New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

Suggested answers to in-text activities and unit-end exercises

Topic 6 Unit 23

Practice
P23.1 (page 4)
1 a)

b) CS2 follows the ‘octet rule’.

SF4 does not follow the ‘octet rule’.

2 a)

b) Dative covalent bond

c) No.

P23.2 (page 7)
SiF4 SCl2 PH3

Electron diagram

3-D structure

Shape of molecule tetrahedral V-shape or bent shape trigonal pyramidal

P23.3 (page 12)

HCN
When using the electron pair repulsion theory, double bonds can be counted as single bonds.
Thus, the carbon atom can be viewed as having two pairs of electrons in its outermost shell.
The two electron pairs repel each other. They must be at opposite ends of a straight line in order to
be as far apart as possible.
Thus, HCN is a linear molecule.
HCHO

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New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

P23.4 (page 15)

1 Buckminsterfullerene has a simple molecular structure.
Weak van der Waals’ forces exist between the C60 molecules.
The molecules can slide over each other easily.
Hence buckminsterfullerene is soft and slippery.

2 Balls of carbons are very small and not linked to each other, appearing like powder.

3 Van der Waals’ forces exist between molecules of buckminsterfullerene. Such forces also exist
between molecules of petrol.
Thus, molecules of buckminsterfullerene and petrol mix together easily.
Diamond and graphite have giant covalent structures.
They are insoluble in petrol because the atoms are held together by strong covalent bonds and
it is very difficult to separate the atoms.

Discussion (page 4)
Not agree.
Oxygen is in the second period of the periodic table. It cannot form compounds with more than 8
electrons in the outermost shell of its atom.

Chemistry Magazine (page 15)

Carbon nanotubes — new material with superior properties
1 Some points students may raise:
․ CNTs may enter the municipal water system;
․ CNTs may be harmful;
․ CNTs may have long-term effects;
․ it is difficult to establish the long-term effects as the technology is new;
․ harmful effects of CNTs have not been fully investigated.
2 Some points students may raise:
․ conduct more research;
․ establish safe levels;
․ inform consumers when such filters are used.

Unit Exercise (pages 20–24)

1 a) linear
b) trigonal planar
c) tetrahedral
d) trigonal bipyramidal
e) octahedral

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Topic 6 Unit 23
New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

2 a) Trigonal pyramidal
b) Tetrahedral
c) Trigonal planar
d) Trigonal bipyramidal
e) Octahedral

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Topic 6 Unit 23
New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

3
Number Number
Electron of bond of lone Three-dimensional
diagram pairs in pairs in structure (showing
(showing the the all electron pairs Shape of
Molecule
electrons in the outermost outermost in the outermost molecule
outermost shells shell of the shell of shell of the central
only) central the central atom)
atom atom

BeCl2 0 2 linear

trigonal
BF3 3 0
planar

CCl4 0 4 tetrahedral

trigonal
PCl3 1 4
pyramidal

V-shape or
H2O 2 2
bent shape

trigonal
PCl5 5 0
bipyramidal

SF6 6 0 octahedral

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Topic 6 Unit 23
New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

4
Molecule Electron diagram Model

H2S (iii)

NH3 (i)

OCS (ii)

5 C
Molecule Electron diagram

CCl4

H2O

PH3

SF6

∴ PH3 has exactly one lone pair of electrons in the outermost shell of the central atom.

6 D

7 D The electron diagram of a nitrogen trichloride is shown below.

The four electron pairs in the outermost shell of the nitrogen atom adopt a tetrahedral
arrangement.
The shape of a molecule is determined only by the arrangement of atoms. Thus, the
nitrogen trichloride molecule has a trigonal pyramidal shape.

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Topic 6 Unit 23
New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

8 B The electron diagram of a BCl3 molecule is shown below.

The three electron pairs in the outermost shell of the boron atom adopt a trigonal planar
arrangement. Thus, a BCl3 molecule has a trigonal planar shape.

9 A The electron diagram of a CO2 molecule is shown below.

We can view the carbon atom as having two pairs of electrons in its outermost shell. The
two pairs of electrons adopt a linear arrangement. Thus, a CO2 molecule has a linear
shape.

10 A NCl5 does NOT exist. Nitrogen cannot form compounds with more than 8 electrons in the
outermost shell of its atom.

11 C The electron diagram of a phosphorus pentabromide molecule is shown below.

The six electron pairs in the outermost shell of the phosphorus adopt an octahedral
arrangement. Thus, a phosphorus pentabromide molecule has an octahedral shape.

12 A The electron diagram of a COCl2 molecule is shown below.

We can view the carbon atom as having three pairs of electrons in its outermost shell. The
three pairs of electrons adopt a trigonal planar arrangement. Thus, a COCl2 molecule has
a trigonal planar shape.

13 A (1) and (2) Electron diagrams of BeCl2 and CS2 molecules are shown below.

The two pairs of electrons in the outermost shell of the central atom in

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New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

each molecule adopt a linear arrangement. Thus, each molecule has a

linear shape.
14 C (2) and (3) Electron diagrams of NH3 and PCl3 molecules are shown below.

The four electron pairs in the outermost shell of the central atom in each
molecule adopt a tetrahedral arrangement.
The shape of a molecule is determined only by the arrangement of atoms.
Thus, each molecule has a trigonal pyramidal shape.

15 B (1) BeCl2 and HCN molecules have a linear shape.

(2) A BCl3 molecule has a trigonal planar shape while a NF3 molecule has a trigonal
pyramidal shape.
(3) CH4 and SiBr4 molecules have a tetrahedral shape.

16 A (1) Molecules in buckminsterfullerene are bound by weak van der Waals’ forces while
graphite has a giant covalent structure. Thus, the melting point of
buckminsterfullerene is lower than that of graphite.
(2) Each carbon atom has four outermost shell electrons. In a molecule of
buckminsterfullerene, each carbon atom forms three single covalent bonds with other
carbon atoms. The remaining electron is delocalized.

17
Molecule Electron diagram 3-D structure Shape of molecule

CF4 tetrahedral

NF3 trigonal pyramidal

PF5 trigonal bipyramidal

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Topic 6 Unit 23
New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

SF2 V-shape or bent shape

18

When using the electron pair repulsion theory, triple bonds can be counted as single bonds.
Thus, the central nitrogen atom can be reviewed as having two pairs of electrons in its
outermost shell.
The two electron pairs repel each other, they must be at opposite ends of a straight line in order
to be as far apart as possible.
Thus, the N2O molecule has a linear shape.

19 a) 2B(s) + 3F2(g) 2BF3(g)

b) Shape: trigonal planar
The three bonded pairs of electrons repel one another equally.

20

21 a)

b)

c) A phosphorus pentachloride molecule has five bond pairs of electrons in the outermost
shell of the phosphorus atom.
The electron pairs repel one another. The shape that puts the electron pairs furthest apart
is trigonal bipyramidal.

22 Answers for the HKASLE question are not provided.

23 a) Diamond has a giant covalent structure. The carbon atoms are held together by strong

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New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

covalent bonds.
A lot of heat is required to break the strong covalent bonds during melting.
b) Graphite has a layered structure. Weak van der Waals’ forces exist between the layers.
The layers can easily slide over each other.
Hence graphite has a slippery feel.
c) Graphite has a layered structure. Within each layer, each carbon atom uses three
outermost shell electrons in forming covalent bonds with three other atoms.
The remaining electron is delocalized between the layers of carbon atoms.
Graphite can conduct electricity due to the presence of delocalized electrons.
d) Only weak van der Waals’ forces exist between the buckminsterfullerence molecules.
There is no need to break strong covalent bonds during melting.

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Topic 6 Unit 23
New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

Suggested answers to in-text activities and unit-end exercises

Topic 6 Unit 24

Practice
P24.1 (page 28)
a) non-polar

b)

c)

d) non-polar

e)

f) non-polar

P24.2 (page 34)

Molecular Shape of
Electron diagram Polar bond Polar molecule?
formula molecule

V-shape or bent
H2O O–H yes
shape

HF linear H–F yes

CH2F2 tetrahedral C–F yes

SF6 octahedral S–F no

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Topic 6 Unit 24
New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

P24.3 (page 38)

The boiling point of a compound depends on the strength of its intermolecular attractions.
The intermolecular attractions in the carbon compounds are van der Waals’ forces.
The number of electrons in the molecule / the molecular mass increases from methane to propane.
Hence the strength of van der Waals’ forces also increases from methane to propane. This suggests
that the boiling points should increase from methane to propane in accordance with the data.

P24.4 (page 43)

1 a) Van der Waals’ forces
b) Hydrogen bonds and van der Waals’ forces

2 a) The boiling point of NH3 is higher than that of PH3.

The boiling point increases from PH3 to SbH3.
b) Consider an NH3 molecule. When a hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to a very
electronegative nitrogen atom, a very polar H–N covalent bond is formed. The hydrogen
atom has a strong partial positive charge.
The hydrogen atom is attracted strongly to a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom of
another NH3 molecule. The resulting force of attraction is a hydrogen bond.
The boiling point of a compound depends on the strength of its intermolecular attractions.
Hydrogen bonds exist in NH3 while only van der Waals’ forces exist in PH3.
Hydrogen bonds are stronger than van der Waals’ forces. More heat is needed to separate
the NH3 molecules during boiling.
Thus, the boiling point of NH3 is higher than that of PH3.
The intermolecular attractions in PH3, AsH3 and SbH3 are van der Waals’ forces.
The number of electrons in one molecule increases from PH3 to SbH3. Hence the strength
of van der Waals’ forces also increases from PH3 to SbH3. This suggests that the boiling
points should increase from PH3 to SbH3, in accordance with the data.

P24.5 (page 52)

The boiling points of the compounds are in the order: A < C < D < B.
The boiling point of a compound depends on the strength of its intermolecular attractions.
Hydrogen bonds exist in B and D while only van der Waals’ forces exist in A and C.
Hydrogen bonds are stronger than van der Waals’ forces. More heat is needed to separate the
molecules of B and D during boiling.
Thus, the boiling points of B and D are higher than those of A and C.
Both B and D have a –OH group. Their boiling point difference is related to the difference in the
strength of van der Waals’ forces between molecules.
Molecule of B has a linear shape while that of D has a more spherical and compact shape. The
molecular shape of B allows greater surface contact between molecules.
The van der Waals’ forces in B are stronger.

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Topic 6 Unit 24
New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

Thus, the boiling point of B is higher than that of D.

One molecule of C contains more electrons than one molecule of A. Hence the strength of van der
Waals’ forces in C is higher than that in A.
Thus, the boiling point of C is higher than that of A.

Discussion (page 52)

The rate at which each steel ball drops depends on the viscosity of the alcohol. This is related to the
intermolecular attractions of the liquid.
Alcohol X has one, alcohol Y has two and alcohol Z has three –OH group(s) per molecule that can
take part in hydrogen bonding. Thus, the intermolecular attractions in alcohol Z is the strongest.
Among the three alcohols, the viscosity of alcohol Z is the highest because it has the strongest
intermolecular attractions and its molecules tend to become entangled due to the shape.
Thus, the ball drops most slowly in alcohol Z.

Unit Exercise (pages 56–62)

1 a) polar
b) non-polar
c) van der Waals’ forces
d) net dipole moment
e) van der Waals’ forces
f) F, O or N bonded to hydrogen

2 a) The electronegativity of an element represents the power of an atom of that element to

attract a bonding pair of electrons towards itself in a molecule.

b)

c) CH4

3 a)

b) The electronegativity values of carbon and chlorine determine where the partial charges
are placed on the molecule.
c) Yes.
Each C–Cl bond is polar.
Because of its tetrahedral shape, the individual C–Cl bond dipole moments reinforce each
other.
Hence the whole molecule has a net dipole moment.

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New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

4 C

5 C A tetrachloromethane molecule has a tetrahedral shape. Due to the symmetry of the

tetrahedral shape, the four identical C–Cl bond dipole moments cancel one another out
exactly. As a result, the molecule has no net dipole moment and it is non-polar.

6 A

7 B CO2 and CCl4 molecules contain polar bonds. However, they have symmetrical shapes.
The bond dipole moments cancel one another out exactly. Thus, these molecules are
non-polar.

8 A 1-chloropropane molecules are polar.

Thus, a stream of 1-chloropropane would be affected by an electric field.

9 C

10 D

11 C The CH3C(CH3)2CH3 molecule is spherical and compact. The molecular surface area
available for coming into contact with neighbouring molecules is the smallest. Thus, the
van der Waals’ forces between CH3C(CH3)2CH3 molecules are weakest.

12 D

13 D Molecules of Y and Z can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules while those of X
cannot. Thus, the water solubilities of Y and Z are higher than that of X.
Each molecule of Z has two –OH groups while each molecule of Y has only one.
Molecules of Z can form more hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Thus, the water
solubility of Z is higher than that of Y.
The order of increasing water solubility is: X < Y < Z

14 B (2) The electronegativity of Group I elements decreases with increasing atomic number.

15 A (1) Both alcohols have a –OH group. Their boiling point difference is due to the
difference in the strength of van der Waals’ forces between molecules.

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New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

Molecule of X has a linear shape while that of Y has a more spherical and compact
shape. The molecular shape of X allows greater surface contact between molecules.
The van der Waals’ forces in X are stronger. Thus, the boiling point of X is higher
than that of Y.
(2) The van der Waals’ forces in X are stronger, pulling the molecules close together.
Thus, the density of X is higher than that of Y.

16 a)

b) i) Octahedral
ii) Molecule of BF3 Molecule of NH3

ii) BF3 has a symmetrical shape.

The three identical bond dipole moments cancel one another out exactly.

17 a) i)

ii) A hydrogen sulphide molecule has two lone pairs and two bond pairs of electrons in
the outermost shell of the sulphur atom.
These electron pairs repel to get as far apart as possible.
So, the four electron pairs will adopt a tetrahedral arrangement.
The shape of a molecule is determined only by the arrangement of atoms. Thus, the
hydrogen sulphide molecule is V-shape or bent shape.

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New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

b) The H–S bonds are slightly polar.

As the hydrogen sulphide molecule is not symmetrical in shape, the individual bond
dipole moments reinforce each other.
The molecule has a net dipole moment and it is polar.

18 a)

b) i)

The jet of propanone is deflected by the positively charged rod.

The negative ends of the molecules are attracted towards the rod.
ii)

The jet of propanone is deflected by the negatively charged rod.

The positive ends of the molecules are attracted towards the rod.

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New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

19 The boiling point of an element depends on the strength of its intermolecular attractions.
The intermolecular attractions in halogens are van der Waals’ forces.
The number of electrons in the halogen molecule increases from fluorine to iodine. Hence the
strength of van der Waals’ forces between halogen molecules also increases from fluorine to
iodine.
More heat is needed to separate the molecules during boiling, and thus the boiling points
increase from fluorine to iodine.

20 a) The boiling point of a compound depends on the strength of its intermolecular attractions.
The intermolecular attractions in both compounds X and Y are van der Waals’ forces.
A molecule of Y contains more electrons than a molecule of X.
So the van der Waals’ forces between molecules of Y are stronger than that between
molecules of X. More heat is need to separate the molecules of Y during boiling.
b) The shape of a molecule of Y is more spread-out while that of a molecule of Z is more
compact.
This allows greater surface contact between molecules of Y than between molecules of Z.
Hence the van der Waals’ forces between molecules of Y are greater than those between
molecules of Z. More heat is needed to separate the molecules of Y during boiling.

21 Answers for the HKDSE question are not provided.

22 a) i) Type of bond: Covalent bond

Explanation: One pair of outermost shell electrons are shared between the C
and H atoms.
ii) Liquid ethanol: Hydrogen bonds
Liquid propane: Van der Waals’ forces
b)

23 a)

b) Hydrogen bonds between ethanol molecules were broken.

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New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

c) i) Amount of heat taken in by ethanol

= 8.0 g × 2.41 J g–1 K–1 × 3.8 K
= 73.3 J
ii) Amount of heat taken in by cyclohexane
= 16.0 g × 1.83 J g–1 K–1 × 3.8 K
= 111 J
8.0 g
iii) Number of moles of ethanol used =
46.0 g mol–1
= 0.174 mol
(73.3+ 111) J
iv) Strength of hydrogen bond between ethanol molecules =
0.174 mol–1
= 1.06 kJ mol–1

24 a) The molecules in ice are held further apart than in liquid water.
b) i) Hydrogen bonds
ii) Van der Waals’ forces
iii) Hydrogen bonds are stronger than van der Waals’ forces.
More heat is needed to separate the molecules during melting of ice.

25 a)

b) The boiling point of a compound depends on the strength of its intermolecular attractions.
Hydrogen bonds exist in propan-1-ol while only van der Waals’ forces exist in propene.
Hydrogen bonds are stronger than van der Waals’ forces. More heat is needed to separate
the propan-1-ol molecules during boiling.
Thus, the boiling point of propan-1-ol is higher than that of propene.

26 a) The boiling point of a compound depends on the strength of its intermolecular attractions.
A HI molecule contains more electrons than a HBr molecule. Hence the strength of van
der Waals’ forces in HI is higher than that in HBr.
More heat is needed to separate the HI molecules during boiling.
Thus, the boiling point of HI is higher than that of HBr.
b) Hydrogen bonds exist in HF while only van der Waals’ forces exist in HCl.
Hydrogen bonds are stronger than van der Waals’ forces.
More heat is needed to separate the HF molecules during boiling.

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Topic 6 Unit 24
New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

Thus, the boiling point of HF is higher than that of HCl.

27 a) Hydrogen bonds exist between ethanol molecules in addition to van der Waals’ forces.
There are only van der Waals’ forces between tetrachloromethane molecules.
A liquid with strong intermolecular forces has a higher viscosity than one with weak
intermolecular forces.
Hence the viscosity of ethanol is higher than that of tetrachloromethane.
b) Both ethanol and glycerol molecules can form hydrogen bonds.
Each glycerol molecule has three –OH groups that can take part in hydrogen bonding
while each ethanol moleucle has only one –OH group.
Each glycol molecule can form more hydrogen bonds.
Furthermore, because of their shape, the glycerol molecules tend to become entangled
rather than to slide past one another. These factors contribute to the high viscosity of
glycerol.

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New 21st Century Chemistry (2nd Edition)

c) A hydrogen bond requires both a lone pair of electrons on an atom of N, O or F, and a

hydrogen atom.
In H2O, there are two hydrogen atoms in each molecule and two lone pairs of electrons on
the oxygen atom, allowing the formation of two hydrogen bonds.
In HF, there is one hydrogen atom in each molecule and three lone pairs of electrons on
the fluorine atom. This means each molecule can only form one hydrogen bond.
Thus, more heat is required to separate the H2O molecules during boiling.

27 a) Hydrogen bonds exist between ethanol molecules in addition to permanent

dipole-permanent dipole attractions and instantaneous dipole-induced dipole attractions.
There are only instantaneous dipole-induced dipole attractions between
tetrachloromethane molecules.
A liquid with strong intermolecular forces has a higher viscosity than one with weak
intermolecular forces.
Hence the viscosity of ethanol is higher than that of tetrachloromethane.
b) Both ethanol and glycerol molecules can form hydrogen bonds.
Each glycerol molecule has three –OH groups that can take part in hydrogen bonding
while each ethanol moleucle has only one –OH group.
Each glycol molecule can form more hydrogen bonds.
Furthermore, because of their shape, the glycerol molecules tend to become entangled
rather than to slide past one another. These factors contribute to the high viscosity of
glycerol.

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Topic 6 Unit 24