Question 3 (2020-10)

Equimolar solutions of NaCl(aq), NH4Cl(aq) and NaCH3COO(aq) were prepared.

In which of the following are these salt solutions listed from least to most acidic?

a) NaCl(aq), NH4Cl(aq), NaCH3COO(aq)

b) NaCl(aq), NaCH3COO(aq), NH4Cl(aq)
c) NH4Cl(aq), NaCl(aq), NaCH3COO(aq)
d) NaCH3COO(aq), NaCl(aq), NH4Cl(aq)

Question 4 (2020-14)

The equation for the autoionisation of water is shown.

2H2O(l) ⇌ H3O+(aq) + OH−(aq)

At 50°C the water ionisation constant, Kw, is 5.5 × 10-14. What is the pH of water at 50°C?

a) 5.50
b) 6.63
c) 6.93
d) 7.0

Question 5 (2020-18)

An aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate has a pH greater than 7. Which statement best
explains this observation?

a) H2O(l) is a stronger acid than HCO3−(aq)

b) HCO3−(aq) is a weaker acid than H2CO3(aq).
c) Na+(aq) reacts with water to produce the strong base NaOH(aq)
d) The conjugate acid of HCO3−(aq) is a stronger acid than H2O(l).

2
The diagram represents the titration curve for a reaction between a particular acid and a particular base.
Use the diagram to answer the next 2 questions.

Question 6 (2019-5)

Which indicator would be best for this titration?

a)
b)
c)
d)

Question 7 (2019-6)

Which of the following equations best represents the reaction described by the titration curve?

a) NH3(aq) + HCl(aq)  NH4Cl(aq)

b) NaOH(aq)+HCl(aq)  NaCl(aq)+H2O(l)
c) NH3(aq) + CH3COOH(aq)  CH3COONH4(aq)
d) NaOH(aq)+CH3COOH(aq)  CH3COONa(aq)+H2O(l)

3
Question 8 (2019-5)

What is the concentration of hydroxide ions (in mol L–1) in a solution that has a pH of 8.53?

a) 3.0×10–9
b) 3.4×10–6
c) 5.5
d) 3.0×105

Question 9 (2018-7)

Which diagram represents ionisation of a weak acid?

Question 10 (2018-9)

Which of the following would NOT have been classified as an acid by Antoine Lavoisier?

a) Acetic acid
b) Citric acid (C6H8O7)
c) Sulfuric acid
d) Hydrochloric acid

4
Question 11 (2018-15)

A solution containing potassium dihydrogen phosphate and potassium hydrogen phosphate is a

common laboratory buffer with a pH close to 7.

Which row of the table correctly identifies the chemistry of this buffer?

a)
b)

c)
d)

Question 12 (2018-17)

Increasing amounts of carbon dioxide were dissolved in two beakers, one containing water and one a
mixture of water and a buffer. The pH in each beaker was measured and the results graphed.

Which graph best represents the results?

5
Question 13 (2018-18)

The pH of a 0.080 mol L–1 solution of acetic acid is 2.9. What percentage of the acetic acid has
dissociated into ions?

a) 1.1%
b) 1.3%
c) 1.6%
d) 2.8%

Question 14 (2017-1)

In an experiment, 30 mL of water is to be transferred into a conical flask. Which piece of equipment

would deliver the volume with the greatest accuracy?

a) Burette
b) Beaker
c) Test tube
d) Measuring cylinder

Question 15 (2017-13)

25.0 mL of a 0.100 mol L–1 acid is to be titrated against a sodium hydroxide solution until final
equivalence is reached. Which of the following acids, if used in the titration, would require the greatest
volume of sodium hydroxide?

a) Acetic
b) Citric (C6H8O7)
c) Hydrochloric
d) Sulfuric

Question 16 (2017-14)

One litre of an aqueous solution is formed from mixing equal volumes of 0.2 mol L–1 hydrochloric
acid (HCl) and 0.2 mol L–1 sodium chloride (NaCl). How effective as a buffer is the aqueous solution
formed?

a) Ineffective, because HCl is a strong acid

b) Effective, because Cl– is the conjugate base of HCl
c) Ineffective, because NaCl forms a neutral salt solution
d) Effective, because the pH would change when a solution of NaOH is added

6
Question 17 (2017-20)

20.0 mL of 0.020 mol L–1 barium hydroxide solution is added to 50.0 mL of 0.040 mol L–1
hydrochloric acid solution. What is the pH of the final solution?

a) 0.2
b) 1.6
c) 1.8
d) 2.9

Question 18 (2016-6)

Which combination of equimolar solutions would produce the most basic mixture?

a) Acetic acid and barium hydroxide

b) Acetic acid and sodium carbonate
c) Sulfuric acid and barium hydroxide
d) Sulfuric acid and sodium carbonate

Question 19 (2016-7)

Which indicator in the table would be best for distinguishing between lemon juice (pH = 2.3) and
potato juice (pH = 5.8)?

Question 20 (2016-10)

Which of the following is the conjugate base of the H2PO4 – ion?

a) H3PO4
b) H3PO3
2-
c) HPO4
2-
d) HPO4

7
Question 21 (2016-12)

Which of the following could be added to 100 mL of 0.01 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid solution to
change its pH to 4?

a) 900 mL of water
b) 900 mL of 0.01 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid
c) 9900 mL of water
d) 9900 mL of 0.01 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid

Question 22 (2016-18)

40 mL of 0.10 mol L–1 NaOH is mixed with 60 mL of 0.10 mol L–1 HCl. What is the pH of the
resulting solution?

a) 7.0
b) 1.7
c) 1.4
d) 1.2

Question 23 (2015-2)

Which type of glassware is used in a titration to deliver an accurate volume of a solution to a known
volume of another solution?

8
Question 24 (2015-13)

Which of the following solutions has the highest pH?

a) 1.0 mol L−1 acetic acid

b) 0.10 mol L−1 acetic acid
c) 1.0 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid
d) 0.10 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid

Question 25 (2015-14)

The graph shows the changes in pH during a titration.

Which pH range should an indicator have to be used in this titration?

a) 3.1– 4.4
b) 5.0 – 8.0
c) 6.0 – 7.6
d) 8.3 –10.0

Question 26 (2014-3)

Which row of the table correctly matches the scientist(s) with their theory of acids?

9
Question 27 (2014-7)

This table contains information on three indicators.

A substance is tested with each of the indicators and the results are recorded below.

Which of the following substances will produce these results?

a) Lemonade pH 2.9
b) White wine pH 4.2
c) Tap water pH 7.2
d) Ammonia pH 11.2

Question 28 (2014-10)

The following equation represents a chemical system in equilibrium:

OCl−(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ HOCl(aq) + OH−(aq)

Which of the following is an acid/base conjugate pair?

a) H2O / HOCl
b) HOCl / OH−
c) HOCl / OCl−
d) OCl−/H2O

10
Question 29 (2014-8)

The graph shows the pH of a solution of a weak acid, HA, as a function of temperature.

What happens as the temperature decreases?

a) HA becomes less ionised and the H+ concentration increases.

b) HA becomes less ionised and the H+ concentration decreases.
c) HA becomes more ionised and the H+ concentration increases.
d) HA becomes more ionised and the H+ concentration decreases.

Question 30 (2014-12)

The diagram shows the pH values of some substances.

Based on the information provided, which of the following statements about the relative concentration
of hydrogen ions is correct?

a) It is 2 times higher in bleach than in milk.

b) It is 10 times lower in stomach acid than in soap.
c) It is 1000 times lower in distilled water than in wine.
d) It is 100 times higher in laundry detergent than in baking soda solution.

11
Question 31 (2014-14)

What is the pH of a 0.018 mol L−1 solution of hydrochloric acid?

a) 0.74
b) 0.96
c) 1.04
d) 1.74

Question 32 (2013-15)

A pH 3.0 solution of HCl(aq) is diluted by adding water to produce a pH 5.0 solution. Which row in
the following table correctly identifies an appropriate volume of the original solution and the volume
of water added for this dilution?

Question 33 (2013-17)
A 25.0 mL sample of a 0.100 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid solution completely reacted with 23.4 mL of
sodium hydroxide solution.

What volume of the same sodium hydroxide solution would be required to completely react with 25.0
mL of a 0.100 mol L–1 acetic acid solution?
a) Less than 23.4 mL
b) 23.4 mL
c) More than 23.4 mL
d) Unable to calculate unless the concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution is also known

12
Question 34 (2013-19)

A solution was obtained by boiling flowers in water. After various substances were added to separate
samples of the solution, the colour of each was noted.

For which of the following titrations would it be appropriate to use this solution as an indicator?

a) HCl(aq) + NH3(aq)
b) HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq)
c) CH3COOH(aq) + NH3(aq)
d) CH3COOH(aq) + NaOH(aq)

Question 35 (2012-4)
Which pieces of glassware should be used when preparing a primary standard solution?

a) Pipette, burette and conical flask

b) Dropper, watch glass and pipette
c) Beaker, filter funnel and volumetric flask
d) Measuring cylinder, stirring rod and conical flask

13
Question 36 (2012-7)

Methyl orange, bromothymol blue and phenolphthalein indicators were mixed together to form a
solution.

Over what pH range would the solution be yellow?

a) 0–14
b) 3 – 4.5
c) 3 – 7.5
d) 4.5 – 6

Question 37 (2012-8)

Which acid / base pair could act as a buffer?

a) H3O+ / H2O
b) H2O/OH–
c) HNO3/NO3–
d) H2PO4–/HPO42–

Question 38 (2012-18)

Which of the following changes take place when 50 mL of water is added to 50 mL of 0.1 mol L–1
acetic acid?

14
Question 39 (2012-19)

What mass of anhydrous sodium carbonate is required to neutralise 100.0 mL of 0.500 mol L–1 acetic
acid?

a) 2.65 g
b) 5.30 g
c) 10.6 g
d) 53.0 g

Use the information provided to answer the next two questions.

Using 0.100 mol L–1 NaOH, a student titrated 25.0 mL of a 0.100 mol L–1 weak monoprotic acid,
and separately titrated 25.0 mL of a 0.100 mol L–1 strong monoprotic acid.

Question 40 (2011-15)
Which statement about the volume of base required to reach the equivalence point is correct?

a) The weak acid will require the same volume of base as the strong acid.
b) The weak acid will require a larger volume of base than the strong acid.
c) The weak acid will require a smaller volume of base than the strong acid.
d) The volume of base required will depend on the molar mass of the acid used.

Question 41 (2011-16)
Which statement correctly describes the pH at each titration equivalence point?

a) The pH of both solutions will be the same.

b) One of the solutions will be neutral while the other will have a pH higher than 7.
c) One of the solutions will be neutral while the other will have a pH lower than 7.
d) One of the solutions will have a pH higher than 7 while the other will have a pH lower than
7.

Question 42 (2011-18)

A household cleaning agent contains a weak base with the formula NaX. 1.00 g of this compound was
dissolved in water to give 100.0 mL of solution. A 20.0 mL sample of the solution was titrated with
0.100 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid, and required 24.4 mL of the acid for neutralisation.

What is the molar mass of the weak base?

a) 82.0 g
b) 84.0 g
c) 122 g
d) 410 g

15
Question 41 (2010-7)
Equal volumes of four 0.1 mol L−1 acids were titrated with the same sodium hydroxide solution. Which
one requires the greatest volume of base to change the colour of the indicator?

a) Citric acid (C6H8O7, triprotic)

b) Acetic acid
c) Sulfuric acid
d) Hydrochloric acid

Question 42 (2010-8)

In a research report a student wrote, ‘Acids are compounds that contain hydrogen and can dissolve in
water to release hydrogen ions into solution.’ Who originally stated this theory of acids?

a) Arrhenius
b) Brönsted–Lowry
c) Davy
d) Lavoisier

Question 43 (2009-7)

What is the conjugate base of HSO4– ?

a) SO32–

b) SO42–
c) H2SO4

d) HSO3–

Question 44 (2009-14)

Citric acid, the predominant acid in lemon juice, is a triprotic acid. A student titrated 25.0 mL samples
of lemon juice with 0.550 mol L–1 NaOH. The mean titration volume was 29.50 mL. The molar mass
of citric acid is 192.12 g/mol.

What was the concentration of citric acid in the lemon juice?

a) 1.04 g L–1
b) 41.6 g L–1
c) 125 g L–1
d) 374 g L–1

16
Question 45 (2008-6)

What is the specific heat of a compound?

a) The quantity of heat required to boil 1 g of the compound

b) The quantity of heat required to melt 1 g of the compound
c) The quantity of heat required to increase the temperature of the compound by 1° C
d) The quantity of heat required to increase the temperature of 1 g of the compound by 1°C

Question 46 (2008-8)

According to the Arrhenius theory of acids and bases, an acid is a substance that

a) tastes sour.
b) is capable of donating a hydrogen ion.
c) can accept a pair of electrons to form a co-ordinate covalent bond.
d) increases the concentration of hydrogen ions in an aqueous solution.

Question 47 (2008-14)

20 mL of 0.08 mol L–1 HCl is mixed with 30 mL of 0.05 mol L–1 NaOH.

What is the pH of the resultant solution?

a) 1.1
b) 2.7
c) 4.0
d) 7.0

Question 48 (2007-7)

Which graph represents the enthalpy change for an acid-base neutralisation reaction?

17
Question 49 (2007-8)

Acid X and acid Y are both monoprotic weak acids of equal concentration. Acid X is a stronger acid
than acid Y. Which statement about acid X and acid Y is correct?

a) Acid Y is completely ionised in solution.

b) The solution of acid X is less ionised than the solution of acid Y.
c) The solution of acid X has a lower pH than the solution of acid Y.
d) 1 mole of acid Y requires a greater volume of 1.0 mol L–1 NaOH for neutralisation than 1
mole of acid X.

Question 50 (2007-9)

Which of the following aqueous solutions has a pH greater than 7?

a) Sodium citrate
b) Sodium chloride
c) Ammonium nitrate
d) Ammonium chloride

Question 51 (2007-10)

A 0.1 mol L–1 HCl solution has a pH of 1.0. What volume of water must be added to 90 mL of this
solution to obtain a final pH of 2.0?

a) 10 mL
b) 180 mL
c) 810 mL
d) 900 mL

Question 52 (2006-8)

Acid X is 0.1 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid.

Acid Y is 1.0 mol L–1 acetic acid (ethanoic acid).

How does acid X compare with acid Y?

a) X is weaker and more dilute than Y.

b) X is stronger and more dilute than Y.
c) X is weaker and more concentrated than Y.
d) X is stronger and more concentrated than Y.

18
Question 53 (2006-9)

Which statement best describes the equivalence point in a titration between a strong acid and a strong
base?

a) The point at which the first sign of a colour change occurs

b) The point at which equal moles of acid and base have been added together
c) The point at which equal moles of H+ ions and OH– ions have been added together
d) The point at which the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction

Question 54 (2006-10)

Phosphorus pentoxide reacts with water to form phosphoric acid according to the following equation.

P2O5(s) + 3H2O(l) → 2H3PO4(aq)

Phosphoric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide according to the following equation.

H3PO4(aq) + 3NaOH(aq) → Na3PO4(aq) + 3H2O(l)

A student reacted 1.42 g of phosphorus pentoxide with excess water.

What volume of 0.30 mol L–1 sodium hydroxide would be required to neutralise all the phosphoric
acid produced?

a) 0.067 L
b) 0.10 L
c) 0.20 L
d) 5.0 L

Question 55 (2006-11)

In 1884, Svante Arrhenius proposed a definition for acids. His definition was soon accepted as
superior to that put forward by earlier chemists.

Why was Arrhenius’ definition seen as a major improvement?

a) It explained why some acids do not contain oxygen.

b) It showed how the solvent can affect the strength of an acid.
c) It showed the relationship between pH and the concentration of H+ ions.
d) It could be used to explain why some acids are strong and others are weak.

19
Question 56 (2005-8)

What would be the pH of a 0.1 mol L−1 solution of sulfuric acid?

a) Less than 1.0

b) Exactly 1.0
c) Between 1.0 and 7.0
d) Greater than 7.0

Question 57 (2005-9)

Which of the following pairs would form a buffer solution?

a) HCl(aq) / Cl−(aq)
b) H2PO4−(aq) / PO43−(aq)
c) H2SO4(aq) / HSO4−(aq)
d) CH3COOH(aq) / CH3COO−(aq)

Question 58 (2004-5)

Which statement best represents Davy’s definition of an acid?

a) Acids contain oxygen.

b) Acids are proton donors.
c) Acids contain replaceable hydrogen.
d) Acids ionise in solution to form hydrogen ions.

Question 59 (2004-7)

The figure shows the pH values of some substances.

Based on the pH values shown in the figure, which of the following statements about the
concentration of hydrogen ions is correct?

a) It is twice as great in milk as that in lemon juice.

b) It is 1 000 000 times greater in soap than in wine.
c) It is three times greater in wine than in bleach solution.
d) It is 1 000 times greater in distilled water than in soap.

20
Question 60 (2005-10)
A titration was conducted by adding NaOH from a teflon-coated burette to HCl in a conical flask. The
pH in the flask was recorded during the titration and Curve A was produced.

The table shows appropriate indicators used to identify the equivalence point in titrations. For
NaOH and HCl the appropriate indicator is bromothymol blue.

Indicator Acidic colour Range of colour Basic colour

change
Methyl orange red 3.1 – 4.4 yellow
Methyl red red 4.4 – 6.2 yellow
Bromothymol blue yellow 6.0 – 7.6 blue
Cresolphthalein colourless 8.1 – 9.7 red
Alizarin yellow yellow 10.1 – 12.0 red

A second titration was conducted by adding NaOH to a different acid. The pH in the flask was
recorded during the titration and Curve B was produced.

What is the appropriate indicator for Curve B using the table?

a) Methyl orange
b) Methyl red
c) Cresolphthalein
d) Alizarin yellow

21
Question 61 (2003-8)

A sulfuric acid solution has a concentration of 5 x 10-4 mol/L. What is the pH of this solution,
assuming the acid is completely ionised?

a) 3.0
b) 3.3
c) 3.6
d) 4.0

Question 62 (2003-14)
In a titration of a strong base with a strong acid, the following procedure was used:

1. A burette was rinsed with water and then filled with the standard acid.
2. A pipette was rinsed with some base solution.
3. A conical flask was rinsed with some base solution.
4. A pipette was used to transfer a measured volume of base solution into the conical flask.
5. Indicator was added to the base sample and it was titrated to the endpoint with the acid.

Which statement is correct?

a) The calculated base concentration will be correct.
b) The calculated base concentration will be too low.
c) The calculated base concentration will be too high.
d) No definite conclusion can be reached about the base concentration.

Question 63 (2002-6)

Which is amphiprotic?

a) H2SO4
b) NH4 +
c) HCO3–
d) SO42–

Question 64 (2002-7)

What did the Brönsted–Lowry definition of acids identify that made it a significant improvement over
earlier definitions?

a) Acids contain hydrogen.

b) Acids are proton donors.
c) Acids contain oxygen.
d) Acids are electron-pair acceptors.

22
Question 65 (2003-15)

Which of the following graphs shows how pH will vary when dilute HCl is added to 100 mL of dilute
natural buffer solution with an initial pH of 7.0?

Question 66 (2001-6)

The graph shows the colour ranges of the acid–base indicators methyl orange, bromothymol blue and
phenolphthalein.

A solution is yellow in methyl orange, blue in bromothymol blue and colourless in phenolphthalein.

What is the pH range of the solution?

a) 4.5 to 6.0
b) 6.0 to 7.5
c) 7.5 to 8.5
d) 8.5 to 10.0

23
Question 67 (2002-8)
In a titration, an acid of known concentration is placed in a burette and reacted with a base that has
been pipetted into a conical flask.

What should each piece of glassware be rinsed with immediately before the titration?

Burette Pipette Conical flask

a) acid base water
b) water water water
c) acid base base
d) water water base

24
Extended response
Question 1 (2020-25)
Citric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide according to the following chemical equation:

C6H8O7(aq) + 3NaOH(aq) Na3C6H5O7(aq) + 3H2O(l ) .

Various volumes of 1.0 mol L−1 citric acid solution were mixed with 8.0 mL of a sodium hydroxide
solution of unknown concentration and sufficient deionised water added to make the total volume of
the resulting solution 14.0 mL. The change in temperature of each solution was measured.

The data are given in the table.

Question continues on next page

25
By graphing the data in the table and performing relevant calculations, determine the concentration of
the sodium hydroxide solution. 7

26
Question 2 (2020-27 modified)

A student makes up a solution of propan-2-amine, an organic base with the formula C2H5NH3, in
water with a concentration of 1.00 mol/L. It reacts with water according to the following equation,

C2H5NH3 + H2O ⇌ OH- + C2H5NH4+

The equilibrium constant for the reaction of propan-2-amine with water is 4.37 x 10-4.

Calculate the concentration of hydroxide ions in this solution. 3

27
Question 3 (2020-28)

A chemist used the following method to determine the concentration of a dilute solution of propanoic
acid (pKa = 4.88). The chemist weighed out 1.000 g of solid NaOH on an electronic balance and then
made up the solution in a 250.0 mL volumetric flask.

The chemist then performed titrations, using bromocresol green as the indicator. This indicator is
yellow below pH 3.2 and green above pH 5.2 .

The results are shown in the table. 3

Explain why this method produces inaccurate and unreliable results.

28
Question 4 (2020-33)

Excess solid calcium hydroxide is added to a beaker containing 0.100 L of 2.00 mol L−1 hydrochloric
acid and the mixture is allowed to come to equilibrium.

a) Show that the amount (in mol) of calcium hydroxide that reacts with the hydrochloric acid is
0.100 mol. 2

b) It is valid in this instance to make the simplifying assumption that the amount of calcium ions
present at equilibrium is equal to the amount generated in the reaction in part (a).

Calculate the pH of the resulting solution. 4

29
Question 5 (2020-34)

The effect of concentration on the pH of acrylic acid (C2H3COOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl)
solutions is shown in the graph. Both of these acids are monoprotic.

Explain the trends in the graph. Include relevant chemical equations in your answer. 4

30
Question 6 (2020-36)

100.00 mL of 2.00 mol L−1 HCl(aq) was initially at a temperature of 22.5°C. The mass of this solution
was 103 g.

10.0 g of solid NaOH was added to the acid. The specific heat capacity of the resulting solution was
3.99 J g-1 K-1.

Assuming no energy loss to the environment, calculate the maximum temperature reached by the
solution.

Use the following information in your calculations. 5

NaOH(s) Na+(aq) + OH−(aq) ΔH = −44.5 kJ mol−1

NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq)  NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) ΔH = −56.1 kJ mol−1

31
Question 7 (2019-22)

A buffer was prepared with acetic acid and sodium acetate. A few drops of universal indicator were
then added. When small amounts of either 0.1 mol L–1 HCl(aq) or 0.1 mol L–1 NaOH(aq) were
added, no change in the colour of the solution was observed.

Explain these observations. Support your answer with at least ONE chemical equation. 4

32
Question 8 (2019-23)

The following apparatus was used in an experiment to determine the molar enthalpy of combustion of
ethanol.

a) Calculate the experimental molar enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH) of ethanol when 0.370 g
ethanol was used to raise the water temperature from 18.5°C to 30.0°C. 4

33
b) Upon replication, the molar enthalpy of combustion obtained in the experiment was
consistently much lower than the accepted value.

Explain ONE change that could be made to the experiment that would improve the accuracy
of the obtained value. 2

34
Question 9 (2019-24)

A conductometric titration was undertaken to determine the concentration of a barium hydroxide

solution. The solution was added to 250.0 mL of standardised 1.050 × 10–3 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid
solution. The results of the titration are shown in the conductivity graph.

a) Explain the shape of the titration curve. 3

b) The equivalence point was reached when a volume of 17.15 mL of barium hydroxide was
added. Calculate the concentration of barium hydroxide (in mol L–1), and give a relevant
chemical equation. 4

35
Question 10 (2019-27)

The relationship between the acid dissociation constant, Ka, and the corresponding conjugate base
dissociation constant, Kb, is given by:

Ka×Kb=Kw

Assume that the temperature for part (a) and part (b) is 25°C.

a) The Ka of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is 3.0 × 10-8

Show that the K of the hypochlorite ion, OCl , is 3.3 × 10-7. 1

b) The conjugate base dissociation constant, Kb, is the equilibrium constant for the following
equation:

OCl–(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ HOCl(aq) + OH–(aq)

Calculate the pH of a 0.20 mol L−1 solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). 4

36
Question 11 (2019-28)

Assess the usefulness of the Brønsted–Lowry model in classifying acids and bases.

Support your answer with at least TWO chemical equations. 5

37
Question 13 (2018-29)

The concentration of hydrochloric acid in a solution was determined by an acid base

titration using a standard solution of sodium carbonate.

a) Explain why sodium carbonate is a suitable compound for preparation of a standard solution.
2

b) A 25.00 mL sample of 0.1050 mol L–1 sodium carbonate solution was added to a conical flask
and three drops of methyl orange indicator added. The mixture was titrated with the
hydrochloric acid and the following readings were recorded.

Using the data from the table, calculate the concentration of the hydrochloric acid. 3

Question continued on next page

39
 c) Explain the effect on the calculated concentration of hydrochloric acid if phenolphthalein is
used as the indicator instead of methyl orange. 2

Question 14 (2015-21)

a) Outline a suitable method to prepare a natural indicator. 2

b) How could a natural indicator be tested? 2

40
Question 15 (2017-24)

A solution of sodium hydroxide was titrated against a standardised solution of acetic acid which had a
concentration of 0.5020 mol/L

(a) The end point was reached when 19.30 mL of sodium hydroxide solution had been added
to 25.00 mL of the acetic acid solution.

Calculate the concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution. 3

b) Explain why the pH of the resulting salt solution was not 7. Include a relevant chemical
equation in your answer. 2

41
Question 16 (2016-29)

A solution of hydrochloric acid was standardised by titration against a sodium

carbonate solution using the following procedure.

• All glassware was rinsed correctly to remove possible contaminants.

• Hydrochloric acid was placed in the burette.
• 25.0 mL of sodium carbonate solution was pipetted into the conical flask.

The titration was performed and the hydrochloric acid was found to be 0.200 mol/L

(a) Identify the substance used to rinse the conical flask and justify your answer. 2

(b) Seashells contain a mixture of carbonate compounds. The standardised hydrochloric acid
was used to determine the percentage by mass of carbonate in a seashell using the
following procedure.

• A 0.145 g sample of the seashell was placed in a conical flask.

• 50.0 mL of the standardised hydrochloric acid was added to the conical flask.
• At the completion of the reaction, the mixture in the conical flask was titrated with
0.250 mol L–1 sodium hydroxide.

The volume of sodium hydroxide used in the titration was 29.5 mL.

Calculate the percentage by mass of carbonate in the sample of the seashell. 4

42
Question 17 (2015-24)

a) Explain why the salt, sodium acetate, forms a basic solution when dissolved in water. Include
an equation in your answer. 2

b) A solution is prepared by using equal volumes and concentrations of acetic acid and sodium
acetate.

Explain how the pH of this solution would be affected by the addition of a small amount of
sodium hydroxide solution. Include an equation in your answer. 3

43
Question 18 (2015-26)

A sodium hydroxide solution was titrated against citric acid (C6H8O7) which is triprotic.

a) How could a computer-based technology be used to identify the equivalence point of this
titration? 2

b) The sodium hydroxide solution was titrated against 25.0 mL samples of 0.100 mol L−1 citric
acid. The average volume of sodium hydroxide used was 41.50 mL.

Calculate the concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution. 4

44
Question 19 (2015-28)

The equipment shown is set up. After some time a ring of white powder is seen to form on the inside
of the glass tube.

a) Why would this NOT be an acid–base reaction according to Arrhenius? 1

b) Explain why this would be considered a Brönsted–Lowry acid–base reaction. Include an

equation in your answer. 2

45
Question 20 (2015-29)

The procedure of a first-hand investigation conducted in a school laboratory to determine the

percentage of sulfate in a lawn fertiliser is shown.

• 2.00 g of a sample of fertiliser was ground up and placed in a beaker.

• It was dissolved in about 200 mL of 0.1 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid, stirred and filtered.
• Excess barium chloride solution was quickly added to this beaker and a precipitate formed.
• The precipitate was then allowed to settle, filtered using filter paper and the residue
collected.
• The residue was dried and weighed and had a mass of 2.23 g.

a) Suggest modifications that could be made to the procedure to improve the results of this
investigation. Justify your suggestions. 4

Question continues on next page

46
 b) Calculate the percentage of sulfate in the original fertiliser sample. 3

Question 21 (2013-25)

An indicator is placed in water. The resulting solution contains the green ion, Ind −, and the red
molecule, HInd.

Explain why this solution can be used as an indicator. In your response, include a suitable chemical
equation that uses Ind − and HInd. 4

47
Question 22 (2014-30)

A batch of dry ice (solid CO2) was contaminated during manufacture. To determine its purity, the
following steps were carried out.

Step 1: A 0.616 gram sample of the contaminated dry ice was placed in a clean, dry flask.

Step 2: 50.00 mL of 1.00 mol L−1 sodium hydroxide was added to the flask. The sodium
hydroxide was in excess.

Step 3: The flask was sealed to prevent loss of carbon dioxide gas and the reaction allowed to
reach completion, according to this equation:

2NaOH(aq) + CO2(s) → Na2CO3(aq) + H2O(l)

Step 4: The remaining sodium hydroxide was titrated against a 1.00 mol L−1 solution of
hydrochloric acid. The average volume of HCl used was 27.60 mL.

(a) Calculate the number of moles of NaOH added in Step 2. 1

(b) Calculate the percentage purity by mass of this batch of dry ice. 4

48
Question 23 (2013-28)

A student attempted to determine the concentration of a hydrochloric acid solution. The following
steps were performed.

Step 1. A conical flask was rinsed with water.

Step 2. A 25.0 mL pipette was rinsed with water.

Step 3. The student filled the pipette with a standard sodium carbonate solution to the level shown in
the diagram.

Step 4. The standard sodium carbonate solution in the pipette was transferred to the conical flask. The
student ensured that all of the sodium carbonate solution was transferred to the conical flask by
blowing through the pipette. Three drops of an appropriate indicator were added to the conical flask.

Step 5. A burette was rinsed with the hydrochloric acid solution and then filled with the acid. The
student then carried out a titration to determine the concentration of the hydrochloric acid solution.

In steps 2, 3 and 4 above the student did not follow acceptable procedures.

a) Identify the mistake the student made in step 4 and propose a change that would improve the
validity of the result. 2

Question continued on next page

49
 b) Explain the effect of the mistakes made in steps 2 and 3 on the calculation of the
concentration of the hydrochloric acid solution. 3

Question 24 (2012-28)

A solution was made by mixing 75.00 mL of 0.120 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid with 25.00 mL of 0.200
mol L−1 sodium hydroxide.

What is the pH of the solution? 3

50
Question 25 (2012-30)

A chemist analysed aspirin tablets for quality control. The initial step of the analysis was the
standardisation of a NaOH solution. Three 25.00mL samples of a 0.1034 mol L–1 solution of
standardised HCl were titrated with the NaOH solution. The average volume required for
neutralisation was 25.75 mL.

a) Calculate the molarity of the NaOH solution. 2

Three flasks were prepared each containing a mixture of 25 mL of water and 10 mL of ethanol.
An aspirin tablet was dissolved in each flask. The aspirin in each solution was titrated with the
standardised NaOH solution according to the following equation:

C9H8O4(aq) + NaOH(aq) → C9H7O4Na(aq) + H2O(l)

The following titration results were obtained.

b)
i. Calculate the average mass (mg) of aspirin per tablet. 3

51
Question 26 (2011-25)

Explain the role of the conjugate acid/base pair, H2PO4– / HPO42–, in maintaining the pH of living
cells. Include chemical equations in your answer. 3

Question 27 (2010-21)

A 0.001 mol L−1 solution of hydrochloric acid and a 0.056 mol L−1 solution of ethanoic acid both
have a pH of 3.0.

Why do both solutions have the same pH? 3

52
Question 28 (2011-26)

A manufacturer makes lemon cordial by mixing flavouring, sugar syrup and citric acid (C6H8O7). The
concentration of the citric acid is determined by titration with NaOH.

The sodium hydroxide solution is prepared by dissolving 4.000 g of NaOH pellets in water to give
1.000 L of solution. This solution is standardised by titrating 25.00 mL with a 0.1011 mol L–1
standardised solution of HCl. The average titration volume is found to be 24.10 mL.

To analyse the lemon cordial 50.00 mL of the cordial is diluted to 500.0 mL. Then 25.00 mL of the
diluted solution is titrated with the NaOH solution to the phenolphthalein endpoint.

The following data were collected during one of the analysis runs of the lemon cordial.

a) Why is the calculated concentration of the standardised NaOH solution different from the
concentration calculated using the mass given, assuming no human error occurred? 2

b) Determine the concentration of citric acid in the lemon cordial. 4

53
Question 29 (2011-29)

a) Justify the continued use of the Arrhenius definition of acids and bases, despite the
development of the more sophisticated Brönsted–Lowry definition. 3

b) Why does the neutralisation of any strong acid in an aqueous solution by any strong base
always result in a heat of reaction of approximately –57 kJ mol−1? 1

54
Question 30 (2011-32)

To determine the pH of garden soil, a sample was first saturated with distilled water in a petri dish.
Barium sulfate powder was added to the surface of the sample, and drops of the three indicators listed
below were added to separate parts of the sample. The colours observed are shown in the table.

a) Using the information given, select the plant that will grow well at the current soil pH, and
justify your selection. 2

b) Outline the method you would use to test a natural indicator that has been prepared in the
school laboratory. 2

55
Question 31 (2010-28)

The flowchart shown outlines the sequence of steps used to determine the concentration of an
unknown hydrochloric acid solution.

Describe steps A, B and C including correct techniques, equipment and appropriate calculations.
Determine the concentration of the hydrochloric acid. 8

There is more writing space on the following page

56
57
Question 32 (2009-21)

The graph shows changes in pH for the titrations of equal volumes of solutions of two monoprotic
acids, Acid 1 and Acid 2.

a) Explain the differences between Acid 1 and Acid 2 in terms of their relative strengths and
concentrations. 3

b) Name the salt produced by the reaction of an acid of the same type as Acid 2 with KOH(aq). 1

c) Calculate the concentration of hydrogen ions when 20 mL of KOH(aq) has been added to
Acid 1. 1

d) Why would phenolphthalein be a suitable indicator for both titrations? 1

58
Question 33 (2009-22)

The nitrogen content of bread was determined using the following procedure:

- A sample of bread weighing 2.80 g was analysed.

- The nitrogen in the sample was converted into ammonia.
- The ammonia was collected in 50.0 mL of 0.125 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid. All of the
ammonia was neutralised, leaving an excess of hydrochloric acid.
- The excess hydrochloric acid was titrated with 23.30 mL of 0.116 mol L−1 sodium
hydroxide solution.

a) Write balanced equations for the TWO reactions involving hydrochloric acid. 2

b) Calculate the moles of excess hydrochloric acid. 1

c) Calculate the moles of ammonia. 2

d) Calculate the percentage by mass of nitrogen in the bread. 2

59
Question 34 (2008-26)

Explain how a buffer works with reference to a specific example in a natural system. 4

Question 35 (2008-27)

a) Classify these salts as forming acidic, basic or neutral solutions. 2

Salt Classification of solution

Ammonium chloride

Sodium ethanoate

Sodium chloride

Ammonium nitrate

b) From the table, choose a salt that forms an acidic or basic solution, and justify its classification.
Include an equation to illustrate your answer. 2

60
Question 36 (2008-28)

A standard solution was prepared by dissolving 1.314 g of sodium carbonate in water. The solution
was made up to a final volume of 250.0 mL.

a) Calculate the concentration of the sodium carbonate solution. 2

This solution was used to determine the concentration of a solution of hydrochloric acid. Four 25.00
mL samples of the acid were titrated with the sodium carbonate solution. The average titration volume
required to reach the end point was 23.45 mL.

b) Write a balanced equation for the titration reaction. 1

c) Calculate the concentration of the hydrochloric acid solution. 3

61
Question 37 (2007)

a) State what colour the red cabbage indicator would be in a 0.005 mol L–1 solution of H2SO4.
Show your working. 1

b) Using the red cabbage indicator, what colour would the solution be if 10 mL of 0.005 mol L–1
H2SO4 was diluted to 100 mL? 1

c) What volume of 0.005 mol L–1 KOH is required to neutralise 15 mL of the diluted solution
of H2SO4? 3

62
Question 38 (2007-25)

Sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO3, is commonly used to neutralise chemical spills that are a
potential hazard to the environment. Assess the effectiveness of NaHCO3 in this role, with reference
to its chemical properties. 5

Question 39 (2006-17)

a) Calculate the pH of a 0.2 mol L–1 solution of hydrochloric acid. 1

b) Calculate the pH after 20 mL of 0.01 mol L–1 sodium hydroxide is added to 50 mL of 0.2 mol
L–1 hydrochloric acid. Include a balanced chemical equation in your answer. 3

63
Question 40 (2006-23)

Correct swimming pool maintenance requires regular monitoring of the pH level of the water.

a) Select the best indicator from the graph to check that the pH of swimming pool water lies
within the correct range of 7.0 – 7.6. Justify your choice. 3

b) Another part of swimming pool maintenance is adjusting chlorine levels in the pool. ‘Liquid
chlorine’ is a solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) which can be used to do this. Upon
addition of sodium hypochlorite to the pool, the following equilibrium reaction occurs:

OCl–(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ HOCl(aq) + OH–(aq)

Explain how the addition of sodium hypochlorite will affect the pH of the water in the pool.
2

64
Question 41 (2006-27)

One of the most common methods for determining the concentration of metal ions in water samples
involves titration with a reagent called EDTA. In alkaline solution EDTA is present as an anion with a
4 – charge. In this form it reacts with metal ions such as calcium and magnesium in a 1 : 1 ratio:

Ca2+ + EDTA4 – → Ca(EDTA)2–

When the reaction between the metal ions and EDTA4– is complete, an indicator also present in the
solution changes colour.

A student used the following procedure to determine the concentration of calcium in a sample of
water:

- 50.0 mL of water sample was pipetted into a conical flask

- 5.0 mL of ammonia/ammonium ion buffer and two drops of indicator were added
- Sample was titrated with 0.0200 mol L–1 EDTA4– until indicator changed colour
- The above procedure was repeated a further three times
- The average volume of EDTA4– used in the four titrations was 24.0 mL

a) What is the average number of moles of EDTA4– added to reach the end point? 1

b) The student used the answer to part (a) to calculate the concentration of Ca2+ in the water
sample in mg/L. What concentration was obtained? 2

Question 42 (2005)

An antacid tablet is known to contain calcium carbonate (CaCO3). To determine the mass of calcium
carbonate in the tablet, the following procedure was used.

• The tablet was crushed and then placed in a beaker.

• A pipette was used to add 25.0 mL of 0.600 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid to the crushed tablet in
the beaker.

65
• Once the reaction between the calcium carbonate and hydrochloric acid had stopped,
phenolphthalein indicator was added to the reaction mixture.
• A teflon-coated burette was then used to add 0.100 mol L–1 sodium hydroxide to the beaker
to neutralise the excess hydrochloric acid.
• The phenolphthalein changed from colourless to pink after 14.2 mL of the sodium hydroxide
solution had been added.

a) Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction that occurred between the calcium
carbonate in the tablet and the hydrochloric acid. 1

b) How many moles of hydrochloric acid were added to the tablet? 1

c) Calculate the mass of calcium carbonate in the original antacid tablet. 3

66
Question 43 (2004-22)

a) Define the term amphiprotic. 1

b) Write TWO chemical equations to show that the dihydrogen phosphate ion (H2PO4−)
is amphiprotic. 2

Question 44 (2004-23)

A natural indicator was made by heating yellow flowers with water. The resulting yellow solution was
tested with a range of substances. The results are recorded below.

Assess the usefulness of the yellow solution as an acid–base indicator. 3

67
Question 45 (2004-24)

The diagram shows three reagent bottles containing acids.

a) Calculate the pH after 10.0 mL of 0.01 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid solution is diluted by the
addition of 90.0 mL of distilled water. 1

b) Explain the difference in pH between the three acids in the diagram. 2

68
Question 46 (2003-23)

25.0 mL of 0.12 mol L−1 standard barium hydroxide solution was titrated with nitric acid. The results
are recorded in the table.

a) Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of barium hydroxide with nitric acid. 1

b) Calculate the concentration of the nitric acid. 3

69
Question 47 (2002-20)

A student used indicators to determine whether three colourless solutions were acidic or basic. The
indicators used are shown in the table.

Samples of each solution were tested with the indicators. The colours of the resulting solutions are
shown in the table.

The student concluded that each of the three solutions tested was basic. Assess the validity of this
conclusion. 3

70
Question 48 (2002-22)

Solutions of hydrochloric acid, acetic acid and sulfuric acid were prepared. Each of the solutions had
the same concentration (0.01 mol L–1). The pH of the acetic acid solution was 3.4.

a) Calculate the pH of the hydrochloric acid solution 1

b) Compare the pH of the sulfuric acid solution to the pH of the hydrochloric acid solution.
Justify your answer. (No calculations are necessary.) 2

c) Explain why the acetic acid solution has a higher pH than the hydrochloric acid solution. 2

71
Question 49 (2001-20)

A 0.1 mol L–1 solution of hydrochloric acid has a pH of 1.0, whereas a 0.1 mol L–1 solution of citric
acid has a pH of 1.6.

a) State ONE way in which pH can be measured.

b) Explain why the two solutions have different pH values.

Question 50 (2001-23)

A household cleaning agent contains a weak base of general formula NaX. 1.00 g of this compound
was dissolved in 100.0 mL of water. A 20.0 mL sample of the solution was titrated with 0.1000 mol L–
1 hydrochloric acid and required 24.4 mL of the acid for neutralisation.

a) What is the Brönsted–Lowry definition of a base?

b) What is the molar mass of this base?

72
Question 51 (2001-21)

Barium hydroxide and sulfuric acid react according to the following equation:

Ba(OH)2(aq) + H2SO4(aq) → BaSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)

a) Name this type of chemical reaction. 1

b) A 20 mL sample of barium hydroxide was titrated with 0.12 mol L–1 sulfuric acid.
The conductivity of the solution was measured throughout the titration and the
results graphed, as shown.

Explain the changes in conductivity shown by the graph 3

73
All (2001-2020) Past HSC questions on Acid-Base Chemistry
Multiple choice
Question 1 (2020-2)

Which indicator in the table would be best for distinguishing between a face cleanser (pH = 5.0) and a
soap (pH = 9.0)?

a)

b)
c)

d)

Question 2 (2020-8)

A weak base is titrated with 1.0 mol L−1 aqueous HCl. The pH curve is shown.

At which pH value would the solution be most effective as a buffer?

a) 5
b) 7
c) 8
d) 9

1
Question 3 (2020-10)

Equimolar solutions of NaCl(aq), NH4Cl(aq) and NaCH3COO(aq) were prepared.

In which of the following are these salt solutions listed from least to most acidic?

a) NaCl(aq), NH4Cl(aq), NaCH3COO(aq) NaCl is a neutral salt as it comes from a strong base
b) NaCl(aq), NaCH3COO(aq), NH4Cl(aq) and acid
c) NH4Cl(aq), NaCl(aq), NaCH3COO(aq) NaCH3COO is basic:
d) NaCH3COO(aq), NaCl(aq), NH4Cl(aq)
CH3COO-(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ CH3COOH(aq) + OH-(aq)
NH4Cl is acidic:

Question 4 (2020-14) NH4+(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ NH3(aq) + H3O+(aq)

The equation for the autoionisation of water is shown.

2H2O(l) ⇌ H3O+(aq) + OH−(aq)

At 50°C the water ionisation constant, Kw, is 5.5 × 10-14. What is the pH of water at 50°C?

a) 5.50
Kw = [H3O+][OH-]
b) 6.63
c) 6.93 [H3O+] = �𝐾𝐾𝑤𝑤 = 2.3 x 10-7
d) 7.0
pH = -log10[H3O+] = 6.63

Question 5 (2020-18)

An aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate has a pH greater than 7. Which statement best
explains this observation?

a) H2O(l) is a stronger acid than HCO3−(aq)

b) HCO3−(aq) is a weaker acid than H2CO3(aq).
c) Na+(aq) reacts with water to produce the strong base NaOH(aq)
d) The conjugate acid of HCO3−(aq) is a stronger acid than H2O(l).

HCO3- is amphiprotic. As the pH is greater than 7, it

is acting as a base, accepting a proton from water.
HCO3-(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ H2CO3 (aq) + OH-(aq)

2
The diagram represents the titration curve for a reaction between a particular acid and a particular base.
Use the diagram to answer the next 2 questions.

Equivalence point

Question 6 (2019-5)

Which indicator would be best for this titration?

a)
b)
c)
d)

Question 7 (2019-6)

Which of the following equations best represents the reaction described by the titration curve?

a) NH3(aq) + HCl(aq)  NH4Cl(aq)

b) NaOH(aq)+HCl(aq)  NaCl(aq)+H2O(l)
c) NH3(aq) + CH3COOH(aq)  CH3COONH4(aq)
d) NaOH(aq)+CH3COOH(aq)  CH3COONa(aq)+H2O(l)

The equivalence point, 5 is acidic. As such, it is a weak base,

strong acid titration.
NH4+(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ NH3(aq) + H3O+(aq)

3
Question 8 (2019-15)

What is the concentration of hydroxide ions (in mol L–1) in a solution that has a pH of 8.53?

a) 3.0×10–9 pOH = 14 – 8.53 = 5.47

b) 3.4×10–6 [OH-] = 10-5.47 = 3.4 X 10-6
c) 5.5
d) 3.0×105

Question 9 (2018-7)

Which diagram represents ionisation of a weak acid? Answer: C

Question 10 (2018-9)

Which of the following would NOT have been classified as an acid by Antoine Lavoisier?

a) Acetic acid
b) Citric acid (C6H8O7)
c) Sulfuric acid Lavoisier acid contains oxygen
d) Hydrochloric acid

4
Question 11 (2018-15)

A solution containing potassium dihydrogen phosphate and potassium hydrogen phosphate is a

common laboratory buffer with a pH close to 7.

Which row of the table correctly identifies the chemistry of this buffer? (Answer: D)

a)
b)

c)
d)

Question 12 (2018-17)

Increasing amounts of carbon dioxide were dissolved in two beakers, one containing water and one a
mixture of water and a buffer. The pH in each beaker was measured and the results graphed.

Which graph best represents the results? (Answer: A)

5
Question 13 (2018-18)

The pH of a 0.080 mol L–1 solution of acetic acid is 2.9. What percentage of the acetic acid has
dissociated into ions?

a) 1.1% [H+] = 10 -2.9 = 0.0012589 M

b) 1.3% [𝐻𝐻 + ] 0.0012589
c) 1.6% % = [𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻] × 100 = 0.08
× 100 = 1.6%
d) 2.8%

Question 14 (2017-1)

In an experiment, 30 mL of water is to be transferred into a conical flask. Which piece of equipment

would deliver the volume with the greatest accuracy?

a) Burette
b) Beaker
c) Test tube
d) Measuring cylinder

Question 15 (2017-13)

25.0 mL of a 0.100 mol L–1 acid is to be titrated against a sodium hydroxide solution until final
equivalence is reached. Which of the following acids, if used in the titration, would require the greatest
volume of sodium hydroxide?

a) Acetic
b) Citric (C6H8O7)
c) Hydrochloric
d) Sulfuric

Question 16 (2017-14)

One litre of an aqueous solution is formed from mixing equal volumes of 0.2 mol L–1 hydrochloric
acid (HCl) and 0.2 mol L–1 sodium chloride (NaCl). How effective as a buffer is the aqueous solution
formed?

a) Ineffective, because HCl is a strong acid

b) Effective, because Cl– is the conjugate base of HCl
c) Ineffective, because NaCl forms a neutral salt solution
d) Effective, because the pH would change when a solution of NaOH is added

6
Question 17 (2017-20)

20.0 mL of 0.020 mol L–1 barium hydroxide solution is added to 50.0 mL of 0.040 mol L–1
hydrochloric acid solution. What is the pH of the final solution?

a) 0.2 Ba(OH)2(aq) + 2HCl(aq) → BaCl2(aq) + 2H2O(l)

b) 1.6 nBa(OH)2 = CV = 0.02 L x 0.020 mol L-1 = 0.0004 mol
c) 1.8
d) 2.9 nHCl = 0.05 x 0.04 = 0.002 mol (HCl is excess – rq. 0.001 mol Ba(OH)2)
nHCl excess = 0.002 – (0.0004 x 2) = 0.0012 mol
[HCl] = n/V = 0.0012 mol / 0.07 L = 0.0171 M
Question 18 (2016-6) pH = -log[H+] = -log(0.0171) = 1.8

Which combination of equimolar solutions would produce the most basic mixture?

a) Acetic acid and barium hydroxide: reacts in a 1:2 ratio, thus excess OH-
b) Acetic acid and sodium carbonate as with a, but sodium carbonate is a weak base so resultant
mixture will be less basic
c) Sulfuric acid and barium hydroxide react in a 1: 1 ratio, thus will be neutralised
d) Sulfuric acid and sodium carbonate react in a 1: 1 ratio, thus will be neutralised

Question 19 (2016-7)

Which indicator in the table would be best for distinguishing between lemon juice (pH = 2.3) and
potato juice (pH = 5.8)? Answer: B

Question 20 (2016-10)

Which of the following is the conjugate base of the H2PO4 – ion?

a) H3PO4
b) H3PO3
2-
c) HPO4
2-
d) HPO4

7
Question 21 (2016-12)

Which of the following could be added to 100 mL of 0.01 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid solution to
change its pH to 4?

a) 900 mL of water [H+] = 10-pH = 10-4 = 0.0001 M

b) 900 mL of 0.01 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid V2 =
𝐶𝐶1 𝑉𝑉1
=
0.1 ×0.01
= 10 𝐿𝐿
c) 9900 mL of water 𝐶𝐶2 0.0001

d) 9900 mL of 0.01 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid V to be added = 10 000 – 100 = 9900 mL

Question 22 (2016-18)

40 mL of 0.10 mol L–1 NaOH is mixed with 60 mL of 0.10 mol L–1 HCl. What is the pH of the
resulting solution?
nNaOH = CV = 0.04 L x 0.1 mol L-1 = 0.004 mol
a) 7.0
b) 1.7 nHCl = 0.06 L x 0.100 mol L-1 = 0.006 mol
c) 1.4 nHCl excess = 0.006 – 0.004 = 0.002 mol
d) 1.2
[HCl] = n/V = 0.002 mol / 0.1 L = 0.02 M
Question 23 (2015-2) pH = -log[H+] = 1.7

Which type of glassware is used in a titration to deliver an accurate volume of a solution to a known
volume of another solution? Answer: D

8
Question 24 (2015-13)

Which of the following solutions has the highest pH?

a) 1.0 mol L−1 acetic acid

b) 0.10 mol L−1 acetic acid
c) 1.0 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid
d) 0.10 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid

Question 25 (2015-14)

The graph shows the changes in pH during a titration.

Which pH range should an indicator have to be used in this titration?

a) 3.1– 4.4 The indicator colour should match

b) 5.0 – 8.0
c) 6.0 – 7.6 the equivalence point
d) 8.3 –10.0

Question 26 (2014-3)

Which row of the table correctly matches the scientist(s) with their theory of acids? Answer: B

9
Question 27 (2014-7)

This table contains information on three indicators.

A substance is tested with each of the indicators and the results are recorded below.

Which of the following substances will produce these results?

a) Lemonade pH 2.9
b) White wine pH 4.2
c) Tap water pH 7.2
d) Ammonia pH 11.2

Question 28 (2014-10)

The following equation represents a chemical system in equilibrium:

OCl−(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ HOCl(aq) + OH−(aq)

Which of the following is an acid/base conjugate pair?

a) H2O / HOCl
b) HOCl / OH−
c) HOCl / OCl−
d) OCl−/H2O

10
Question 29 (2014-8)

The graph shows the pH of a solution of a weak acid, HA, as a function of temperature.

What happens as the temperature decreases?

a) HA becomes less ionised and the H+ concentration increases.

b) HA becomes less ionised and the H+ concentration decreases.
c) HA becomes more ionised and the H+ concentration increases.
d) HA becomes more ionised and the H+ concentration decreases.

Question 30 (2014-12)

The diagram shows the pH values of some substances.

Based on the information provided, which of the following statements about the relative concentration
of hydrogen ions is correct?

a) It is 2 times higher in bleach than in milk.

b) It is 10 times lower in stomach acid than in soap.
c) It is 1000 times lower in distilled water than in wine.
d) It is 100 times higher in laundry detergent than in baking soda solution.

11
Question 31 (2014-14)

What is the pH of a 0.018 mol L−1 solution of hydrochloric acid?

a) 0.74
b) 0.96 pH = -log[H+] = 1.74
c) 1.04
d) 1.74

Question 32 (2013-15)

A pH 3.0 solution of HCl(aq) is diluted by adding water to produce a pH 5.0 solution. Which row in
the following table correctly identifies an appropriate volume of the original solution and the volume
of water added for this dilution? Answer: C

The H+ ion concentrations

are 10-3 and 10-5 so the
dilution factor is 1:100

Question 33 (2013-17)
A 25.0 mL sample of a 0.100 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid solution completely reacted with 23.4 mL of
sodium hydroxide solution.

What volume of the same sodium hydroxide solution would be required to completely react with 25.0
mL of a 0.100 mol L–1 acetic acid solution?
a) Less than 23.4 mL
b) 23.4 mL
c) More than 23.4 mL
d) Unable to calculate unless the concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution is also known

12
Question 34 (2013-19)

A solution was obtained by boiling flowers in water. After various substances were added to separate
samples of the solution, the colour of each was noted.

For which of the following titrations would it be appropriate to use this solution as an indicator?

a) HCl(aq) + NH3(aq)
It changes colour within the acidic region. As
b) HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq)
c) CH3COOH(aq) + NH3(aq) such, a is the correct answer because:
d) CH3COOH(aq) + NaOH(aq) NH4+(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ NH3(aq) + H3O+(aq)

Question 35 (2012-4)
Which pieces of glassware should be used when preparing a primary standard solution?

a) Pipette, burette and conical flask

b) Dropper, watch glass and pipette
c) Beaker, filter funnel and volumetric flask
d) Measuring cylinder, stirring rod and conical flask

13
Question 36 (2012-7)

Methyl orange, bromothymol blue and phenolphthalein indicators were mixed together to form a
solution.

Over what pH range would the solution be yellow?

a) 0–14
b) 3 – 4.5
c) 3 – 7.5
d) 4.5 – 6

Question 37 (2012-8)

Which acid / base pair could act as a buffer?

a) H3O+ / H2O
b) H2O/OH–
c) HNO3/NO3–
d) H2PO4–/HPO42–

Question 38 (2012-18)

Which of the following changes take place when 50 mL of water is added to 50 mL of 0.1 mol L–1
acetic acid? Answer: C
For pH: if you dilute an acud, the pH increases
For ionisation: Acetic acid only partially ionises as
it is a weak acid. When we add water, the
equilibrium shifts to the right to partially
counteract the disturbance.
CH3COOH + H2O ⇌ CH3COO- + H3O+

14
Question 39 (2012-19)

What mass of anhydrous sodium carbonate is required to neutralise 100.0 mL of 0.500 mol L–1 acetic
acid?
Na2CO3 + 2CH3COOH  2NaCH3COO + CO2 + H2O
a) 2.65 g n(CH3COOH)=CV = 0.1 x 0.5 = 0.05 mol
b) 5.30 g
c) 10.6 g n(Na2CO3) = 1/2n = 0.025 mol
d) 53.0 g m(Na2CO3) = n x M = 0.025 x 105.99 = 2.65 g
Use the information provided to answer the next two questions.

Using 0.100 mol L–1 NaOH, a student titrated 25.0 mL of a 0.100 mol L–1 weak monoprotic acid,
and separately titrated 25.0 mL of a 0.100 mol L–1 strong monoprotic acid.

Question 40 (2011-15)
Which statement about the volume of base required to reach the equivalence point is correct?

a) The weak acid will require the same volume of base as the strong acid.
b) The weak acid will require a larger volume of base than the strong acid.
c) The weak acid will require a smaller volume of base than the strong acid.
d) The volume of base required will depend on the molar mass of the acid used.

Question 41 (2011-16)
Which statement correctly describes the pH at each titration equivalence point?

a) The pH of both solutions will be the same.

b) One of the solutions will be neutral while the other will have a pH higher than 7.
c) One of the solutions will be neutral while the other will have a pH lower than 7.
d) One of the solutions will have a pH higher than 7 while the other will have a pH lower than
7.

Question 42 (2011-18)

A household cleaning agent contains a weak base with the formula NaX. 1.00 g of this compound was
dissolved in water to give 100.0 mL of solution. A 20.0 mL sample of the solution was titrated with
0.100 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid, and required 24.4 mL of the acid for neutralisation.

What is the molar mass of the weak base?

a) 82.0 g n(HCl) = nNaX = CV = 0.1 x 0.0244 = 0.00244 mol

b) 84.0 g
nNaX in 100 mL = 5 x 0.00244 = 0.0122 mol
c) 122 g
d) 410 g M=
𝑚𝑚 1
= 0.0122 = 82.0 g/mol
𝑛𝑛
15
Question 41 (2010-7)
Equal volumes of four 0.1 mol L−1 acids were titrated with the same sodium hydroxide solution. Which
one requires the greatest volume of base to change the colour of the indicator?

a) Citric acid (C6H8O7, triprotic)

b) Acetic acid
c) Sulfuric acid
d) Hydrochloric acid

Question 42 (2010-8)

In a research report a student wrote, ‘Acids are compounds that contain hydrogen and can dissolve in
water to release hydrogen ions into solution.’ Who originally stated this theory of acids?

a) Arrhenius
b) Brönsted–Lowry
c) Davy
d) Lavoisier

Question 43 (2009-7)

What is the conjugate base of HSO4– ?

a) SO32–

b) SO42–
c) H2SO4

d) HSO3–

Question 44 (2009-14)

Citric acid, the predominant acid in lemon juice, is a triprotic acid. A student titrated 25.0 mL samples
of lemon juice with 0.550 mol L–1 NaOH. The mean titration volume was 29.50 mL. The molar mass
of citric acid is 192.12 g/mol.

What was the concentration of citric acid in the lemon juice?

a) 1.04 g L–1 3NaOH + H3X = Na3X + 3H2O

b) 41.6 g L–1 n(NaOH) = 0.550 x 0.0295 = 0.016225 mol
c) 125 g L–1 n(H3X) = 1/3n = 0.005408 mol
d) 374 g L–1 𝑛𝑛 0.005408
[H3X] = 𝑉𝑉 = 0.025
= 0.2163 mol/L
[H3X] = 0.2163 mol/L x 192.12 g/mol = 41.6 g/L
16
Question 45 (2008-6)
Look at the units provided on your
What is the specific heat of a compound? data sheet: J Kg-1 K-1
a) The quantity of heat required to boil 1 g of the compound
b) The quantity of heat required to melt 1 g of the compound
c) The quantity of heat required to increase the temperature of the compound by 1° C
d) The quantity of heat required to increase the temperature of 1 g of the compound by 1°C

Question 46 (2008-8)

According to the Arrhenius theory of acids and bases, an acid is a substance that

a) Tastes sour (just a fact…)

b) Is capable of donating a hydrogen ion (Bronsted-Lowry definition)
c) Can accept a pair of electrons to form a co-ordinate covalent bond (Lewis definition)
d) Increases the concentration of hydrogen ions in aqueous solution
Question 47 (2008-14)

20 mL of 0.08 mol L–1 HCl is mixed with 30 mL of 0.05 mol L–1 NaOH.
HCl + NaOH  H2O + NaCl
What is the pH of the resultant solution?
nNaOH = CV = 0.03 L x 0.05 mol L-1 = 0.0015
a) 1.1 mol
b) 2.7
c) 4.0 nHCl = 0.02 L x 0.08 mol L-1 = 0.0016 mol
d) 7.0 nHCl excess = 0.0016 – 0.0015 = 0.0001 mol
Question 48 (2007-7) [HCl] = n/V = 0.0001 mol / 0.05 L = 0.002 M

Which graph represents the enthalpy change for an acid-base neutralisation reaction? Answer: D

17
Question 49 (2007-8)

Acid X and acid Y are both monoprotic weak acids of equal concentration. Acid X is a stronger acid
than acid Y. Which statement about acid X and acid Y is correct?

a) Acid Y is completely ionised in solution.

b) The solution of acid X is less ionised than the solution of acid Y.
c) The solution of acid X has a lower pH than the solution of acid Y.
d) 1 mole of acid Y requires a greater volume of 1.0 mol L–1 NaOH for neutralisation than 1
mole of acid X.

Question 50 (2007-9)

Which of the following aqueous solutions has a pH greater than 7?

a) Sodium citrate
b) Sodium chloride Strong base, weak acid titration.
c) Ammonium nitrate
d) Ammonium chloride

Question 51 (2007-10)

A 0.1 mol L–1 HCl solution has a pH of 1.0. What volume of water must be added to 90 mL of this
solution to obtain a final pH of 2.0?
[H+] = 10-pH = 10-2 = 0.01 M
a) 10 mL 𝐶𝐶 𝑉𝑉 0.1 ×0.09
b) 180 mL V2 = 𝐶𝐶1 1 = 0.01 = 900 𝑚𝑚𝐿𝐿
2
c) 810 mL
d) 900 mL V to be added = 900 – 90 = 810 mL

Question 52 (2006-8)

Acid X is 0.1 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid.

Acid Y is 1.0 mol L–1 acetic acid (ethanoic acid).

How does acid X compare with acid Y?

a) X is weaker and more dilute than Y.

b) X is stronger and more dilute than Y.
c) X is weaker and more concentrated than Y.
d) X is stronger and more concentrated than Y.

18
Question 53 (2006-9)

Which statement best describes the equivalence point in a titration between a strong acid and a strong
base?

a) The point at which the first sign of a colour change occurs

b) The point at which equal moles of acid and base have been added together
c) The point at which equal moles of H+ ions and OH– ions have been added together
d) The point at which the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction

Question 54 (2006-10)

Phosphorus pentoxide reacts with water to form phosphoric acid according to the following equation.

P2O5(s) + 3H2O(l) → 2H3PO4(aq)

Phosphoric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide according to the following equation.

H3PO4(aq) + 3NaOH(aq) → Na3PO4(aq) + 3H2O(l)

A student reacted 1.42 g of phosphorus pentoxide with excess water.

What volume of 0.30 mol L–1 sodium hydroxide would be required to neutralise all the phosphoric
acid produced?
𝑚𝑚 1.42
a) 0.067 L n(P2O5) = 𝑀𝑀 = 141.94 = 0.010004 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
b) 0.10 L
c) 0.20 L n(H3PO4) = 2n = 0.020008 mol
d) 5.0 L nNaOH = 3n = 0.060024 mol
𝑛𝑛 0.060024
Question 55 (2006-11) V = 𝐶𝐶 = 0.30
= 0.20 L

In 1884, Svante Arrhenius proposed a definition for acids. His definition was soon accepted as
superior to that put forward by earlier chemists.

Why was Arrhenius’ definition seen as a major improvement?

a) It explained why some acids do not contain oxygen.

b) It showed how the solvent can affect the strength of an acid.
c) It showed the relationship between pH and the concentration of H+ ions.
d) It could be used to explain why some acids are strong and others are weak.

19
Question 56 (2005-8)

What would be the pH of a 0.1 mol L−1 solution of sulfuric acid?

a) Less than 1.0

b) Exactly 1.0 pH = -log[H+] = -log0.2 = 0.70
c) Between 1.0 and 7.0
d) Greater than 7.0

Question 57 (2005-9)

Which of the following pairs would form a buffer solution?

a) HCl(aq) / Cl−(aq)
b) H2PO4−(aq) / PO43−(aq)
c) H2SO4(aq) / HSO4−(aq)
d) CH3COOH(aq) / CH3COO−(aq)

Question 58 (2004-5)

Which statement best represents Davy’s definition of an acid?

a) Acids contain oxygen.

b) Acids are proton donors.
c) Acids contain replaceable hydrogen.
d) Acids ionise in solution to form hydrogen ions.

Question 59 (2004-7)

The figure shows the pH values of some substances.

Based on the pH values shown in the figure, which of the following statements about the
concentration of hydrogen ions is correct?

a) It is twice as great in milk as that in lemon juice.

b) It is 1 000 000 times greater in soap than in wine.
c) It is three times greater in wine than in bleach solution.
d) It is 1 000 times greater in distilled water than in soap.

20
Question 60 (2005-10)
A titration was conducted by adding NaOH from a teflon-coated burette to HCl in a conical flask. The
pH in the flask was recorded during the titration and Curve A was produced.

The table shows appropriate indicators used to identify the equivalence point in titrations. For
NaOH and HCl the appropriate indicator is bromothymol blue.

Indicator Acidic colour Range of colour Basic colour

change
Methyl orange red 3.1 – 4.4 yellow
Methyl red red 4.4 – 6.2 yellow
Bromothymol blue yellow 6.0 – 7.6 blue
Cresolphthalein colourless 8.1 – 9.7 red
Alizarin yellow yellow 10.1 – 12.0 red

A second titration was conducted by adding NaOH to a different acid. The pH in the flask was
recorded during the titration and Curve B was produced.

Equivalence point

What is the appropriate indicator for Curve B using the table?

a) Methyl orange
b) Methyl red
c) Cresolphthalein
d) Alizarin yellow

21
Question 61 (2003-8)

A sulfuric acid solution has a concentration of 5 x 10-4 mol/L. What is the pH of this solution,
assuming the acid is completely ionised?

a) 3.0 pH = -log[H+] = -log(0.001) = 3.0

b) 3.3
c) 3.6
d) 4.0

Question 62 (2003-14)
In a titration of a strong base with a strong acid, the following procedure was used:

1. A burette was rinsed with water and then filled with the standard acid.
2. A pipette was rinsed with some base solution.
3. A conical flask was rinsed with some base solution.
4. A pipette was used to transfer a measured volume of base solution into the conical flask.
5. Indicator was added to the base sample and it was titrated to the endpoint with the acid.

Step 1: standard will be more dilute than

Which statement is correct?
expected
a) The calculated base concentration will be correct.
Step 3: There will be unacounted for
b) The calculated base concentration will be too low.
c) The calculated base concentration will be too high. moles of base titrated.

d) No definite conclusion can be reached about the base concentration.

Question 63 (2002-6)

Which is amphiprotic?

a) H2SO4
b) NH4 +
c) HCO3–
d) SO42–

Question 64 (2002-7)

What did the Brönsted–Lowry definition of acids identify that made it a significant improvement over
earlier definitions?

a) Acids contain hydrogen.

b) Acids are proton donors
c) Acids contain oxygen (Lavoisier’s theory)
d) Acids are electron-pair acceptors (Lewis theory)

22
Question 65 (2003-15)

Which of the following graphs shows how pH will vary when dilute HCl is added to 100 mL of dilute
natural buffer solution with an initial pH of 7.0? (Answer: A)

Question 66 (2001-6)

The graph shows the colour ranges of the acid–base indicators methyl orange, bromothymol blue and
phenolphthalein.

A solution is yellow in methyl orange, blue in bromothymol blue and colourless in phenolphthalein.

What is the pH range of the solution?

a) 4.5 to 6.0
b) 6.0 to 7.5
c) 7.5 to 8.5
d) 8.5 to 10.0

23
Question 67 (2002-8)
In a titration, an acid of known concentration is placed in a burette and reacted with a base that has
been pipetted into a conical flask.

What should each piece of glassware be rinsed with immediately before the titration?

Burette Pipette Conical flask

a) acid base water
b) water water water
c) acid base base
d) water water base

24
Extended response
Question 1 (2020-25)
Citric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide according to the following chemical equation:

C6H8O7(aq) + 3NaOH(aq) → Na3C6H5O7(aq) + 3H2O(l ) .

Various volumes of 1.0 mol L−1 citric acid solution were mixed with 8.0 mL of a sodium hydroxide
solution of unknown concentration and sufficient deionised water added to make the total volume of
the resulting solution 14.0 mL. The change in temperature of each solution was measured.

The data are given in the table.

Question continues on next page

25
By graphing the data in the table and performing relevant calculations, determine the concentration of
the sodium hydroxide solution. 7

n(citric acid at equivalence point) = 2.4 × 10–3 L × 1.0 mol L–1 = 2.4 × 10–3 mol

n(sodium hydroxide at equivalence point) = 2.4 × 10–3 mol × 3 = 7.2 × 10–3 mol

[sodium hydroxide] = 7.2 × 10–3 mol ÷ 8.0 × 10–3 L = 0.90 mol L–1

26
Question 2 (2020-27 modified)

A student makes up a solution of propan-2-amine, an organic base with the formula C2H5NH3, in
water with a concentration of 1.00 mol/L. It reacts with water according to the following equation,

C2H5NH3 + H2O ⇌ OH- + C2H5NH4+

The equilibrium constant for the reaction of propan-2-amine with water is 4.37 x 10-4.

Calculate the concentration of hydroxide ions in this solution. 3

27
Question 3 (2020-28)

A chemist used the following method to determine the concentration of a dilute solution of propanoic
acid (pKa = 4.88). The chemist weighed out 1.000 g of solid NaOH on an electronic balance and then
made up the solution in a 250.0 mL volumetric flask.

The chemist then performed titrations, using bromocresol green as the indicator. This indicator is
yellow below pH 3.2 and green above pH 5.2 .

The results are shown in the table. 3

Explain why this method produces inaccurate and unreliable results.

28
Question 4 (2020-33)

Excess solid calcium hydroxide is added to a beaker containing 0.100 L of 2.00 mol L−1 hydrochloric
acid and the mixture is allowed to come to equilibrium.

a) Show that the amount (in mol) of calcium hydroxide that reacts with the hydrochloric acid is
0.100 mol. 2

29
b) It is valid in this instance to make the simplifying assumption that the amount of calcium ions
present at equilibrium is equal to the amount generated in the reaction in part (a).

Calculate the pH of the resulting solution. 4

30
Question 5 (2020-34)

The effect of concentration on the pH of acrylic acid (C2H3COOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl)
solutions is shown in the graph. Both of these acids are monoprotic.

Explain the trends in the graph. Include relevant chemical equations in your answer. 4

31
Question 6 (2020-36)

100.00 mL of 2.00 mol L−1 HCl(aq) was initially at a temperature of 22.5°C. The mass of this solution
was 103 g.

10.0 g of solid NaOH was added to the acid. The specific heat capacity of the resulting solution was
3.99 J g-1 K-1.

Assuming no energy loss to the environment, calculate the maximum temperature reached by the
solution.

Use the following information in your calculations. 5

NaOH(s) Na+(aq) + OH−(aq) ΔH = −44.5 kJ mol−1

NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq)  NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) ΔH = −56.1 kJ mol−1

32
Question 7 (2019-22)

A buffer was prepared with acetic acid and sodium acetate. A few drops of universal indicator were
then added. When small amounts of either 0.1 mol L–1 HCl(aq) or 0.1 mol L–1 NaOH(aq) were
added, no change in the colour of the solution was observed.

Explain these observations. Support your answer with at least ONE chemical equation. 4

33
Question 8 (2019-23)

The following apparatus was used in an experiment to determine the molar enthalpy of combustion of
ethanol.

a) Calculate the experimental molar enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH) of ethanol when 0.370 g
ethanol was used to raise the water temperature from 18.5°C to 30.0°C. 4

34
 b) Upon replication, the molar enthalpy of combustion obtained in the experiment was
consistently much lower than the accepted value.

Explain ONE change that could be made to the experiment that would improve the accuracy
of the obtained value. 2

Question 9 (2019-24)

A conductometric titration was undertaken to determine the concentration of a barium hydroxide

solution. The solution was added to 250.0 mL of standardised 1.050 × 10–3 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid
solution. The results of the titration are shown in the conductivity graph.

a) Explain the shape of the titration curve. 3

b) The equivalence point was reached when a volume of 17.15 mL of barium hydroxide was
added. Calculate the concentration of barium hydroxide (in mol L–1), and give a relevant
chemical equation. 4

35
36
Question 10 (2019-27)

The relationship between the acid dissociation constant, Ka, and the corresponding conjugate base
dissociation constant, Kb, is given by:

Ka×Kb=Kw

Assume that the temperature for part (a) and part (b) is 25°C.

a) The Ka of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is 3.0 × 10-8

Show that the Kb of the hypochlorite ion, OCl– , is 3.3 × 10-7. 1

37
b) The conjugate base dissociation constant, Kb, is the equilibrium constant for the following
equation:

OCl–(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ HOCl(aq) + OH–(aq)

Calculate the pH of a 0.20 mol L−1 solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). 4

38
Question 11 (2019-28)

Assess the usefulness of the Brønsted–Lowry model in classifying acids and bases.

Support your answer with at least TWO chemical equations. 5

39
2019 Grammar performance on this question in the HSC:

40
Question 12 (2019-33)

A student adds 1.17 g of Al(OH)3(s) to 0.500 L of 0.100 mol L–1 HCl(aq).

Calculate the pH of the resulting solution. Assume that the volume of the resulting solution is 0.500 L.
4

41
Question 13 (2018-29)

The concentration of hydrochloric acid in a solution was determined by an acid base

titration using a standard solution of sodium carbonate.

a) Explain why sodium carbonate is a suitable compound for preparation of a standard solution.
2

Because Na2CO3 is a stable compound that does not readily absorb water from the
atmosphere, an accurate weight of Na2CO3 can be obtained (weighed out).

b) A 25.00 mL sample of 0.1050 mol L–1 sodium carbonate solution was added to a conical flask
and three drops of methyl orange indicator added. The mixture was titrated with the
hydrochloric acid and the following readings were recorded.

Using the data from the table, calculate the concentration of the hydrochloric acid. 3

Na2CO3(aq) + 2HCl(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)

21.65+21.70+21.60
Average titre = 3
= 21.65 𝑚𝑚𝐿𝐿
n(Na2CO3) = CV = 0.1050 mol/L x 0.025 L = 0.002625 mol
nHCl = 2 x n Na2CO3 = 0.005250 mol
0.005250 mol
C = n/V = 0.02165 L
= 0.2425 mol/L

Question continued on next page

42
 c) Explain the effect on the calculated concentration of hydrochloric acid if phenolphthalein is
used as the indicator instead of methyl orange. 2

Calculated concentration of HCl would be higher because the colour change of

phenolphthalein would occur with a lower volume of acid added.

Question 14 (2015-21)

a) Outline a suitable method to prepare a natural indicator. 2

b) How could a natural indicator be tested? 2

43
Question 15 (2017-24)

A solution of sodium hydroxide was titrated against a standardised solution of acetic acid which had a
concentration of 0.5020 mol/L

(a) The end point was reached when 19.30 mL of sodium hydroxide solution had been added
to 25.00 mL of the acetic acid solution.

Calculate the concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution. 3

CH3COOH(aq) + NaOH(aq) → CH3COONa(aq) + H2O(l)

nCH3COOH = CV = 0.5020 mol/L x 0.025 L = 0.01255 mol
nNaOH = nCH3COOH = 0.01255 mol
𝑛𝑛 0.01255 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
[NaOH] = 𝑉𝑉 = 0.01930 𝐿𝐿
= 0.6503 mol/L

b) Explain why the pH of the resulting salt solution was not 7. Include a relevant chemical
equation in your answer. 2

HSC sample answer: Because the acetate ion is a weak base, it has accepted a proton from
the water resulting in production of hydroxide ions. Therefore, the solution has a pH > 7.

CH3COO– (aq) + H2O (l) ⇌ CH3COOH (aq) + OH –(aq).

44
Question 16 (2016-29)

A solution of hydrochloric acid was standardised by titration against a sodium

carbonate solution using the following procedure.

• All glassware was rinsed correctly to remove possible contaminants.

• Hydrochloric acid was placed in the burette.
• 25.0 mL of sodium carbonate solution was pipetted into the conical flask.

The titration was performed and the hydrochloric acid was found to be 0.200 mol/L

(a) Identify the substance used to rinse the conical flask and justify your answer. 2

Water should be used to rinse the conical flask as this will not change the number of moles
of Na2CO3 placed in it.

(b) Seashells contain a mixture of carbonate compounds. The standardised hydrochloric acid
was used to determine the percentage by mass of carbonate in a seashell using the
following procedure.

• A 0.145 g sample of the seashell was placed in a conical flask.

• 50.0 mL of the standardised hydrochloric acid was added to the conical flask.
• At the completion of the reaction, the mixture in the conical flask was titrated with
0.250 mol L–1 sodium hydroxide.

The volume of sodium hydroxide used in the titration was 29.5 mL.

Calculate the percentage by mass of carbonate in the sample of the seashell. 4

nNaOH = CV = 0.250 mol/L x 0.0295 L = 0.007375 mol

nHClexcess = nNaOH = 0.007375 mol

nHClinitial = CV = 0.200 mol/L x 0.050 L = 0.01 mol

nHClreacted = 0.01 – 0.007375 = 0.002625 mol

2HCl(aq) + CO32-(aq) = CO2(g) + H2O(l) + 2Cl-(aq)
nCO32- = ½ x nHCl = 0.0013125 mol
mCO32- = n x M = 0.0013125 mol x 60.01 g/mol = 0.078763 g
0.07873 𝑔𝑔
% carbonate = 0.145 𝑔𝑔
× 100% = 54.3 %

45
Question 17 (2015-24)

a) Explain why the salt, sodium acetate, forms a basic solution when dissolved in water. Include
an equation in your answer. 2

b) A solution is prepared by using equal volumes and concentrations of acetic acid and sodium
acetate.

Explain how the pH of this solution would be affected by the addition of a small amount of
sodium hydroxide solution. Include an equation in your answer. 3

46
Question 18 (2015-26)

A sodium hydroxide solution was titrated against citric acid (C6H8O7) which is triprotic.

a) How could a computer-based technology be used to identify the

equivalence point of this titration? 2

Sample HSC answer: A digital pH probe was used to collect

appropriate data to plot a graph of pH vs volume of sodium
hydroxide. The equivalence point was identified from the graph
obtained from the data collected by the pH probe.

b) The sodium hydroxide solution was titrated against 25.0 mL samples of 0.100 mol L−1 citric
acid. The average volume of sodium hydroxide used was 41.50 mL.

Calculate the concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution. 4

n = cV = 0.100 × 0.0250 = 0.00250

C6H8O7 + 3NaOH → C6H5O7Na3 + 3H2O

41.50 mL NaOH must contain 3 × 0.00250 moles = 0.00750 moles

c =n/V = 0.00750 / 0.04150 = 0.18072 = 0.181 mol L–1

47
Question 19 (2015-28)

The equipment shown is set up. After some time a ring of white powder is seen to form on the inside
of the glass tube.

a) Why would this NOT be an acid–base reaction according to Arrhenius? 1

This reaction does not occur in aqueous solution.

b) Explain why this would be considered a Brönsted–Lowry acid–base reaction. Include an

equation in your answer. 2

It involves a proton transfer, where the proton is transferred from hydrochloric acid to the
nitrogen atom in ammonia.

HCl(g) + NH3(g) → NH4+(s) + Cl-(s)

48
Question 20 (2015-29)

The procedure of a first-hand investigation conducted in a school laboratory to determine the

percentage of sulfate in a lawn fertiliser is shown.

• 2.00 g of a sample of fertiliser was ground up and placed in a beaker.

• It was dissolved in about 200 mL of 0.1 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid, stirred and filtered.
• Excess barium chloride solution was quickly added to this beaker and a precipitate formed.
• The precipitate was then allowed to settle, filtered using filter paper and the residue
collected.
• The residue was dried and weighed and had a mass of 2.23 g.

a) Suggest modifications that could be made to the procedure to improve the results of this
investigation. Justify your suggestions. 4

Question continues on next page

49
b) Calculate the percentage of sulfate in the original fertiliser sample. 3

50
Question 21 (2013-25)

An indicator is placed in water. The resulting solution contains the green ion, Ind −, and the red
molecule, HInd.

Explain why this solution can be used as an indicator. In your response, include a suitable chemical
equation that uses Ind − and HInd. 4

HSC sample answer: An indicator needs to change colour in different pH conditions. The solution would
have the equilibrium:
HInd(aq) (red) + H2O(l) ⇌ Ind–(aq) (green) + H3O+(aq)
When a base is present, the concentration of H3O+ will be reduced. Le Chatelier’s principle predicts the
equilibrium will shift to the right, increasing the ionisation of the indicator. This shift causes the green
colour to dominate.

Alternatively, when an acid is present the increased concentration of H3O+ will shift equilibrium left
and the red colour will dominate.

51
Question 22 (2014-30)

A batch of dry ice (solid CO2) was contaminated during manufacture. To determine its purity, the
following steps were carried out.

Step 1: A 0.616 gram sample of the contaminated dry ice was placed in a clean, dry flask.

Step 2: 50.00 mL of 1.00 mol L−1 sodium hydroxide was added to the flask. The sodium
hydroxide was in excess.

Step 3: The flask was sealed to prevent loss of carbon dioxide gas and the reaction allowed to
reach completion, according to this equation:

2NaOH(aq) + CO2(s) → Na2CO3(aq) + H2O(l)

Step 4: The remaining sodium hydroxide was titrated against a 1.00 mol L−1 solution of
hydrochloric acid. The average volume of HCl used was 27.60 mL.

(a) Calculate the number of moles of NaOH added in Step 2. 1

n(NaOH) = cV = 0.0500 mol/L × 1.00 L = 0.0500 mol

(b) Calculate the percentage purity by mass of this batch of dry ice. 4

n(HCl) = cV = 0.0276 mol/L × 1.00 L = 0.0276 mol This amount was used to titrate the
excess.

Therefore moles NaOH used to neutralise CO2: 0.05 mol – 0.0276 mol = 0.0224 mol

From the equation, n(CO2) = ½ × n(NaOH) = 0.0112 mol

Mass (CO2) = n × M = 0.0112 mol × 44.01 g/mol = 0.493 g

0.493 𝑔𝑔
% of dry ice by mass = 0.616 𝑔𝑔× 100% = 80.0%

52
Question 23 (2013-28)

A student attempted to determine the concentration of a hydrochloric acid solution. The following
steps were performed.

Step 1. A conical flask was rinsed with water.

Step 2. A 25.0 mL pipette was rinsed with water.

Step 3. The student filled the pipette with a standard sodium carbonate solution to the level shown in
the diagram.

Step 4. The standard sodium carbonate solution in the pipette was transferred to the conical flask. The
student ensured that all of the sodium carbonate solution was transferred to the conical flask by
blowing through the pipette. Three drops of an appropriate indicator were added to the conical flask.

Step 5. A burette was rinsed with the hydrochloric acid solution and then filled with the acid. The
student then carried out a titration to determine the concentration of the hydrochloric acid solution.

In steps 2, 3 and 4 above the student did not follow acceptable procedures.

a) Identify the mistake the student made in step 4 and propose a change that would improve the
validity of the result. 2
HSC sample answer: Instead of blowing through the pipette, student should have touched the
end of pipette to surface of flask to draw out the liquid.

Question continued on next page

53
b) Explain the effect of the mistakes made in steps 2 and 3 on the calculation of the
concentration of the hydrochloric acid solution. 3

HSC sample answer: In step 2, rinsing the pipette with water would decrease the number of
moles of Na2CO3 it contains. This would be compounded by not filling to the mark made in
step 3, resulting in the pipette having fewer moles of Na2CO3.

Hence, a lower volume of the HCl would be added from the burette, but the student would
think that there were more moles of HCl in this volume. So, they will calculate the
concentration of the acid solution to be higher than the actual value.

54
Question 24 (2012-28)

A solution was made by mixing 75.00 mL of 0.120 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid with 25.00 mL of 0.200
mol L−1 sodium hydroxide.

What is the pH of the solution? 3

55
Question 25 (2012-30)

A chemist analysed aspirin tablets for quality control. The initial step of the analysis was the
standardisation of a NaOH solution. Three 25.00mL samples of a 0.1034 mol L–1 solution of
standardised HCl were titrated with the NaOH solution. The average volume required for
neutralisation was 25.75 mL.

a) Calculate the molarity of the NaOH solution. 2

nHCl = CV = 0.025 x 0.1034 = 0.002585 mol

nNaOH = nHCl = 0.002585 mol
𝑛𝑛 0.002585
[𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁] = = = 0.100388 = 0.1004 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚/𝐿𝐿
𝑉𝑉 0.02575

Three flasks were prepared each containing a mixture of 25 mL of water and 10 mL of ethanol.
An aspirin tablet was dissolved in each flask. The aspirin in each solution was titrated with the
standardised NaOH solution according to the following equation:

C9H8O4(aq) + NaOH(aq) → C9H7O4Na(aq) + H2O(l)

The following titration results were obtained.

b)
i. Calculate the average mass (mg) of aspirin per tablet. 3

16.60+16.50+16.55
V(NaOH) = 3
= 16.55 mL
nNaOH = CV = 0.100388 x 0.01655 = 0.0016614 mol
nC9H8O4 = nNaOH = 0.0016614 mol
m = n x M = 0.0016614 x 180.154 = 0.2993 g = 299.3 mg

56
Question 26 (2011-25)

Explain the role of the conjugate acid/base pair, H2PO4– / HPO42–, in maintaining the pH of living
cells. Include chemical equations in your answer. 3

H2PO4–/ HPO42– is a buffer system in the cell. This means it can neutralise both an acid or a base in the
cell, therefore maintaining the pH.
HPO42– (aq) + H3O+(aq) → H2PO4–(aq) + H2O (aq)

H2PO4–(aq) + H2O(l) → HPO42-(aq) + H3O+(aq)

57
Question 27 (2010-21)

A 0.001 mol L−1 solution of hydrochloric acid and a 0.056 mol L−1 solution of ethanoic acid both
have a pH of 3.0.

Why do both solutions have the same pH? 3

HSC Sample answer: Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid and therefore fully ionises in aqueous solution.
Ethanoic acid is a weak acid and does not fully ionise in aqueous solution.
The total concentration of ethanoic acid must be higher than that of HCl, due to incomplete ionisation
of CH3COOH, to give an equivalent [H+] and therefore pH, as pH is equal to –log10 [H+].

58
Question 28 (2011-26)

A manufacturer makes lemon cordial by mixing flavouring, sugar syrup and citric acid (C6H8O7). The
concentration of the citric acid is determined by titration with NaOH.

The sodium hydroxide solution is prepared by dissolving 4.000 g of NaOH pellets in water to give
1.000 L of solution. This solution is standardised by titrating 25.00 mL with a 0.1011 mol L–1
standardised solution of HCl. The average titration volume is found to be 24.10 mL.

To analyse the lemon cordial 50.00 mL of the cordial is diluted to 500.0 mL. Then 25.00 mL of the
diluted solution is titrated with the NaOH solution to the phenolphthalein endpoint.

The following data were collected during one of the analysis runs of the lemon cordial.

a) Why is the calculated concentration of the standardised NaOH solution different from the
concentration calculated using the mass given, assuming no human error occurred? 2

59
b) Determine the concentration of citric acid in the lemon cordial. 4

60
 Question 29 (2011-29)

a) Justify the continued use of the Arrhenius definition of acids and bases, despite the
development of the more sophisticated Brönsted–Lowry definition. 3

Justify - Support an argument or conclusion

Demonstrates
Example (from board of studies): Arrhenius defines an acid as a substance that ionises in
thorough
water to produce hydrogen ions (H+). He defines a base as a substance that ionises in water
knowledge
to produce hydroxide ions (OH–). Alternatively, Brönsted-Lowry defines the acid-base
through
reaction as a transfer of a proton. They define acids as proton donors and bases as proton
definitions
acceptors. The Arrhenius definition continues to be used despite the fact it only applies to
aqueous solutions. This is because Arrhenius’s theory is encompassed by the Brönsted-
Justifies use Lowry definition, most acid-base reactions occur in aqueous solutions, and the theory
demonstrates the formation of salt and water during neutralisation reactions.

b) Why does the neutralisation of any strong acid in an aqueous solution by any strong base
always result in a heat of reaction of approximately –57 kJ mol−1? 1

There is the same net ionic equation for neutralisation of strong acid and strong base: H+(aq) +
OH– (aq) → H2O The heat of reaction is the same for these neutralisation reactions because
the spectator ions do not influence the heat of reaction, and strong acids and bases completely
dissociate into their H+/OH– ions respectively.

61
Question 30 (2011-32)

To determine the pH of garden soil, a sample was first saturated with distilled water in a petri dish.
Barium sulfate powder was added to the surface of the sample, and drops of the three indicators listed
below were added to separate parts of the sample. The colours observed are shown in the table.

a) Using the information given, select the plant that will grow well at the current soil pH, and
justify your selection. 2

From the data provided, the soil pH is observed to be between 4 – 4.5. The only plants that
will grow optimally at this pH would be blue hydrangeas.

b) Outline the method you would use to test a natural indicator that has been prepared in the
school laboratory. 2

Test the small amount of the natural indicator made with several solutions of known pH
covering the range from 1–14 and note the colour; for example, various concentrations of HCl
and NaOH, acetic acid, Na2CO3 solution, ammonia solution and water.

62
Question 31 (2010-28)

The flowchart shown outlines the sequence of steps used to determine the concentration of an
unknown hydrochloric acid solution.

Describe steps A, B and C including correct techniques, equipment and appropriate calculations.
Determine the concentration of the hydrochloric acid. 8

63
64
Question 32 (2009-21)

The graph shows changes in pH for the titrations of equal volumes of solutions of two monoprotic
acids, Acid 1 and Acid 2.

a) Explain the differences between Acid 1 and Acid 2 in terms of their relative strengths and
concentrations. 3

HSC sample answer: Acid 1 is a strong acid, equivalence point is at pH = 7 and initial pH is at
1. Acid 2 is a weak acid as pH at equivalence point is >7 and initial pH is >1. Acid 2 has a higher
concentration than Acid 1 as it takes more KOH to neutralise it.
Also: Acid 2 is more concentrated as more base is used (38 mL for acid 2, 25 mL for 1)

b) Name the salt produced by the reaction of an acid of the same type as Acid 2 with KOH(aq). 1

Any e.g. potassium acetate CH3COOK

c) Calculate the concentration of hydrogen ions when 20 mL of KOH(aq) has been added to
Acid 1. 1

[H3O+] = 10-pH = 10-2 = 0.01 M

d) Why would phenolphthalein be a suitable indicator for both titrations? 1

Phenolphthalein changes colour on the vertical section of each titration curve.

65
Question 33 (2009-22)

The nitrogen content of bread was determined using the following procedure:

- A sample of bread weighing 2.80 g was analysed.

- The nitrogen in the sample was converted into ammonia.
- The ammonia was collected in 50.0 mL of 0.125 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid. All of the
ammonia was neutralised, leaving an excess of hydrochloric acid.
- The excess hydrochloric acid was titrated with 23.30 mL of 0.116 mol L−1 sodium
hydroxide solution.

a) Write balanced equations for the TWO reactions involving hydrochloric acid. 2

NH3(aq) + HCl(aq) → NH4Cl(aq)

HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)

b) Calculate the moles of excess hydrochloric acid. 1

nNaOH = CV = 0.02330 x 0.116 = 0.0027028 mol

nHClexcess = nNaOH = 0.0027028 = 0.00270 mol

c) Calculate the moles of ammonia. 2

nHClinitial = CV = 0.05 x 0.125 = 0.00625 mol

nHClreacted = nHClinitial - nHClexcess = 0.00625 – 0.0027028 = 0.0035472 mol

nNH3 = nHCl = 0.0035472 = 0.00355 mol

d) Calculate the percentage by mass of nitrogen in the bread. 2

nN = nNH3 = 0.00355 mol

mN = n x M = 0.0035472 x 14.01 = 0.049696 g

0.049696
%N = 2.8
× 100 = 1.77 %

66
Question 34 (2008-26)

Explain how a buffer works with reference to a specific example in a natural system. 4

HSC sample answer: Buffers are solutions that resist changes in pH when small quantities of acid or base
are added.
A buffer is made by mixing together a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a base with its conjugate acid
in approximately equal proportions. A natural example is seen in the HCO3- buffering system that
maintains blood pH.
H3O+(aq) + HCO3-(aq) ⇌ H2O(l) + H2CO3(aq)
When there are changes in acid/base level of the blood, the system is pushed either to the left on addition
of an acidic substance or the right on the addition of a basic substance and the pH is maintained.

67
Question 35 (2008-27)

a) Classify these salts as forming acidic, basic or neutral solutions. 2

Salt Classification of solution

Ammonium chloride Acidic

Sodium ethanoate Basic

Sodium chloride Neutral

Ammonium nitrate Acidic

b) From the table, choose a salt that forms an acidic or basic solution, and justify its classification.
Include an equation to illustrate your answer. 2

68
Question 36 (2008-28)

A standard solution was prepared by dissolving 1.314 g of sodium carbonate in water. The solution
was made up to a final volume of 250.0 mL.

a) Calculate the concentration of the sodium carbonate solution. 2

This solution was used to determine the concentration of a solution of hydrochloric acid. Four 25.00
mL samples of the acid were titrated with the sodium carbonate solution. The average titration volume
required to reach the end point was 23.45 mL.

b) Write a balanced equation for the titration reaction. 1

Na2CO3(aq) + 2HCl(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

c) Calculate the concentration of the hydrochloric acid solution. 3

69
Question 37 (2007-21)

a) State what colour the red cabbage indicator would be in a 0.005 mol L–1 solution of H2SO4.
Show your working. 1

pH = -log[H+] = -log(0.005 x 2) = 2. Thus, it will be red.

Note: the second ionisation of sulfuric acid is weak. In dilute solutions, the % ionisation
approaches 100 %. Also, we are not given Ka in the question.

b) Using the red cabbage indicator, what colour would the solution be if 10 mL of 0.005 mol L–1
H2SO4 was diluted to 100 mL? 1

𝐶𝐶1 𝑉𝑉1 0.005 × 10

C2 = = = 0.0005 M
𝑉𝑉2 100

pH = -log[H+] = -log(0.0005 x 2) = 3. Thus, it will be violet.

c) What volume of 0.005 mol L–1 KOH is required to neutralise 15 mL of the diluted solution
of H2SO4? 3

2KOH + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2H2O

nH2SO4 = CV = 0.015 x 0.0005 = 7.5 x 10-6 mol
nKOH = 2 x nH2SO4 = 1.5 x 10-5 mol
𝑛𝑛 1.5 ×10−5
VKOH = 𝐶𝐶 = 0.005
= 0.003 L

70
Question 38 (2007-25)

Sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO3, is commonly used to neutralise chemical spills that are a
potential hazard to the environment. Assess the effectiveness of NaHCO3 in this role, with reference
to its chemical properties. 5

71
Question 39 (2006-17)

a) Calculate the pH of a 0.2 mol L–1 solution of hydrochloric acid. 1

pH = -log[H+] = -log0.2 = 0.69897 = 0.7

b) Calculate the pH after 20 mL of 0.01 mol L–1 sodium hydroxide is added to 50 mL of 0.2 mol
L–1 hydrochloric acid. Include a balanced chemical equation in your answer. 3

NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)

nNaOH = CV = 0.02 L x 0.01 mol L-1 = 0.0002 mol
nHCl = 0.05 L x 0.2 mol L-1 = 0.01 mol
nHCl excess = 0.01 – 0.0002 = 0.0098 mol
[HCl] = n/V = 0.0098 mol / 0.07 L = 0.14 M
pH = -log[H+] = -log(0.01143) = 0.9

72
Question 40 (2006-23)

Correct swimming pool maintenance requires regular monitoring of the pH level of the water.

a) Select the best indicator from the graph to check that the pH of swimming pool water lies
within the correct range of 7.0 – 7.6. Justify your choice. 3

Bromothymol blue is the best indicator. It changes from yellow to blue over the pH range 6 –
7.5. Neither Phenolphthalein and methyl orange have a fixed colour from pH 4.5 to 8.5, so would
not be suitable to use as an indicator.

73
b) Another part of swimming pool maintenance is adjusting chlorine levels in the pool. ‘Liquid
chlorine’ is a solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) which can be used to do this. Upon
addition of sodium hypochlorite to the pool, the following equilibrium reaction occurs:

OCl–(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ HOCl(aq) + OH–(aq)

Explain how the addition of sodium hypochlorite will affect the pH of the water in the pool. 2

The pH of the pool will increase

The addition of sodium hypochlorite will increase the reactant concentrations. According to
LCP, the system will respond to partially counteract this increase in concentration by
proceeding in the forward direction producing more hydroxide ions, thereby increasing the pH.

74
Question 41 (2006-27)

One of the most common methods for determining the concentration of metal ions in water samples
involves titration with a reagent called EDTA. In alkaline solution EDTA is present as an anion with a
4 – charge. In this form it reacts with metal ions such as calcium and magnesium in a 1 : 1 ratio:

Ca2+ + EDTA4 – → Ca(EDTA)2–

When the reaction between the metal ions and EDTA4– is complete, an indicator also present in the
solution changes colour.

A student used the following procedure to determine the concentration of calcium in a sample of
water:

- 50.0 mL of water sample was pipetted into a conical flask

- 5.0 mL of ammonia/ammonium ion buffer and two drops of indicator were added
- Sample was titrated with 0.0200 mol L–1 EDTA4– until indicator changed colour
- The above procedure was repeated a further three times
- The average volume of EDTA4– used in the four titrations was 24.0 mL

a) What is the average number of moles of EDTA4– added to reach the end point? 1

nEDTA = 0.02 x 0.024 = 0.00048 mol

b) The student used the answer to part (a) to calculate the concentration of Ca2+ in the water
sample in mg/L. What concentration was obtained? 2

nCa2+ = nEDTA = 0.00048 mol

mCa2+ = n x M = 0.00048 x 40.08 = 0.0192384 g = 19.2384 mg

V = 0.05 L

19.2384 𝑚𝑚𝑔𝑔
[Ca2+] = 0.05 𝐿𝐿
385 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚/𝐿𝐿

75
Question 42 (2005-24)

An antacid tablet is known to contain calcium carbonate (CaCO3). To determine the mass of calcium
carbonate in the tablet, the following procedure was used.

• The tablet was crushed and then placed in a beaker.

• A pipette was used to add 25.0 mL of 0.600 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid to the crushed tablet in
the beaker.
• Once the reaction between the calcium carbonate and hydrochloric acid had stopped,
phenolphthalein indicator was added to the reaction mixture.
• A teflon-coated burette was then used to add 0.100 mol L–1 sodium hydroxide to the beaker
to neutralise the excess hydrochloric acid.
• The phenolphthalein changed from colourless to pink after 14.2 mL of the sodium hydroxide
solution had been added.

a) Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction that occurred between the calcium
carbonate in the tablet and the hydrochloric acid. 1

CaCO3(aq) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

b) How many moles of hydrochloric acid were added to the tablet? 1

n = CV = 0.025 x 0.6 = 0.015 mol

c) Calculate the mass of calcium carbonate in the original antacid tablet. 3

nNaOH= CV = 0.1 x 0.0142 = 0.00142 mol = nHCl excess

nHClreacted = nHClinitial – nHClexcess = 0.015 – 0.00142 = 0.01358 mol

CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl2(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)

nCaCO3 = ½nHCl = 0.5 x 0.01358 = 0.00679 mol

mCaCO3 = n x M = 0.00679 x 100.09 = 0.680 g

76
Question 43 (2004-22)

a) Define the term amphiprotic. 1

Amphiprotic substances are able to act as both proton donors and proton acceptors.

b) Write TWO chemical equations to show that the dihydrogen phosphate ion (H2PO4−)
is amphiprotic. 2

H2PO42– (aq) + H2O(l) → HPO42–(aq) + H3O+(aq)

H2PO42–(aq) + H2O(l) → H3PO4(aq) + OH-(aq)

77
Question 44 (2004-23)

A natural indicator was made by heating yellow flowers with water. The resulting yellow solution was
tested with a range of substances. The results are recorded below.

Assess the usefulness of the yellow solution as an acid–base indicator. 3

The yellow solution turns red in hydrochloric acid, a strong acid, and orange in lemon juice, a
weak acid. As such, it can be used to distinguish between strong and weak acids. From at least
pH 7 (water) and higher, the yellow solution does not change colour. As such, it is not useful in
distinguishing between neutral solutions, or strong and weak bases.
Overall, the yellow solution is useful as an indicator when identifying strong or weak acids.

78
Question 45 (2004-24) ADD PICTURES

The diagram shows three reagent bottles containing acids.

a) Calculate the pH after 10.0 mL of 0.01 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid solution is diluted by the
addition of 90.0 mL of distilled water. 1

𝐶𝐶1 𝑉𝑉1 0.01 × 0.01

𝐶𝐶2 = = = 0.001 𝑀𝑀
𝑉𝑉2 0.1

pH = -log[H+] = 3

b) Explain the difference in pH between the three acids in the diagram. 2

Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid that completely ionises in solution. Therefore, in a 0.01 M
solution, there is 0.01 M H+ ions in solution.

Citric acid and acetic acid both have a higher pH as they are weak acids and only partially ionise
in solution. Therefore, in a 0.01 M solution, there will be less than 0.01 M H+ ions in solution.
Citric acid must have a higher degree of ionisation than acetic acid as it has a lower pH (it is
also triprotic, although without being provided the formula, you would not be expected to
know this).

79
Question 46 (2003-23)

25.0 mL of 0.12 mol L−1 standard barium hydroxide solution was titrated with nitric acid. The results
are recorded in the table.

a) Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of barium hydroxide with nitric acid. 1

Ba(OH)2(aq) + 2 HNO3(aq) → Ba(NO3)2(aq) + 2 H2O(l)

b) Calculate the concentration of the nitric acid. 3

nBa(OH)2= CV = 0.025 x 0.12 = 0.003 mol

nHNO3= 2n = 0.006 mol
18.1+18.2+18.1
V(HNO3) = 3
= 18.1333 𝑚𝑚𝐿𝐿
𝑛𝑛 0.006
[HNO3]= 𝑉𝑉 = 0.0181333 = 0.33088 = 0.33 𝑀𝑀

80
Question 47 (2002-20)

A student used indicators to determine whether three colourless solutions were acidic or basic. The
indicators used are shown in the table.

Samples of each solution were tested with the indicators. The colours of the resulting solutions are
shown in the table.

The student concluded that each of the three solutions tested was basic. Assess the validity of this
conclusion. 3

The conclusion is invalid as only A and B are basic, whereas C may or may not be.

Alizarin is purple in solution A, meaning solution A is > pH 12.4, and is therefore basic

Thymol blue is blue in solution B, meaning it is > pH 9.6, and is therefore basic

Solution C turns yellow in methyl red, indicating it is > pH 6.0, and it turns yellow in thymol blue
indicating it is < pH 8.0. This means that solution C could be acidic (< pH 7.0), neutral (pH 7.0), or
basic (> pH 7.0)

81
Question 48 (2002-22)

Solutions of hydrochloric acid, acetic acid and sulfuric acid were prepared. Each of the solutions had
the same concentration (0.01 mol L–1). The pH of the acetic acid solution was 3.4.

a) Calculate the pH of the hydrochloric acid solution 1

pH = -log[H+] = -log(0.01) = 2.0

b) Compare the pH of the sulfuric acid solution to the pH of the hydrochloric acid solution.
Justify your answer. (No calculations are necessary.) 2

The pH of sulfuric acid would be less than that of HCl as it is diprotic, having two ionisable
protons. The first ionisation step goes to completion, but the second exists in equilibrium. This
that there will be a [H+] greater than 0.01 M.

c) Explain why the acetic acid solution has a higher pH than the hydrochloric acid solution. 2

Acetic acid has a higher pH as it is a weak acid which only partially ionises in solution. This
means that [H+] is less tha 0.01 M, leading to a higher pH. HCl is a strong acid that completely
ionises in solution. With a [H+] of 0.01 M.

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Question 49 (2001-20)

A 0.1 mol L–1 solution of hydrochloric acid has a pH of 1.0, whereas a 0.1 mol L–1 solution of citric
acid has a pH of 1.6.

a) State ONE way in which pH can be measured.

Use indicator solution or pH paper or pH meter

b) Explain why the two solutions have different pH values.

Hydrohloric acid is a strong acid, which means its completely ionises in solution. Therefore, in
a 0.01 M solution of HCl, there are 0.1 M H+ ions in solution. pH = -log0.1 = 1

Citric acid is a weak acid meaning it only partially ionises in solution, so the concentration of
H+ is less than 0.1 M, therefore having a pH greater than 1.0.

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Question 50 (2001-23)

A household cleaning agent contains a weak base of general formula NaX. 1.00 g of this compound
was dissolved in 100.0 mL of water. A 20.0 mL sample of the solution was titrated with 0.1000 mol L–
1 hydrochloric acid and required 24.4 mL of the acid for neutralisation.

a) What is the Brönsted–Lowry definition of a base?

A base is a proton acceptor

b) What is the molar mass of this base?

nHCl = CV = 0.1 × 0.0244 = 0.00244 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

nNaX = nHCl = 0.00244 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 in 20 mL sample
nNaX in 100 mL = n x 5 = 0.0122 mol
𝑚𝑚 1
M= 𝑛𝑛
= 0.0122 = 81.967 = 82.0 𝑚𝑚/𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

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Question 51 (2001-21)

Barium hydroxide and sulfuric acid react according to the following equation:

Ba(OH)2(aq) + H2SO4(aq) → BaSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)

a) Name this type of chemical reaction. 1

Neutralisation

b) A 20 mL sample of barium hydroxide was titrated with 0.12 mol L–1 sulfuric acid.
The conductivity of the solution was measured throughout the titration and the
results graphed, as shown.

Explain the changes in conductivity shown by the graph

Initially the conductivity is high as Ba2+ and OH- is present. Hydroxide ions have high
conductivity. The conductivity drops as more sulfuric acid is added as the hydroxide ions
are neutralised, forming water which is not conductive,
H+ + OH- → H2O
At the equivalence point, the conductivity is 0 as all the hydroxide has been neutralised and
the barium and sulfate ions have formed a precipitate. There are no ions to conduct
electricity.
After the equivalence point, the conductivity increases again as the excess sulfuric acid
contributes highly conductive H+ ions, and less conductive sulfate ions.

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