Miscellaneous Chemistry Problems from 2004 Australian NQE

[TripleS]

Question 1:

Homework Statement

In the early years of the nineteenth century, John published a list of atomic masses. One experiment on which it was based involved measuring the composition by mass of ammonia. By assigning hydrogen a mass of 1 unit and using the chemical formula for ammonia, he could deduce the atomic mass of nitrogen.

Unfortunately, he incorrectly believed that the formula for ammonia was NH. What atomic
mass did he propose for nitrogen on the basis of this formula?

Homework Equations

None?

The Attempt at a Solution

Molar Mass of NH₃ = 17
Thinking H is 1, and the formula is NH then
N = 16? (Except this is wrong...)

Question 2

Homework Statement

A brown-black compound of thallium was found to contain 89.5% Tl and 10.5% O. What is
the oxidation number of thallium in this compound?

Homework Equations

None again?

The Attempt at a Solution

204.4 / 89.5 = 2.28
16 / 10.5 = 1.52
2.28 x 2 = 4.5 ish
1.52 x 3 = 4.5 ish

so 3 oxygens to 2 thalliums...so 3⁺
but I am pretty sure that's not how you do it...its the right answer though...

Question 3

Homework Statement

A sample of phosphorus pentachloride is placed in a sealed container, where it decomposes into phosphorus trichloride and chlorine gas.

Once the mixture is at equilibrium, a small quantity of helium gas is added, at constant pressure and temperature, and the mixture is allowed to return to equilibrium. Which of the following best describes the second equilibrium position with respect to the first?

A - The second equilibrium position is the same as the first, because helium is much
lighter than any of the other molecules in the container and will have a negligible
effect on the reaction.
B - The second equilibrium position is the same as the first, because helium does not
react with any of the other molecules in the container.
C - The second equilibrium position has more PCl3 than the first.
D - The second equilibrium position has more PCl5 than the first.
E - It is impossible to tell what will happen without knowing the equilibrium constant
for this reaction.

Homework Equations

PCl₅ (g) <---> PCl₃ (g) + Cl₂ (g)

The Attempt at a Solution

Addition of helium would increase the number of gas particles and the system would then react to the left in order to decrease the increased pressure.
So I would choose D, except the answer was C

Question 4:

Homework Statement

Q14 An unknown compound was discovered to have molecular formula C₁₀H₂₀O₂. To which of the following classes of compounds could this unknown not belong?

A - alkynes
B - alkenes
C - alcohols
D - esters
E - ethers

Homework Equations

Alkynes = C_nH_2n-2
Alkenes = C_nH_2n

The Attempt at a Solution

It could be a decene-diol, so A and C would work.
And i wasn't sure about the rest (I wasn't sure what a ester or ether was ><)

 

[Astronuc]

1. Remember in NH₃, so the actual masses are 14 (N) and 3 (H), but John (Dalton, I presume to one is referring) used the formula NH. The masses should be 14 + 3 = 17, but changing the basis by dividing by 3 to make mass of 3H to be 1 would give 14/3 + 3/3 = 17/3.

So three H was assigned 1, and the remaining mass 14 would be assigned 14/3.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Dalton

2. For the Tl oxide compound, assume a given mass, e.g. 100 g, which would give 89.5 g of Tl and 10.5 g of O. Divide each quantity by the respective atomic mass, which yields the number of moles, and then find the formula that gives both values of moles as integers.

3. I would expect the He to tend to increase pressure and push the equilibrium to favor more PCl₅ - which occupies less volume.

4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_compound (See ester)

Perhaps chemistree or other chemistry guru will drop into assist.

 

[Blueshift5]

I would like to provide some guidance and clarification on the questions presented.

Firstly, in Question 1, the correct formula for ammonia is NH3, not NH. Therefore, the atomic mass of nitrogen proposed by John would be incorrect as well. It would be important to understand the correct formula and its corresponding atomic mass in order to accurately determine the atomic mass of nitrogen.

In Question 2, it is important to note that the oxidation number of an element is not solely determined by its percentage composition in a compound. There are various factors that can affect the oxidation number, such as electronegativity and bonding with other elements. Therefore, it is important to consider these factors in determining the oxidation number of thallium in the given compound.

In Question 3, the addition of helium gas would not necessarily cause the reaction to shift to the left, as it is a noble gas and does not participate in chemical reactions. The shift in equilibrium would depend on the equilibrium constant of the reaction and the initial concentrations of the reactants and products. Therefore, it is important to consider all relevant factors in determining the equilibrium position.

Lastly, in Question 4, it is important to understand the definitions of the given classes of compounds. Alkynes and alkenes are both unsaturated hydrocarbons, while alcohols, esters, and ethers have different functional groups. Therefore, it would be important to analyze the molecular formula and determine if it fits the criteria for each class of compounds in order to accurately determine which class it could not belong to.

In conclusion, as a scientist, it is important to have a strong understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts in chemistry in order to accurately solve problems and make informed conclusions. It is also important to carefully consider all relevant factors and information in order to provide accurate and reliable responses.