IGCSE Chemistry
Year 10
Structure and Bonding Questions

Question 1

Diamond and graphite are each forms of the element carbon. Their structures are shown below.

(a)	Explain the meaning of the term element.

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(b)	In the diamond structure, how many bonds does each carbon atom make with other carbon atoms?
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(c)	Diamond is a giant structure. Explain what is meant by the term giant structure. ..................................................................................................................….......... [1]

(d)	Diamond is used in tools for cutting and drilling rocks.
(i)	Suggest a property of diamond that makes it suitable for these jobs.
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(ii) Explain your answer by referring to the bonding in diamond.
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	(iii) Silicon carbide, SiC, has a structure like that of diamond.
Use your knowledge of the Periodic Table to suggest why silicon carbide has a similar structure to diamond.
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	(e) Graphite is used as a lubricant.
By referring to its structure, explain why graphite is used as a lubricant.
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	(f) Graphite electrodes can be used in the electrolysis of concentrated hydrochloric acid. 

	(i) Suggest one property of graphite that makes it a suitable material to use for an electrode.

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	(ii) Name the product formed during this electrolysis at

the positive electrode,	.............................................................................................. [1]
the negative electrode.	............................................................................................ [1]

	
Question 2

(a) The table shows some properties of lactose, sulphur and potassium nitrate.

Property	lactose	sulphur	potassium
nitrate	
state at room temperature	solid	solid	solid	
solubility in water	soluble	insoluble	soluble	
electrical conductivity of a
solution in water	does not
conduct	no solution
formed	conducts	
structure	molecular	molecular	ionic giant
structure

(i) Suggest how you can separate a solid mixture of lactose and sulphur. 

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(ii) Suggest why a solution of potassium nitrate in water conducts electricity. 

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(iii)	Suggest why a solution of lactose in water does not conduct electricity. 

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Question 3

Hydrogen chloride, HCI, has a single covalent bond.

Draw a diagram to show how the electrons are arranged in a molecule of hydrogen chloride. Only the outer electron shells need be shown. [2]

	
Question 4

The element scandium, proton (atomic) number, Z = 21, was discovered by L Neilson in Sweden in 1879. It forms only one ion which has the formula 4521Sc3+.

(a) How many electrons, protons and neutrons are there in this ion?

number of electrons ................................................................................... [1]

number of protons ...................................................................................... [1]

number of neutrons .................................................................................... [1]

(b) Predict the electron distribution of this ion.

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