GCSE Bonding, Structure and Properties of Matter (Chemistry)

Question 1

What type of bonding is found in sodium chloride (NaCl)?

Accepted Answer

Ionic

Answer

Sodium chloride is formed from a metal (sodium) and a non-metal (chlorine), so it contains ionic bonds between Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions.

Question 2

Why do ionic compounds have high melting points?

Accepted Answer

There are strong electrostatic forces between oppositely charged ions that need a lot of energy to overcome

Answer

In a giant ionic lattice, many strong electrostatic attractions between ions must be broken, requiring lots of energy.

Question 3

Which statement explains why ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water, but not when solid?

Accepted Answer

The ions are free to move when molten or dissolved, but fixed in place in the solid

Answer

Conduction requires charged particles that can move. In the solid the ions are locked in the lattice; when molten or in solution they are free to carry charge.

Question 4

How many covalent bonds does a single carbon atom form in a diamond structure?

Accepted Answer

4

Answer

In diamond, each carbon atom is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms in a rigid giant covalent structure.

Question 5

Which property of graphite makes it useful as a lubricant?

Accepted Answer

Its layers can slide over each other because there are only weak forces between them

Answer

Graphite's carbon atoms are arranged in layers held together by weak intermolecular forces, so the layers slide easily.

GCSE - General Certificate of Secondary Education Practice Test

GCSE - General Certificate of Secondary Education Practice Test

GCSE Bonding, Structure and Properties of Matter (Chemistry)