Calculate — 3 marks
A materials scientist is investigating the density of different metallic elements to select the most suitable material for an aerospace component. The component must be lightweight but strong. The scientist has data for three metals: aluminium (Al), titanium (Ti), and magnesium (Mg).
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A block of magnesium has a mass of 216 g and a volume of 126 cm³. Calculate the density of magnesium in g/cm³. (1 mark)
[1 mark]
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Titanium has a density of 4.51 g/cm³. A cylindrical rod of titanium has a volume of 85 cm³. Calculate the mass of the titanium rod in grams. (1 mark)
[1 mark]
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The aerospace engineer requires a metal with a density less than 3.0 g/cm³ for weight reduction. Aluminium has a density of 2.70 g/cm³. A component made from aluminium has a mass of 540 g. Calculate the volume of this component in cm³ and explain whether aluminium meets the density requirement. (1 mark)
[1 mark]
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Define — 5 marks
A materials scientist is investigating different elements to select suitable materials for manufacturing kitchen utensils. She needs to understand the fundamental properties of elements and how these properties relate to their position in the periodic table.
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Define what is meant by the term 'relative atomic mass' of an element.
[2 marks]
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Define the term 'metallic bonding' and explain how this type of bonding accounts for why metals such as copper are good electrical conductors.
[2 marks]
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Define the term 'electronegativity' and state why electronegativity values generally increase across a period in the periodic table.
[1 mark]
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State — 5 marks
A student is investigating the properties of different elements from the periodic table. They are comparing a sample of copper metal with a sample of bromine liquid to understand how physical properties vary between elements.
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State two physical properties of copper metal.
[2 marks]
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State the state of matter of bromine at room temperature.
[1 mark]
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State two reasons why copper and bromine have very different physical properties.
[2 marks]
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Calculate — 2 marks
A quality control technician in a ceramics factory analyses samples of magnesium oxide (MgO) used to manufacture heat-resistant bricks. The technician needs to verify the atomic composition of the elements present.
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(01.1) Magnesium has an atomic number of 12 and a mass number of 24. Calculate the number of neutrons in an atom of magnesium.
[1 mark]
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(01.2) An oxide ion (O²⁻) forms when an oxygen atom (atomic number 8) gains two electrons. Calculate the number of electrons in an oxide ion.
[1 mark]
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- (01.1) 12 (neutrons)
- (01.2) 10 (electrons)
Describe — 2 marks
In a chemistry laboratory, a teacher shows students samples of the elements copper, sulfur, and magnesium. The students observe the physical properties of each element.
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(01.1) Describe one physical property that copper and magnesium have in common.
[1 mark]
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(01.2) Describe one way in which the appearance of sulfur differs from copper and magnesium.
[1 mark]
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- (01.1) they are shiny / lustrous
- (01.1) they conduct electricity
- (01.1) they are metals
- (01.1) they are malleable
- (01.1) they are ductile
- (01.2) it is yellow (in colour)
- (01.2) it is dull / not shiny
- (01.2) it is brittle
- (01.2) it is a powder (at room temperature)
GCSE Perfect