STATES OF MATTER

1. Which of the following forms of energy is possessed by the molecules of an ideal gas: thermal,
potential, kinetic?
ANSWER: Kinetic only
2. An ideal gas is compressed isothermally so that its volume is halved. Which of the following
properties of the gas molecule is doubled: thermal energy, internal energy, kinetic energy?
ANSWER: None of them
3. Which of the following properties of an ideal gas determines its internal energy: pressure,
temperature, volume?
ANSWER: Temperature only

Under what conditions would the Graham Law of effusion/diffusion not hold?
ANSWER: When temperature and pressures under which rates are measured for different
gases are not constant.
14. What is the evidence of the postulate of the Kinetic Theory of matter that Gases are
composed of molecules whose sizes are negligible compared to the average intermolecular
distances.

ANSWER: The main Evidence is that most of the volume occupied by a gas is empty space
hence gases are highly compressible.
15. The average kinetic energy of a gaseous molecule is proportional to the absolute
temperature. What is the evidence for this?

ANSWER: As temperature increases, kinetic energy increases and collision rate with vessel
walls increases thereby increasing the pressures of the gas. In practice when a gas is heated at
constant volume, pressure increases

4 How are the rates of effusion of two gases leaking from an opening of a container related,
assuming temperature and pressure are the same?
ANSWER: The rates are inversely proportional to the square root of their densities
(or molar masses).
5 How does the Kinetic Theory of Gases explain the pressure exerted by a gas in a vessel?
ANSWER: The molecules of the gas are in constant motion and are striking the
Surface / wall of the vessel.
6 How is a gas in a container able to maintain a constant pressure at constant temperature in
the container?
ANSWER: By undergoing elastic collisions with the surface/wall of the vessel.
1. State Graham’s law of Diffusion.
 ANSWER: At constant temperature and pressure the rate of diffusion of a gas is
inversely proportional to the square root of its density (or molar mass).
2. State Boyle’s Law.
ANSWER: At constant temperature, the volume of a fixed mass of a gas is inversely
proportional to its pressure.
3. State Charles’ law.
ANSWER: At constant pressure, the volume of a fixed mass of a gas is proportional
to its absolute temperature.

1. Define Boyle’s Law

ANSWER: The volume of a given mass of gas is inversely proportional to its

pressure provided temperature remains constant ie V α 1/P

1. State Charles’ Law.

ANSWER: The volume of a fixed mass of gas at constant pressure is directly

proportional to its absolute temperature

2. Under which conditions do gases deviate from Boyle’s Law?

ANSWER: At high pressures.

3. Why do you think noble gases behave almost like ideal gases?

ANSWER: No attractive nor repulsive forces among the gaseous atoms.

4. What is the change in volume when an ideal gas at atmospheric pressure undergoes an isochoric
process?

ANSWER: None (An isochoric process is a constant volume process.)

5. The pressure of a fixed quantity and fixed volume of an ideal gas is doubled. How does the
absolute temperature of the gas change?

ANSWER: It is doubled

or

6. The number of moles of an ideal gas in a vessel with rigid walls maintained at constant
temperature is doubled. How does the pressure change?
ANSWER: It is doubled

or .
1. Why is it that the Theory that explains the behavior of matter, especially gases, is called
Kinetic Theory of Matter?

ANSWER: Matter is perceived to consist of small particles in constant

motion

2. Why are gases able to assume the shape of their container?

ANSWER: Gaseous molecules/atoms are in constant motion in all

directions.

3. Why does a given volume of a fixed mass of gas increase with an increase in
temperature?

ANSWER: The heating increases the average speed of the particles which
are able to strike the walls of the container with greater
energy.

1. Whose law states that for a given amount of gas at a fixed temperature the pressure times
the volume equals a constant.
ANSWER: Boyle’s Law.
2. Whose law states that equal volumes of any two gases at the same
temperature and pressure contain the same number of molecules.
ANSWER: Avogadro’s Law
3. In 1808, Gay Lussac published results of some experiments on reactions of
gases. State his observations or conclusion based on his experimental results.
ANSWER: When gases react the volumes of reactant and product gases at
a given pressure and temperature are in ratios of small whole numbers.
MAIN CONTEST MC 2

ROUND 1

1. If one were drawing a graph of the first ionization potentials against atomic numbers

for the elements in the second Period a smooth curve will be obtained with two values

lying well above the curve. Name any one of the two elements and give the reason for

the larger than expected values.

 Ans: Beryllium (Be). Reason: The 2s orbital is fully filled and hence stable.

Taking an electron out will require a lot of energy.

Nitrogen (N). Reason: 2p orbitals have an electron each. The p-

subshell is half filled and hence stable. Taking an electron out will require a

lot of energy

2. Which factors account for the general trend in increase in the first ionization energy

with increase in atomic number in a Period of Periodic Table.

Ans: (1) Decrease in atomic radius (2) Increase in effective nuclear

charge

3. State how the first ionization energy of the elements in a Group varies down the

Group and give the factors that account for this

Ans: The first ionization energy decreases down a Group.

Factors: i) Atomic radius increases ii) Shielding effect by the inner core of

electrons increases hence attraction for the outermost electrons decreases

ROUND 1
 Preamble to all schools;

A sample of air at 27 0C in 10.0 dm3 flask consists 6.4 g of oxygen gas 8.4 g of

nitrogen gas and 0.66 g of CO2.

O = 16.0; N = 14.0; C = 12.0; R = 8.31 Jmol-1K-1

1. Calculate the partial pressure of CO2 in the flask. Give the units and the answer to one

place of decimal

Ans: CO2 = 44 g; T = 300 K

Moles of CO2 = 0.66/44 = 0.015

Therefore, partial pressure of CO2 = nRT/V = (0.015 *8.31

*300)/10

= 3.7 kPa

(Do not explain the method of calculation yet)

2. Calculate the partial pressure of oxygen gas in the flask and give the answer to one

place of decimal. Give the units of your answer

Ans: O2 = 32 g; T = 300 K

Moles of O2 = 6.4/32 = 0.2

Partial pressure of CO2 = nRT/P = (0.2*8.31*300)/10 = 49.9kPa

3. Calculate the partial pressure of nitrogen gas in the flask and give your answer to one

place of decimal. Give the units of your answer.

Ans: N2 = 28 g; T = 300 K

Moles of N2 = 8.4/28 = 0.3

Partial pressure of N2 = (0.3 *8.31 *300)/10 = 74.8 kPa

ROUND 2

1. Calculate the mass of calcium carbide required to yield 112 dm3 of ethyne at STP.
 CaC2 = 64.0; Molar volume of a gas STP = 22.4 dm3

Ans: CaC2 + 2H2O → C2H2 + Ca(OH)2

64 22.4 dm3

112 dm3 of C2H2 ≡ (112/22.4) *64 of CaC2 = 5 *64

= 320 g

2. How many d-subshells or d-energy levels are either fully or partially filled with

electrons in the Periodic Table? Name them

Ans: 4; 3d, 4d, 5d and 6d

ROUND 5

4. e flask and give the answer to one place of decimal. Give the units of your answer

Ans: O2 = 32 g; T = 300 K

Moles of O2 = 6.4/32 = 0.2

Partial pressure of CO2 = nRT/P = (0.2*8.31*300)/10 = 49.9kPa

5. Calculate the partial pressure of nitrogen gas in the flask and give your answer to one

place of decimal. Give the units of your answer.

Ans: N2 = 28 g; T = 300 K

Moles of N2 = 8.4/28 = 0.3

Partial pressure of N2 = (0.3 *8.31 *300)/10 = 74.8 kPa

ROUND 2

3. Calculate the mass of calcium carbide required to yield 112 dm3 of ethyne at STP.
 CaC2 = 64.0; Molar volume of a gas STP = 22.4 dm3

Ans: CaC2 + 2H2O → C2H2 + Ca(OH)2

64 22.4 dm3

112 dm3 of C2H2 ≡ (112/22.4) *64 of CaC2 = 5 *64

= 320 g

Preamble to all schools;

A glass vessel at 30 0C contains 2 moles of oxygen gas, 3 moles of nitrogen gas and 4

moles of helium gas and the total pressure of the three gases is found to be 360 kPa.

1. Calculate the mole fraction of oxygen gas and give your answer to two places of

decimal

Ans: Total number of moles = 2+3+4 = 9

Mole fraction of oxygen = 2/9 = 0.22

2. Calculate the partial pressure of nitrogen gas

Ans: PN2 = (3/9) *360 = 120 kPa

1. The maximum volume of an inflatable plastic balloon, beyond which it will burst is 2.9

dm3. Determine by calculation whether 4 g of oxygen put in the balloon at STP will

cause it to burst or not. Give your answer to one place of decimal. O =

16.0; Molar volume of a gas at STP= 22.4 dm3

Ans: 4 g of O2 = (4/32) mol of O2

Volume of O2 at STP = 1/8 *22.4 = 2.8 dm3

Hence, the balloon will not burst

1. What does the abbreviation STP mean and what are the values.

Ans: STP means Standard Temperature and Pressure.

Standard Temperature = 0 oC; Standard Pressure = 100 kPa.

 Preamble to all schools;

Use the Kinetic Theory of Gas to explain the following experimental observations:

1. For a given gas at constant temperature and volume, the pressure increases when the

molar quantity of the gas increases

Ans: The Theory suggests that the pressure of a gas results from collision between

the gas particles and the walls of the container. When the number of the

particles increases, the number of collisions per unit area increases even at

constant temperature.

2. For a given amount of gas at a constant volume, the pressure of the gas increases with

temperature.

Ans: A postulate of the Theory states that the average kinetic energy of a gas

particle depends only on the temperature of the gas; hence the average kinetic

energy increases as the gas gets warmer. The higher average kinetic energy

means gaseous particles move faster and collide with the wall of its container

with greater force, hence increase in presence.

3. For a gas, at constant temperature and pressure, the volume is proportional to the

molar quantity.

Ans: As the number of gas particles increases, frequency of collisions with the

walls of the container increases. As pressure in the container increases the

volume of the container increases until the internal pressure and external

pressure become equal.

1. Give the following gases in increasing rate of diffusion

(a) Cl2; (b) CF2Cl2; (c) SO2.

 Cl = 35.5; S = 32.0; F = 19.0; O =

16.0;

C = 12.0

Ans: Rate of diffusion: CF2Cl2 (121) < Cl2 (71) < SO2 (64).

Lightest molecule diffuses fastest, heaviest molecule slowest.

1. A quantity of oxygen is introduced into an empty steel globe at 27 0C and 100 kPa.

The globe is sealed and heated. At what temperature in degree Celsius will the

pressure be twice as high as the original pressure?

Ans: Use Charles law; At constant V; P2/T2 = P1/T1

P1 = 100 kPa; P2 = 200 kPa;

T1 = (27 + 273); T2 = ?

T2 = (P2/P1) *T1 = (200/100) *300

= 600 K

= 327 0C

1. The volume of oxygen gas trapped in a vertical cylinder with a piston measures 9.6 litres
at a pressure of 200 kPa. If the pressure on the piston is released very gently what will be
the pressure of the oxygen when it expands at a constant temperature to a volume of 24
litres.

ANSWER: Let the new pressure be P2

P1V1 = P2V2

200 x 9.6 = P2 x 24

Hence P2 = (9.6/24) x 200

P2 = 80 kPa

2. Why is it that the ideal gas equation does not hold for gases at very low temperatures?
ANSWER: At very low temperatures gases are not moving fast enough;
intermolecular forces become apparent

3. Which postulate of the Kinetic Theory of Matter predicts that gases can easily be
compressed?
 ANSWER: Postulate: For gases the sizes of the molecules/atoms are negligible
compared with the average distances between them.

4. What is the implication of the postulate that in an ideal gas all collisions are elastic?

ANSWER: A given gas at constant temperature and volume will maintain a

constant pressure

1. Why is temporary hardness of water so called?

ANSWER: Hardness can be removed simply by boiling the water.
2. What causes permanent hardness of water?
ANSWER: The presence of tetraoxosulphate ions or other salts of Fe2+,Fe3+, Mg2+
and Ca2+ or other multivalent ions.
3. What happens chemically when water of temporary hardness is boiled?
ANSWER: The calcium hydrogen trioxocarbonate (IV) dissolved in the water
precipitates out as CaCO3 and CO2 given off.
1. A sealed vessel contains 3 moles of oxygen and 9 moles of helium. If the total pressure
is 270kPa. What is the partial pressure of the oxygen?
ANSWER: Partial pressure = mole fraction * PT

= (3/12)*270 = 67.5 kPa

2. A sealed vessel contains 2 moles of nitrogen, 6 moles of helium and 6 moles of argon.
If the partial pressure of nitrogen is 40kPa, what is the total pressure of the three
gases?
ANSWER: PN2 = mole fraction of N2 *PT

40 = (2/14)*PT

PT = 40*14/2 = 280kPa

3. A sealed vessel contains 4 moles of oxygen, 3moles of nitrogen and 5 moles of argon.
What is the partial pressure of argon, if the total pressure is 360 kPa?
ANSWER: PAr = 5/12*360 = 150kPa
1. Which scientist observed that for a fixed mole of a gas, at constant pressure , a plot of
the volume versus degree Kelvin gives a straight line.
Ans: Charles (law).
 2. Who observed that a plot of the rate of diffusion of a gas from one place to another is
proportional to the reciprocal of the square root of the density?
ANSWER: Graham (law).
3. If you want to confirm Boyle’s law at a given temperature for a certain amount of gas,
what graph will you plot?
ANSWER: V vs 1/P or P vs 1/V at constant T.
1. Name the three main states of matter.
ANSWER: Solid, liquid, and gas.
2. Give a physical property shared by liquids and gases but not solids.
ANSWER: They have no shape or they are composed of delocalized atoms or
molecules.
3. What property distinguishes a crystalline solid from other solids?
ANSWER: Ordered arrangement of constituents (atoms or molecules).

4. Give one method by which HCl gas may be prepared in the laboratory
ANSWER: Reaction of NaCl with conc. H2SO4
Reaction of H2 and Cl2
Reaction of PCl3 with water
5. Give one method by which hydrogen gas can be prepared in the laboratory.
ANSWER: Reaction of sodium amalgam or Ca or CaH2 or NaBH4 with water
Reaction of Mg with hot water
Reaction of Zn with mineral acid
Reaction of Zn or Al with NaOH
6. Give one method by which ammonia gas can be prepared in the laboratory.

ANSWER: Reaction of any ammonium salt with hydroxide

1. Calculate the amount in mole of nitrogen gas in a balloon that has a volume of 4.2

*104 dm3 when the temperature of the gas is 27 0C and the pressure is 96.0 kPa. For

the purpose of this calculation assume the gas constant R to be 8.4 JK-1mol-1.

Ans: Use the Ideal Gas equation; n = PV/RT

P = 96.0 kPa; V = 4.2 *104; T = (273 + 27)

K;
 R = 8.4 JKmol-1

Moles of nitrogen n = (96 *4.2 *104)/(8.4 *300) =

1.60 *103mol

[Do not explain the method of calculation yet]

2. 1.0 g of a gas fills a 540 cm3 flask at a temperature of 27 0C and its pressure is 99 kPa.

Use the information to calculate the molar mass of the gas. Assume the gas constant

to be 8.10 JK-1mol-1for this calculation and give your answer to one place of decimal.

Ans: Use the Ideal Gas equation: n = PV/RT

P = 99 kPa; V = 0.540 dm3;

T = 300 K; R = 8.10 JK-1mol-1

n = (99 *0.54)/ (300 *8.1) = 0.022

Molar mass = 1/0.022 = 45.5 g

3. Calculate the mass of oxygen in kg that can be stored in a gas cylinder of 60 dm3

volume at a pressure of 17000 kPa and temperature of 27 0C. Assume the gas constant

to be 8.50 JK-1mol-1 for this calculation and give your answer to one place of decimal.

O = 16.0

Ans: Use the Ideal Gas equation; n = PV/RT

P = 17000 kPa; V = 60 dm3; T = 300 K; R= 8.5 JK-1 mol-1

Moles of oxygen n = (17000 *60)/ (300 *8.5) = 400

Mass of oxygen = 400 * 32 = 12,800 g

= 12.8 kg
 Heating CaO with NH4Cl

A glass container, containing 10 g of neon and some oxygen has a total pressure 552

kPa at 27 0C. Assume the gas constant R is 8.4 JK-1mol-1 for the purpose of this

calculation.

1. Calculate the partial pressure of the neon gas. Ne = 20

Ans: moles of neon present = 10/20 = 0.5

But P = (nRT)/V = (0.5 *8.4 *300)/5

= 30 *8.4 = 252 kPa

2. Calculate the moles of oxygen present in the container. Give our answer to two places

of decimal. Assume the partial pressure of the neon is 252 kPa.

Ans: Partial pressure of oxygen = 552 – 252 = 300 kPa

Hence, 300 = (n *8.4 *300)/5

n = 5/8.4 = 0.595 = 0.60 moles

3. How many moles of nitrogen gas at the same temperature have to be added to the

container so that the pressure increases from 552 kPa to 720 kPa. Give your answer to

two places of decimal

Ans: Partial pressure of nitrogen = (720 – 552) kPa = 168 kPa

But partial pressure; P = (nRT)/V

Moles of nitrogen n = (PV)/RT = (168 *5)/(8.4 *300)

= 1/3 = 0.33
 The Kinetic Molecular Theory is a simple theoretical model to explain the

behaviour of gases. The Theory is based on six postulates. Each school is to give

two of the postulates but only one at a time.

Ans: (1) Gases are composed of molecules (or atoms or particles) in a

state of constant motion

(2) The size of the particles is negligible compared to the average

distances between them; hence most of the volume of a gas is

empty space

(3) These particles move in straight lines until they collide with

another particle or the walls of the container.

(4) There is no force of attraction (or repulsion) between the gas

particles and the walls of the container

(5) Collisions between the gas particles or collisions with the walls

of the container are elastic.

(6) The average kinetic energy of a collection of gas particles

depends on the temperature of the gas and nothing else

1. 38g of a certain gas that occupied 16.62 dm3 volume exerted a pressure of 95 kPa at
27 0C. Calculate the molar mass of the gas. Assume R = 8.31 JK-1mol-1
Ans: Use the Ideal gas equation; PV = nRT ; n = PV/RT

n = (95 *16.62)/ (300 *8.31) = 19/30 mol

But n = m/M, where M is molar mass

19/30 = 38/M; M = (30 *38)/19 = 60.0g

1. Some argon is collected by displacing water in a 500 cm3 a gas flask at 27 °C and

834.6 kPa. If the water vapour pressure at 27 °C is 3.6 kPa, calculate the moles of

argon collected. Give your answer to three places of decimal. Gas constant, R = 8.31

JK-1mol-1

Ans: Use Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures

PTotal = PAr + PH2O; 834.6 = PAr + 3.6

PAr = 831

But, n = PV/RT; n = (831* 0.5)/(8.31 *300)

= 0.5/3 = 0.167

2. A 1.0dm3 flask is filled with helium gas at 27 °C until the pressure is 50 kPa.

Calculate the total pressure when 4.4 g of CO2 are added to the flask. Gas constant R

is 8.31 JK-1mol-1. C = 12.0; O = 16.0

Ans: Molar of mass of CO2 = 44

Moles of CO2 in 4.4 g = 4.4/44 = 0.1

Pressure of 0.1 mol of CO2; PCO2 = (nRT)/V

PCO2 = (0.1 *8.31 *300)/1.0 = 83.1 *3 = 249.3 kPa

Total pressure = (50 + 249.3) kPa = 299.3 kPa

3. A 1.0 dm3 flask contains equal numbers of mole of CO2, Argon and Nitrogen at 27

°C. If the total pressure is 450 kPa, calculate the partial pressure of the CO2 gas

Ans: Use Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures

 Moles of CO2 = 1/3 of the total number of moles

Hence, PCO2 = 1/3 *450 kPa = 150 kPa

1. It has been found that contrary to Boyle’s Law the product of volume and pressure
(PV) for say CO2 is not quite constant at high pressures and low temperatures, why?
Ans: At high pressures or low temperatures, the density of the gas is high and the
size of the molecules compared to intermolecular distances is no longer
negligible. Secondly, the intermolecular forces when the molecules are close
are no longer negligible

2. The Kinetic Theory states that when gaseous molecules or atoms collide with one
another or with the walls of the container of the gas, the collisions are elastic. What
would have been the case if the collisions were not elastic
Ans: If the collisions were not elastic, the molecules would lose energy and the
pressure will gradually decrease to zero even at constant temperature

3. What does the Kinetic Theory say about the average kinetic energy of a gaseous
molecule?
Ans: The average Kinetic Energy of a molecule is proportional to the absolute
temperature.

1. Under what conditions do gases deviate from Boyle’s law?

ANSWER: At high pressures and low temperatures.
2. Why do gases deviate from Boyle’s law at high pressures and low temperatures?
ANSWER: At high pressures when densities of gases are high, the space occupied
by the molecules is no longer negligible.
At high pressures and low temperatures, attractive and repulsive forces can be
felt by the gaseous molecules.
3. How does the Kinetic Theory of Matter account for Charles’ law?
ANSWER: Charles’ law states that at constant pressure the volume of a given
mass of gas varies with absolute temperature. When temperature is increased,
the average molecular speed increases and the average rate of collision
 increases and pressure increases. To keep the pressure as it was before, it is
necessary for the volume to increase so that frequency of collision decreases.

1. Which Gas Law relates volume to pressure at constant temperature?

ANSWERS: Boyle’s law
2. In the Charles’ law, which parameters are related?
ANSWERS: Either V and T at constant P or P and T at constant V.
3. How does the density of a gas depend on its temperature?
ANSWERS: Density of a gas varies inversely with temperature at constant pressure
or Density of a gas decreases as temperature increases or vice versa at constant
pressure.
7. What is a chemical element?
ANSWER: A substance that cannot be decomposed into simpler substances by
chemical means.
8. What is a chemical compound?
ANSWER: A substance formed from the combination of elements in a fixed ratio
9. What is a mixture?
ANSWER: A substance comprising of more than one compound /substance that
can be separated by physical methods.
1. For a given amount of ideal gas at constant T, a plot of pressure vs. volume does not give
a straight line.
T

1. State Avogadro’s Law:

Ans: Equal volumes of different gases at the same temperature and pressure contain

the same number of molecules

1. A 10 dm3 flask contains 5.6 g of nitrogen gas, 3.2 g of oxygen gas and some unknown

mass of argon. If the total pressure of the gases in the flask is 100 kPa at 27 oC, what
 is the partial pressure of the argon? Give your answer to one place of decimal.

Ideal Gas constant, R = 8.31 JK-1mol-1;

Ar = 40.0; O = 16.0 N = 14.0

Ans: Moles of N2 = 5.6/28 = 0.2 mol

Moles of O2 = 3.2/32 = 0.1mol

Partial pressure of N2& O2 = (0.3 *8.31 *300)/10 = 74.8 kPa

Partial pressure of the argon = 100 – 74.8 = 25.2 kPa

1. A gas cylinder is filled with oxygen gas at 27 °C and 400 kPa. Calculate the pressure
in the cylinder when the room temperature goes up by 30 °C and give your answer to
one place of decimal
Ans: Use Charles’ Law.

T1 = 27 + 273 = 300 K; P1 = 400 kPa

T2 = 300 + 30 = 330 K; P2 = ?

P1/T1 = P2/T2; P2 = (P1/T1) *T2 = (400/300)

*330 =
440.0 kPa

1. Calculate the percentage increase in the volume of a balloon when the gas inside is

heated from 27 °C to 77 °C in a hot water bath. Give your answer to one place of

decimal or 3 significant figures

Ans: Use Charles’ Law; Pressure is constant

T1 = 300 K; T2 = 350 K; V1 = V1; V2 =

V2

V2/T2 = V1/T1; V2 = V1 (T2/T1) = V1

*350/300

V2 = 1.167 V1
 Change = 0.167 of V1

% Change = 0.167/1 *100 = 16.7 %

1. If the volume, pressure and temperature of a certain amount of an ideal gas are recorded
in dm3, kPa, and degree Kelvin respectively, what should be the units of the gas constant
R, for the Ideal Gas Law to hold?
ANSWER: V = dm3, P = kPa, T = K; for ideal gas, PV = nRT
Therefore, R= PV/nT = kPa*dm3/mol*K
Hence units of R = kPadm3mol-1K-1 OR JK-1mol-1
2. Oxygen was prepared in the laboratory and collected in a metal vessel, volume 1662 cm3
at a temperature of 27oC. If the pressure in the vessel was found to be 150kPa, how many
moles of oxygen were prepared? R = 8.31 kPadm3mol-1K-1 and assume oxygen behaves
as an ideal gas.
ANSWER: PV = nRT
V = 1.662 dm3, T = (273+27)K = 300K
n = P*V/R*T = 150*1.662/(300*8.31 = 0.10
mol
3. A plastic balloon is being filled with helium gas at 27oC from a storage cylinder with a
gauge that indicates the mass of helium transferred and the pressure of the balloon. If the
balloon bursts when 0.4 g of helium are transferred and the pressure of the balloon
registered is 200kPa, calculate the volume of the balloon just before it bursts. Assume
helium behaves as an ideal gas, and the gas constant R = 8.31 kPadm3mol-1K-1. Give your
answer to two places of decimal. He = 4.0
ANSWER: T = (273+27) K = 300K; n = 0.4/4 = 0.1mol
` P = 200 kPa
V = n*R*T/P = 0.1*8.31*300/200 = 1.25 dm3
: A steel vessel containing 3 moles of nitrogen, 5 moles of helium and 7 moles of oxygen is
found to have a total pressure of 600kPa at 30oC.
1. Calculate the mole fraction of the nitrogen gas.
ANSWER: mole fraction of N2 = 3/(3 + 5 + 7) = 3/15 = 1/5
or 0.2
2. Calculate the partial pressure of the oxygen gas.
 ANSWER: mole fraction of oxygen = 7/(3 + 5 + 7) = 7/15
Partial pressure of O2 = 7/15 * 600 = 280 kPa
3. Calculate the combined partial pressure of helium and oxygen.
ANSWER: mole fraction of He and O2 = (5 + 7)/ (15) = 12/15
Combined partial pressure of He and O2 = 12/15 * 600 =
480kPa
1. A volume of oxygen occupying 15 dm3 at 100 kPa is compressed to a pressure of 150 kPa at
a constant temperature. Calculate the new volume
ANSWER: V1 = 15 dm3; P1 = 100 kPa; P2 =
150 kPa; V2 = ?
P1V1 = P2V2; V2 = P1/P2*V1
V2 = (100/150)*15 = 10 dm3
2. The volume of oxygen obtained in an experiment at 27oC is 36 dm3. What would have been
the volume of oxygen obtained if the room temperature had been 47oC? Assume atmospheric
pressure was constant. Give your answer to two places of decimal.
ANSWER: V1 = 36 dm3; T1 = (27 + 273) = 300
T2 = (273 + 47) = 320; V2 = ?
From Charles’ law, V1/T1 = V2/T2; V2 = (T2/T1)*V1
V2 = (320/300)*36 = 38.40 dm3
3. A balloon contains 5.0 dm3 of helium at 27oC and 100 kPa. If the gas is heated to 57oC while
the pressure in the balloon increases to 105 kPa, calculate the volume attained by the balloon
under these conditions and give your answer to two places of decimal.
ANSWER: Using the combined Boyle’s and Charles’ Laws
P1V1/T1 = P2V2/T2; V2 = (P1/P2)*(T2/T1)*V1
P1 = 100 kPa; P2 = 105 kPa;
T1 = (27 + 273) = 300 K
T1 = (57 + 273) = 330 K
V2 = (100/105)*(330/300)*5 = 5.24 dm3
1. State Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures.

ANSWER: For a mixture of gases which do not react together the total pressure is
the sum of the partial pressures

2. Define partial pressure of a component gas of a mixture of gases.

 ANSWER: It is the pressure that the gas would exert if it were present alone in
the volume occupied by the mixture.
3. Define the mole fraction of a component gas of a mixture of gases
ANSWER: The fraction of moles of that component in the total moles of gas
mixture
1. What will account for the difference in the boiling point of water in Accra almost at sea
level and on top of Mt Everest?

ANSWER: Atmospheric pressures at Accra which is at sea level, and on top

of Mt. Everest are different hence the temperatures at which the
liquids will boil will be different

2. Two liquids A and B have boiling points 80oC and 60oC respectively. Which of these
would have the higher vapour pressure at room temperature?

ANSWER: B with the lower boiling point

3. Why does the addition of say table salt to water raise the boiling point of water?

ANSWER: Addition of non-volatile solute such as table salt to water lowers

the vapour pressure so the temperature at which the lowered
vapour pressure will be equal to the atmospheric pressure is higher.

A steel vessel contains 24g of O2, 55g of CO2, 56g of N2 and 40g of argon at a total
pressure of 120kPa. [Ar = 40; O = 16.0; N = 14.0; C = 12.0]

1. Calculate the partial pressures of oxygen and argon

ANSWER: Partial pressure of O2 = ( 0.75/5) x 120 = 18kPa
Partial pressure of argon = (1/5) x 120 = 24kPa
2. Calculate the partial pressures of CO2 and N2
ANSWER: Partial pressure of CO2 = (1.25/5) x 120 = 30 kPa
Partial pressure of N2 = (2/5) x 120 = 48 kPa

1. State Hess’s Law.

ANSWER: The total enthalpy change of a reaction is independent of the

reaction path.

2. State Graham’s Law of Diffusion.

ANSWER: At constant temperature and pressure the rate of diffusion of a gas

is inversely proportional to the square root of its density or molar mass.

1. State Avo How does the average kinetic energy of matter manifest itself. [1 attempt]
 ANSWER: Hotness or coldness of the matter.

1. At w Calculate the mass of calcium carbide required to produce 89.6 dm3 of ethyne at
STP.
[Ca =40 C=12; molar volume of gas at STP = 22.4 dm3]

SOLUTION:

CaC2 + 2H2O  C2H2 + Ca(OH)2

(40+24) 22.4

64g  22.4 dm3

22.4 dm3  64g

89.6
89.6 dm3 =  64
22.4

= 4  64

= 256g

2. Calculate the volume of hydrogen gas that will be produced at STP when 72g of
magnesium reacts with steam [Mg = 24, Molar volume of gas = 22.4 dm3]
SOLUTION:

Mg + H2O 


MgO + H2

24 22.4

72
72g Mg   22.4
24

= 3  22.4

= 67.2dm3

2. What temperature is the average kinetic energy zero? [1 attempt]

ANSWER: Absolute zero or zero degree Kelvin

3. Avogadro’s Law.

ANSWER: Equal volumes of any two gases at the same temperature and
pressure contain the same number of molecules
1. State the ideal gas equation of state for one mole of gas.
ANSWER: 𝑃𝑉 = 𝑅𝑇: 𝑃 = pressure, 𝑉 = volume, 𝑅 = molar ideal gas constant, 𝑇 =
absolute temperature
2. The van der Waals equation of state for one mole of a real gas replaces 𝑉 with 𝑉 − 𝑏. What does
𝑏 account for?
ANSWER: Actual volume of the molecules of the gas
3. The van der Waals equation of state for one mole of a real gas replaces 𝑃 with 𝑃 + 𝑎/𝑉 2 . What
does 𝑎/𝑉 2 account for?
ANSWER: Interaction between the molecules of the gas
1. Which Gas Laws combine to give the Ideal Gas equation?
ANSWER: Boyle’s, Charles’ and Avogadro’s Laws
2. State Charles’ Law and show how the Kinetic Theory of gases explains it,
ANSWER: At constant Pressure, the volume of a fixed amount of a gas is
directly proportional to absolute temperature. When a fixed
amount of gas is heated the molecules attain a higher kinetic energy
and therefore experience more collisions with the walls of the
container
3. State Boyle’s Law and show how the Kinetic Theory of gases explains it.
ANSWER: The volume of a fixed amount of gas is inversely proportional to its
pressure at constant temperature. As volume is increased the rate of
collision with the surface of the container decreases. Pressure
depends on these collisions.
1. Cis-trans isomerism is an example of stereoisomerism.
ANSWER: TRUE
2. Cis-trans isomerism could also be classified as Positional isomerism
ANSWER: FALSE
3. Once two compounds bear mirror image relationship , the compounds are likely to be
enantiomers
ANSWER: FALSE Mirror images should not be superimposable to be
enantiomers
4. In a mixture of ideal gases, the partial pressure of each component gas is proportional to
its molar mass.
ANSWER: FALSE It is proportional to mole fraction
 5. The rate of diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its density.
ANSWER: TRUE Density of a gas is directly proportional to its molar mass.

6. According to the Kinetic Theory of gases, the volume of a gas is virtually an empty space.
ANSWER: TRUE The Theory assumes that the volume occupied by gaseous
molecules is negligible.
Preamble: A steel vessel contains 3moles of CO2, 4moles of O2, and 5moles of N2. The
total pressure in the vessel is 240kPa.

1. What is the mole fraction of CO2

ANSWER: Mole fraction of CO2 = 3/(3+4+5) = ¼ OR 0.25
2. What is the partial pressure of O2?
ANSWER: Partial pressure = mole fraction *P
= 4/12*240
= 80kPa.
3. Calculate the partial pressure of N2.
ANSWER: partial pressure of N2 = (5/12)*240 = 100kPa.
1. For a mixture of gases that do not react together the total pressure is ……..
ANSWER: sum of the partial pressures of the gases
1. Why is salt spread on icy roads in winter?
ANSWER: Salt decreases the melting point of ice so the road freezes at an otherwise
lower temperature
2. Why do mountaineers cook their food in a pressure cooker?
ANSWER: To attain a higher cooking temperature than is otherwise possible because of
the lower boiling point of water at the low pressures of high altitudes
1. State the value of Faraday’s constant.
ANSWER: F = 9.65 x 104 or 96,500 C
2. A mole of a substance contains Avogadro’s number of molecules or units. What is this
number?
ANSWER: Avogadro’s number = 6.02 x 1023
3. What is the ideal gas constant R in kPadm3K-1mol-1
ANSWER: R = 8.31 kPadm3K-1mol-1 same as 8.31 JK-1mol-1
1. What is traditionally referred to as Brownian movement?
ANSWER: It is the random movement of small piece of a solid (such as paper or pollen
 grain) on the surface of a liquid.
2. What accounts for the fact that gases are compressible but liquids are not?
ANSWER: The intermolecular distances between the molecules / units in liquids are less
than in gases (i.e. less free space)
3. What assumptions are made in deriving the ideal gas equation?
ANSWER: (a) The molecules or units of a gas are of negligible sizes compared to the space
occupied by the gas.
(b) No intermolecular forces of attraction or repulsion among the molecules /
units of the gas.
1. 5 litres of nitrogen at 27◦C and 100kPa is compressed until the pressure it exerts is
175kPa. What is the new volume? Give your answer to 2 places of decimal.
ANSWER: P1V1 = P2V2

5*100 = 175*V2
V2 = 2.86dm3

2. 5 litres of oxygen at 27◦C is heated to 77◦C at constant pressure. What will be the new
volume? Give your answer to 2 places of decimals.
ANSWER: V1/T1 = V2/T2 V2 = V1*T2/T1

= 5*350/300 = 5.83litres

3. 10 litres of helium gas at 220kPa is passed into a balloon until the volume of the
balloon reaches 14litres. What is the pressure of the gas in the balloon if the
temperature is kept constant? Give your answer to one place of decimal.
ANSWER: P2 = P1V1/V2 = 10*220/14 = 157.1kPa

PREAMBLE: A steel flask contains 2 moles of helium, 3moles of N2 and 5moles of CO2.
The total pressure in the flask is 450kPa.

1. What is the partial pressure of helium

ANSWER: PHe = (2/[2+3+5])*450 = 90kPa
2. What is the partial pressure of CO2?
ANSWER: PCO2 = 5/10*450 = 225kPa

3. What is the mole fraction of N2?

ANSWER: Mole fraction of N2 = 3/10 = 0.3
 1. One Postulate of the Kinetic Theory of Gases or Matter states that Gases are
composed of molecules whose size is negligible compared to the average distance
between them. Give two implications of this postulate.
ANSWER: Any two of;
(1) A gas can be regarded as though it is made up of point particles
(2) Most of the volume occupied by the gas is empty space
(3) The volume occupied by the gaseous molecules can be ignored
(4) Gases can be compressed easily
2. Another Postulate of the Kinetic Theory of Gases or Matter states that molecules
move randomly in straight lines in all directions at various speeds. Give the main
implication of this postulate.
ANSWER: Any property (such as pressure) that depends on movement of
molecules will be the same in all directions.
3. State the Postulate of the Kinetic Theory of Matter that is about intermolecular
forces.
ANSWER: The forces of attraction or repulsion between two molecules
(intermolecular forces) in a gas are very weak or negligible except when they
collide.

1. A certain quantity of a gas at 30◦C and pressure of 120kPa occupies a volume of 21dm3.
If it is allowed to expand to 28dm3 at the constant temperature what will be the new
pressure exerted by the gas.
ANSWER: P 1 V1 = P2V2 hence P2 = (V1/V2)*P1

P2 = 21*120/28 = 90kPa

2. A certain quantity of a gas at 27◦C and pressure of 98kPa occupies 20dm3. If the gas is
heated to 47◦C at constant pressure, what will be the new volume of the gas? Give your
answer to one place of decimal.
ANSWER: V2/V1 = T2/T1 hence V2 = T2*V1/T1

V2 = (320/300)*20

PREAMBLE: Continue the following statements:

1. For a fixed quantity of an ideal gas its volume is inversely proportional to its pressure…...
ANSWER: At a constant temperature.
2. Continue the following statement:
Gas densities are directly proportional to…………..
ANSWER: Their molar masses at a given temperature and pressure
3. The rate of diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to ………..
ANSWER: The square root of its density / molar mass at constant temperature and
pressure
1. = 2 Explain why 2 gases are able to diffuse into each other.

ANSWER: Gaseous molecules are in constant motion in all directions. Gaseous

molecules occupy negligible portion of the volume of the gas.
2. Explain why gases in a container exert pressure.

ANSWER: The gaseous molecules are in constant motion and they collide with the inner
walls of the container. The collisions produce the pressure.
3. Why does the pressure of a gas reduce when temperature is reduced at constant
volume?
1.3

ANSWER: The kinetic energy of the gaseous molecules is reduced. The frequency of
collision with walls of container is reduced, change in momentum
1. State the postulate of the Kinetic Theory of Matter that describes gaseous molecules.
ANSWER: Gases are composed of molecules whose sizes are negligible
compared to
the average distances between them
2. State the postulate of the Kinetic Theory of Matter that describes the movement of
gaseous molecules.
ANSWER: Molecules move randomly in straight lines in all directions (at
various
speeds)
3. State the postulate of the Kinetic Theory of Matter that describes collisions of the gaseous
molecules.
ANSWER: When gaseous molecules collide with one another the collisions
are elastic.
1. PREAMBLE: State one feature each of the biological importance of the earthworm
ANSWERS:
a. It has chaetae on each segment that help locomotion
b. The anterior end is pointed and that allows it to burrow through the soil easily
 c. The slimy body reduces friction during movement
d. It possesses clitellum for attachment during copulation
2. Which gas law can be expressed mathematically as PV = constant, where P and V are the
pressure and the volume of a given mass of an ideal gas at a constant temperature?
ANSWER: Boyle’s law
3. State Charles’ law
ANSWER: The volume (or pressure) of a fixed mass of gas at constant
pressure (or volume) is directly proportional to its absolute
temperature.
1. Describe the process of melting.
ANSWER: The change of a solid to the liquid state

2. Describe the process of vapourisation.

ANSWER: The change of a solid or a liquid state to the vapour.

3. What is the difference between vapourisation and sublimation?

ANSWER: vapourisation refers to change of solid or liquid to the vapour but
sublimation refers specifically to change from solid to vapour.
1. A balloon containing 3 moles of oxygen and 5 moles of helium has a pressure of 160 kPa.
How many moles of nitrogen must be pumped into the balloon so as to increase the total
pressure to 200 kPa?
ANSWER: Let the number of moles of nitrogen be x
Partial pressure of nitrogen is 40 kPa.
Therefore, [x/(8+x)] *200 = 40
8+x = 5x;
4x = 8
x = 2 moles
2. A sealed vessel contains 6 moles of oxygen, 8 moles of nitrogen and 10 moles helium.
Calculate the mole fraction of the oxygen and give your answer to 2 places of decimal.
ANSWER: Mole fraction of O2 = 6/(6 + 8 + 10)
= 6/24
= 0.25
3. A sealed flask that contains 6 moles of oxygen, 9 moles of nitrogen and 10 moles helium
has a total pressure of 400 kPa. Calculate the partial pressure of the nitrogen.
ANSWER: PN2 = 9/(6 + 9 + 10)*400
 = (9/25)*400
= 144 kPa
1. If it takes helium 20 seconds to diffuse from point A to point B in a tube in the laboratory,
how long in seconds will it take a gas of molar mass 64 to diffuse over the same distance,
assuming temperature is constant? He = 4
ANSWER: Rate = distance/time (d/t1)
For equal distance; Rate1/Rate2 = t2/t1 = √ (M2/M1)
t2 = t1*√ (M2/M1) = 20*√ (64/4) = 80 s
2. Which Gas Law will you use to calculate the volume change of gas heated from
temperature T1oC to T2oC at constant pressure?
ANSWER: Charles’ Law
3. How many molecules of oxygen are present in 8 g of oxygen at standard temperature and
pressure? O = 16. Give your answer in standard form to 2 places of decimal.
ANSWER: 8 g O2 = 8/32 = ¼ mol
Number of molecules = 6.02*1023*1/4 = 1.51*1023
1. Explain the difference between vapourisation and sublimation.
ANSWER: Vapourisation refers to the change of a solid or liquid to the
vapour/gaseous phase but Sublimation refers specifically to change
from solid to vapour/gaseous phase (without passing through the liquid
phase)
2. What is the main aim of the Kinetic Theory of gases (or matter). What does it try to do?
ANSWER: It tries to explain the simple relationships among the physical
properties of gases
3. Name the four parameters or properties that are related in the Ideal Gas Law.
ANSWER: Pressure (P), Volume (V), Temperature (T) and Molar quantities (n)
(i.e. PV = nRT)
PREAMBLE: A sealed vessel at a pressure of 480 kPa contains 4 moles of nitrogen, 5 moles
of oxygen and 7 moles of argon.
1. What is the mole fraction of argon in the vessel? Give your answer to 2 places of decimal.
ANSWER: mole fraction of argon = 7/ (4 + 5 + 7) = 7/16 =
0.44
2. Calculate the partial pressure of oxygen.
ANSWER: Partial pressure = mole fraction * total pressure =
5/16*480
 = 150 kPa
3. Calculate the moles of helium that must be added to the vessel to increase the total
pressure to 720 kPa.
ANSWER: let the moles of helium be x
Partial pressure of helium is 720 – 480 = 240
Partial Pressure = mole fraction * total pressure
Therefore, 240 = (x / 16 + x) * 720
240 * (16 + x) = 720 * x; Divide through by 240
Therefore 16 + x = 3x
2x = 16; hence, x = 8
1. A volume of air occupying 20dm3 at a pressure of 112kPa is compressed to 120kPa at
constant temperature. Calculate the new volume of the air and give your answer to one
place of decimal.
ANSWER: V2/V1 = P1/P2
V2 = (112/120)*20 = 18.7dm3.
2. Oxygen gas at 100kPa pressure occupies 24dm3. If the volume of the oxygen is allowed
expand to 30dm3 at a constant temperature, what is the new pressure of the gas?
ANSWER: P 2 V2 = P1V1
P2 = (100*24)30 = 80kPa.
3. A volume of carbon (II) oxide, occupying 30dm3 at 116kPa is compressed to a pressure of
124kPa at a constant temperature. Calculate the new volume of the CO and give your
answer to one place of decimal
ANSWER: P 2 V2 = P1V1
V2 = (116/124)*30 = 28.1dm3
1. State the Kinetic Theory postulate that describes the size of molecules of gases
ANSWER: Gases are composed of molecules whose size is negligible
compared to the average distance between them

2. How does the Kinetic Theory of gases explain the pressure exerted by a gas in a
container
ANSWER: Gaseous molecules are in constant motion in all directions,
colliding with the inner surface of the container.
3. What are the implications of the postulate of the Kinetic Theory that intermolecular
forces in a gas are very weak or negligible? Any one of the following;
 ANSWER:
a) The speed of the gaseous molecules is constant until they collide with one
another or the wall of the container.
b) Gases expand to fill any available volume.
c) Gases in a mixture behave independently.
1. State Boyle’s Law in a mathematical form relating the volume V, of a gas to variables P for
pressure, T for temperature and n for number of moles.
ANSWER: V α 1/P at constant n and T.
2. If Vm (i.e V subscript m) is the molar volume of a gas, state Avogadro’s Law in a
mathematical form relating the volume of the gas V to Vm, P, T and n.
ANSWER: V = nVm at constant P and T.
3. State Charles’ Law in a mathematical form relating the volume V, of a gas to the variables P
for pressure, T for temperature and n for number of moles.
ANSWER: V α T at constant P and n.
1. State Charles’ law.
ANSWER: The volume occupied by a gas at a constant pressure is directly
proportional to the absolute temperature.
2. State Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures.
ANSWER: The sum of the partial pressures of all the different gases in a mixture
is equal to the total pressure of the mixture.
3. State Graham’s law of effusion or diffusion
ANSWER: The rate of effusion or diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to
the square root of the molar mass (or the density) of the gas at constant
temperature and pressure
1. Who first studied and published the quantitative results of compressibility of gases.
ANSWER: Robert Boyle
2. In chemistry the equation PV = nRT has a formal name. What is it?
ANSWER: The Ideal Gas Law
3. One postulate of the Kinetic Molecular Theory states that, “Molecules move randomly in straight
lines in all directions at various speeds”. What is the practical evidence of this postulate?
ANSWER: Brownian motion.
PREAMBLE: A closed steel vessel is known to contain 4 moles of CO2, 5 moles of O2, 3 moles of
nitrogen and 2 moles of argon (Ar). The partial pressure of argon is 28kPa.

4. What is the mole fraction of CO2 gas?

 ANSWER: Total number of moles = 4+5+3+2 = 14
Mole fraction of CO2 gas = 4/14 = 2/7 or
0.286
5. Calculate the total pressure of the gases.
ANSWER: using argon
28 kPa = 2/14*PT
Hence, PT = 28*14/2 = 196kPa
6. Calculate the combined pressure of CO2 and N2.
ANSWER: if the partial pressure of argon (2 moles) is 28kPa
Then, (CO2 + N2 ; 7moles) = 7/2*28 = 98kPa
1. : State any one of the postulates of the Kinetic Theory of Matter.
a) Gases are composed of molecules whose sizes are negligible compared to the average
distance between them.
b) Molecules move randomly in straight lines in all directions at various speeds.
c) The forces of attraction or repulsion between two molecules (i.e. intermolecular forces) in
a gas are very weak or negligible (except when they collide)
d) When molecules collide with one another, the collisions are elastic.
e) The average Kinetic Energy of a molecule is proportional to the absolute temperature.
f) State Boyle’s law.

ANSWER: The volume of a given mass of a gas at a given temperature varies inversely

with the (applied) pressure.

g) State Avogadro’s law.

ANSWER: Equal volumes of any two gases at the same temperature and pressure contain

the same number of molecules.

h) State Graham’s law of effusion, sometimes called law of Diffusion.

ANSWER: The rate of effusion/diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square

root of the molecular weight/density of the gas at constant temperature and pressure.