IB CHEMISTRY

Structure 2.4: Exam Practice

Test your understanding of Materials and Bonding Models.

Part A: Multiple Choice (Mock)

Key Concepts Tested in Paper 1

  • Bonding Triangle: Identifying that and form a high compound (Ionic) while and form covalent bonds.
  • Alloys: Understanding that malleability decreases because disrupted layers cannot slide.
  • Polymers: Recognizing that addition polymers have 100% atom economy.
  • Condensation: Identifying the Amide linkage in Nylon.

Full interactive MCQs coming in future update.

Part B: Structured Questions (Paper 2)

Question 1 Bonding Triangle

Given: . Calculate the mean electronegativity and difference for MgO. Predict its position on the triangle. (2 marks)

Mark Scheme:

  • Mean . Difference .
  • Position: Top Vertex / Ionic Region (High ).

Question 2 Alloys

"Pure copper is ductile, but Bronze is hard." Explain this difference with reference to structure. (3 marks)

Mark Scheme:

  • Tin atoms are a different size (radius) to Copper atoms.
  • This disrupts the regular arrangement (lattice) of the copper atoms.
  • This prevents the layers of ions from sliding over each other.

Question 3 Polymer Drawing

Draw the repeating unit of Polypropene formed from Propene (). (2 marks)

Mark Scheme:

  • Correct backbone (C-C single bond).
  • Methyl group () shown as a side chain.
  • Continuation bonds extending through square brackets with subscript 'n'.
HL Only

Question 4 Condensation

Explain why polyesters are susceptible to hydrolysis. (1 mark)

Mark Scheme:

  • The ester linkage () is polar, allowing water/nucleophiles to attack the bond in acidic/alkaline conditions.