, is heated.
a) Write the chemical equation for the reaction between

ammonium sulphate and calcium hydroxide.
(NH4)2SO4(s) + Ca(OH)2(s)
2NH3(g) + CaSO4(s) + 2H2O(l) (1)
b) Suggest a suitable drying agent for drying ammonia.
Calcium oxide (1)

19 (continued)
c) Name the apparatus labelled X.

Gas jar (1)
d) Why is the ammonia collected by upward delivery as shown,
but NOT over water?
Ammonia is less dense than air. Thus, it can be collected by
upward delivery. (1)
Ammonia is very soluble in water. Thus, it is NOT collected
over water. (1)
e) Give a test for ammonia gas.
Ammonia turns moist red litmus paper blue. (1)


20 The diagram below shows some reactions of calcium and
its compounds.


20 (continued)
a) Reactions 1 and 2 both form calcium oxide. Write a
chemical equation for each of the reactions.
2Ca(s) + O2(g) 2CaO(s) (1)
CaCO3(s) CaO(s) + CO2(g) (1)
b) Calcium hydroxide is both a base and an alkali.
Explain what are meant by the terms ‘base’ and ‘alkali’.
A base is a substance that neutralises an acid to form a
salt and water only. (1)
An alkali is a base which is soluble in water. (1)


21 Barium (Ba) is an element in Group II of the Periodic
Table. Its chemical properties are similar to those of
calcium.
A gas with a pungent smell is formed when Ba(OH)2(s) is
heated with NH4Cl(s). State the reason why the gas
CANNOT be collected by each of the following methods.

(HKDSE, Paper 1B, 2017, 1(b))


22 Solid W was analysed by a student. W was a carbonate.
The tests on W and some of the observations were
shown in the following table.
a) i) Complete the observations in Test 1. Effervescence

occurred. (1)
ii) What was the gas given off in Test 2?The gas turned
Ammonia (1) limewater milky.(1)
b) What conclusion can be drawn about solid W?
Solid W is ammonium carbonate. (1)

23 For each of the following pairs of substances, suggest a
test to distinguish one substance from the other and state
the expected observations.
a) Calcium chloride solution and zinc chloride solution
• Add dilute sodium hydroxide solution to each solution
until in excess. (1)
CaCl2(aq) gives a white precipitate which does not
dissolve in excess dilute sodium hydroxide solution. (1)
ZnCl2(aq) gives a white precipitate which dissolves in
excess dilute sodium hydroxide solution.
• Carry out a flame test. (1)
CaCl2(aq) gives a brick-red flame.
(1)
ZnCl2(aq) gives no characteristic flame colour.

23 (Continued)
b) Solid sodium chloride and solid sodium carbonate
c) Iron(II) sulphate solution and iron(III) sulphate solution
b) Any one of the following:
• Add dilute hydrochloric acid to each solid separately. (1)
Solid sodium carbonate gives effervescence.
(1)
Solid sodium chloride gives no observable change.
• Dissolve each solid in water. Add dilute nitric acid followed by silver
nitrate solution to each soluiton. (1)
Solution of sodium carbonate gives effervescence with dilute nitric acid
but no precipitate with silver nitrate solution. (1)
Solution of sodium chloride gives a white precipitate.
c) Add dilute sodium hydroxide solution / dilute aqueous ammonia to each
solution. (1)
Iron(II) sulphate solution gives a green precipitate.
(1)
Iron(III) sulphate solution gives a reddish brown precipitate.


24 Two tests were performed on the solution of compound
X to identify the ions in the compound.
The results were recorded in the table below.
a) Identify the TWO ions in compound X.

Iron(III) ion (1) Chloride ion (1)
b) Write an ionic equation for the reaction that occurred in
each test.
Fe3+(aq) + 3OH–(aq) Fe(OH)3(s) (1)
Ag+(aq) + Cl–(aq) AgCl(s) (1)

Unit 14
9 Relating
Acids and
thealkalis
properties of substances to structures and bonding 122
122

25 A student finds an unlabelled bottle containing a white
powder. He suspects that the powder may be either sodium
carbonate, sodium chloride or sodium hydroxide.
Describe how the student could identify the substance.
Your answer must include the expected observations for
EACH substance.
Add dilute hydrochloric acid to each solid separately. (1)
The powder is sodium carbonate if effervescence occurs. (1)
The powder is sodium hydroxide if there is a temperature rise. (1)
The powder is sodium chloride if there is no change. (1)
(WJEC GCSE Science A (Higher Tier), Chem. 1, Jan. 2012, 9(a))

Unit 37

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Unit 37

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Unit 37

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mastering

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.1 Acids around you (p.2)

w Vinegar contains ethanoic acid (乙酸). Orange, lemon and

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.1 Acids around you (p.2)

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

Common acids found in the laboratory:

Investigating the properties of

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

Experimental set-up to test the electrical

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

metal + dilute acid salt + hydrogen

w The hydrogen present in the acid is replaced by a metal to

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

Magnesium ribbon reacting Iron reacting with dilute

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

oxide or hydroxide of metal + dilute acid

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

The reaction between copper(II) oxide and

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

Calcium carbonate reacts

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

1 a) State the products for each of the following reactions

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

2 The diagram below shows some reactions of a common.

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.2 Characteristics of dilute acids (p.3)

2 a) Give the names of

b) Suggest a test for identifying gas B.

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.3 The role of water in exhibiting properties

Citric acid crystals and oxalic

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.3 The role of water in exhibiting properties

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

14.3 The role of water in exhibiting properties

Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved