AS Module 2
Foundation Physical and
Inorganic Chemistry
Introduction
This module introduces chemical energetics and kinetics. An
understanding of the factors affecting the rate of reaction is essential
in order to control rates to advantage. The position of equilibrium
can have major economic disadvantages by limiting the yield of a
given reaction. This module considers the way in which adjustment of
conditions may be used to favour a particular, desired, chemical
outcome. The methods used for the extraction of metals from natural
sources involve an understanding of the social and economic aspects
of the processes as well as an appreciation of the underlying
chemistry.
Wherever possible, candidates should carry out experimental work to
illustrate the theoretical principles included in this module.
Candidates should:
11.1 Energetics
11.1.1 Enthalpy change
(DH) know that reactions can be endothermic orexothermic.
understand that enthalpy change
know that standard enthalpy changes refer to standard conditions, i.e. 100 kPa and a stated temperature (e.g.
DH298 ).be able to recall the definition of standard enthalpy changes of combustion (
DHcɵ) and formation (DHfɵ)11.1.2 Calorimetry
be able to calculate the enthalpy change from the heatchange in a reaction using the equation
q = m c .T.11.1.3 Simple applications of
know Hess�s Law and be able to use it to performHess�s Law
simple calculations.11.1.4 Bond enthalpies
be able to determine mean bond enthalpies from given data.be able to use mean bond enthalpies to calculate a value of
DH for simple reactions.11.2 Kinetics
11.2.1 Collision theory
11.2.2 Maxwell�Boltzmann
have a qualitative understanding of the Maxwell�distribution
Boltzmann distribution of molecular energies in gases.be able to draw and interpret distribution curves for different temperatures.
11.2.3 Factors affecting reaction
understand the qualitative effect of changes inrate
concentration (or pressure for gases) or surface area onConcentration and physical
the rate of reaction.state
Temperature
understand the qualitative effect of temperature changes on the rate of reaction.be able to define the term activation energy and understand its significance.
understand that most collisions do not lead to reaction.
understand how small temperature increases can lead to a large increase in rate.
Catalysts
know the meaning of the term catalyst.understand that catalysts work by providing an alternative reaction route of lower activation energy.
11.3 Equilibria
11.3.1 The dynamic nature of
know that many chemical reactions are reversible.equilibria
understand that for a reaction in equilibrium, although theconcentrations of reactants and products remain constant, both forward and reverse reactions are still proceeding.
11.3.2 Qualitative effects of
be able to use Le Chatelier�s principle to predictchanges of pressure,
the effects of changes in temperature, pressuretemperature and
and concentration on the position ofconcentration on a system
equilibrium in homogeneous reactions.in equilibrium
know that a catalyst does not affect the positionof equilibrium.
11.3.3 Importance of equilibria in
be able to apply these concepts to given chemicalindustrial processes
processes.be able to predict qualitatively the effect of temperature on the position of equilibrium from the sign of
.H for the forward reaction.understand why a compromise temperature and pressure may be used.
11.4 Redox Reactions
11.4.1 Oxidation and reduction
know that oxidation is the process of electron loss.know that reduction is the process of electron gain.
11.4.2 Oxidation states
understand oxidation and reduction reactions of s and p block elements.
11.4.3 Redox equations
be able to write half-equations identifying the oxidation and reduction processes in redox reactions when the reactants and products are specified.be able to combine half-equations to give an overall redox equation.
11.5 Group VII, the Halogens
11.5.1 Trends in physical
understand the trends in electronegativity and boilingproperties
point of the halogens.11.5.2 Trends in chemical
understand that the ability of the halogens to oxidiseproperties
decreases down the group (e.g. the displacement reactionswith halide ions in aqueous solution).
11.5.3
Trends in properties of the understand the trend in reducing ability of thehalides
halide ions.know the different products formed by reaction of NaX and H2SO4.
be able to use silver nitrate solution as a test to distinguish between F
know the trend in solubility of the silver halides in ammonia.
11.5.4 Uses of chlorine and
know the reactions of chlorine with water and theestimation of chlorate(I)
use of chlorine in water treatment.know the reaction of chlorine with cold, dilute, aqueous NaOH and the uses of the solutions formed.
know that solutions of NaClO (e.g. bleaches) react with KI to liberate I2.
know that I2
know the equations for these reactions and be able to perform calculations involving their use.
11.6 Extraction of Metals
11.6.1 Reduction of metal oxides
understand how Fe is extracted by carbonwith carbon
reduction at high temperature in a continuous processfrom Fe
understand the use of limestone in this extraction process and the use of slag in the construction industry.
understand that Fe from the Blast Furnace is purified by the removal of C and P in a basic oxygen converter, and that S is removed by using Mg.
know that pollution problems can arise from the use of carbon as reductant and the use of sulphide ores.
understand the general limitation of carbon reduction because of carbide formation (e.g. Ti or W).
11.6.2 Reduction of metal oxides
understand how Al is manufactured from purifiedby electrolysis of melts
bauxite (energy considerations, electrode equations and conditions only).11.6.3 Reduction of metal halides
understand how Ti is extracted from TiO2 viawith metal
TiCl4 in a batch process (equations and conditions only:either Na or Mg as a reducing agent).
understand the cost implications and hence the limited use despite the unique properties and high natural abundance of Ti.
understand that the choice of the reduction method depends upon the cost of the reductant, the energy requirements and the required purity of the metal.
11.6.4 Economic factors and
understand how and why Fe and Al are recycled.recycling
know the problems associated with recycling and knowthe social and economic benefits.