Multiple choice questions
Chapter 12 The Periodic Table
12.1
You will need to refer to a copy of the Periodic Table.
Find the element rhenium (Re – atomic number 75) in your Periodic Table. Which
one of the following cannot be a property of rhenium?
A
It forms negative ions.
B
It conducts electricity.
C
It is a good conductor of heat.
D
It is a solid with a very high melting point.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
Multiple choice questions
12.2
You will need to refer to a copy of the Periodic Table.
Which one of the following lists consists entirely of elements which don’t form any
compounds?
A
boron, neon, nitrogen
B
hydrogen, rubidium, tellurium
C
argon, helium, neon
D
bromine, krypton, selenium
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
Multiple choice questions
12.3
You may need to refer to a copy of the Periodic Table.
Which one of the following statements is not true of the Group 0 elements (from
helium to radon)?
A
They are all gases.
B
Their densities increase as you go down the Group.
C
Their boiling points increase as you go down the Group.
D
They form diatomic molecules, X2. (where X is any atom in this Group)
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
Multiple choice questions
12.4
You may need to refer to a copy of the Periodic Table.
An element in Group 1 of the Periodic Table floats on water, and reacts immediately
to give bubbles of a gas. It remains as a solid, but gradually disappears as the
reaction goes on. An alkaline solution is formed. The element is
A
lithium
B
sodium
C
potassium
D
rubidium
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
Multiple choice questions
12.5
This question contains material which may be unfamiliar to you. You may need to
refer to a copy of the Periodic Table.
Which one of the following statements about rubidium (Rb) and its compounds is not
true?
A
Rubidium reacts violently with water to produce rubidium hydroxide and
hydrogen.
B
Rubidium chloride has pale green crystals which are soluble in water.
C
Rubidium is a very soft metal.
D
Rubidium has to be stored out of contact with air to prevent the rapid formation
of a layer of rubidium oxide.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
Multiple choice questions
12.6
You may need to refer to a copy of the Periodic Table.
Which one of the following statements about Group 7 of the Periodic Table (the
Halogens) is true?
A
The elements are all gases.
B
The elements become more reactive as you go down the Group.
C
They all form an ion, X+. (where X is any halogen atom)
D
They all form diatomic molecules, X2.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
Multiple choice questions
12.6*
When chlorine is bubbled through potassium bromide solution, the chlorine displaces
bromine from the potassium bromide. The following reaction takes place:
2KBr(aq) + Cl2(g)  2KCl(aq) + Br2(aq)
Which one of the following accurately describes what you would see during the
reaction?
A
A pale green gas was bubbled through an orange solution, and the colour
became darker orange.
B
An reddish-brown gas was bubbled through a colourless solution, and the
solution became dark orange.
C
A pale green gas was bubbled through a colourless solution, and the solution
became orange.
D
A pale green gas was bubbled through an orange solution, and the solution
became colourless.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
Multiple choice questions
12.7
Under the right circumstances, bromide ions and iodide ions can both lose electrons
to form bromine or iodine molecules.
2X– - 2e–  X2 (where X is Br or I)
Which one of the following statements about this process is correct?
A
When bromide or iodide ions lose electrons they are reduced.
B
Both bromine and iodine are in Group 7 of the Periodic Table. Therefore it is
equally easy to remove an electron from both of them.
C
It is easier to remove an electron from iodide ions than from bromide ions,
because the electron is further from the attraction of the nucleus.
D
It is easier to remove an electron from bromide ions than from iodide ions,
because bromine is more reactive than iodine.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
Multiple choice questions
12.7*
When an excess of chlorine is bubbled through potassium iodide solution, the ionic
equation for the reaction is
Cl2(g) + 2I–(aq) 
–
(aq) + I2(s)
Which one of the following statements is wrong?
A
Chlorine molecules remove electrons from iodide ions.
B
Chlorine molecules are oxidised to chloride ions.
C
Chlorine is an oxidising agent.
D
Iodide ions are oxidised to iodine molecules.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
Multiple choice questions
12.8
Which one of the following statements is least likely to be describing a transition
metal?
A
A metal which is used as a catalyst in the manufacture of ammonia.
B
A very reactive metal forming mainly white or colourless compounds.
C
An element which forms a wide range of compounds including blue, green,
purple, yellow and orange ones.
D
A metal with a melting point of 2440°C, and a boiling point of 5300°C.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
IGCSE Chemistry Multiple Choice Questions & Answers: Chapter 12
Chapter 12 The Periodic Table
12.1
You will need to refer to a copy of the Periodic Table.
Find the element rhenium (Re – atomic number 75) in your Periodic Table. Which
one of the following cannot be a property of rhenium?
A
It forms negative ions.
B
It conducts electricity.
C
It is a good conductor of heat.
D
It is a solid with a very high melting point.
Answer: A
Comment
Rhenium is in the bottom row of the transition elements, and these are all metals. All
metals conduct heat and electricity, and most have high melting points. However, no
metals form negative ions – metals form positive ions.
The incorrect statement is A.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
IGCSE Chemistry Multiple Choice Questions & Answers: Chapter 12
12.2
You will need to refer to a copy of the Periodic Table.
Which one of the following lists consists entirely of elements which don’t form any
compounds?
A
boron, neon, nitrogen
B
hydrogen, rubidium, tellurium
C
argon, helium, neon
D
bromine, krypton, selenium
Answer: C
Comment
You find elements which don’t form any compounds at the top of Group 0, the Noble
Gases. In this case, the answer is C.
Even if you didn’t remember that, you can eliminate all the other possibilities. You
have come across cases where nitrogen forms compounds (in list A) – for example,
in the nitrogen oxides. In list B, you know that hydrogen forms water, and lots of other
things. And in D, you have come across compounds of bromine – bromides, for
example, such as silver bromide.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
IGCSE Chemistry Multiple Choice Questions & Answers: Chapter 12
12.3
You may need to refer to a copy of the Periodic Table.
Which one of the following statements is not true of the Group 0 elements (from
helium to radon)?
A
They are all gases.
B
Their densities increase as you go down the Group.
C
Their boiling points increase as you go down the Group.
D
They form diatomic molecules, X2. (where X is any atom in this Group)
Answer: D
Comment
A, B and C are all true. In D (the answer you want), one of the most important things
about elements in Group 0 is that they are very reluctant to form bonds. Helium, neon
and argon don’t form bonds with anything, although the later ones in the Group do
form a small number of compounds. The formation of diatomic molecules would need
the atoms to form bonds with each other. That doesn’t happen.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
IGCSE Chemistry Multiple Choice Questions & Answers: Chapter 12
12.4
You may need to refer to a copy of the Periodic Table.
An element in Group 1 of the Periodic Table floats on water, and reacts immediately
to give bubbles of a gas. It remains as a solid, but gradually disappears as the
reaction goes on. An alkaline solution is formed. The element is
A
lithium
B
sodium
C
potassium
D
rubidium
Answer: A
Comment
The only element in Group 1 which doesn’t melt due to the heat given out in its
reaction with water is lithium – A. You have to know that.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
IGCSE Chemistry Multiple Choice Questions & Answers: Chapter 12
12.5
This question contains material which may be unfamiliar to you. You may need to
refer to a copy of the Periodic Table.
Which one of the following statements about rubidium (Rb) and its compounds is not
true?
A
Rubidium reacts violently with water to produce rubidium hydroxide and
hydrogen.
B
Rubidium chloride has pale green crystals which are soluble in water.
C
Rubidium is a very soft metal.
D
Rubidium has to be stored out of contact with air to prevent the rapid formation
of a layer of rubidium oxide.
Answer: B
Comment
Rubidium is in Group 1 of the Periodic Table, and so you would expect it to have
properties like sodium or potassium.
A, C and D are all properties similar to sodium or potassium. The violent reaction with
water in A is because reactivity increases as you go down the Group.
The compounds of the metals in this Group tend to be colourless or white. Rubidium
chloride is going to look something like sodium chloride (salt), and so isn’t going to be
pale green. The answer you want is B.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
IGCSE Chemistry Multiple Choice Questions & Answers: Chapter 12
12.6
You may need to refer to a copy of the Periodic Table.
Which one of the following statements about Group 7 of the Periodic Table (the
Halogens) is true?
A
The elements are all gases.
B
The elements become more reactive as you go down the Group.
C
They all form an ion, X+. (where X is any halogen atom)
D
They all form diatomic molecules, X2.
Answer: D
Comment
A is false because bromine is a liquid, and iodine a solid.
B is directly opposite the truth. Reactivity falls as you go down the Group. You have
to know that.
C is wrong because they form negative ions.
The correct answer is D. You would be expected to know that.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
IGCSE Chemistry Multiple Choice Questions & Answers: Chapter 12
12.6*
When chlorine is bubbled through potassium bromide solution, the chlorine displaces
bromine from the potassium bromide. The following reaction takes place:
2KBr(aq) + Cl2(g)  2KCl(aq) + Br2(aq)
Which one of the following accurately describes what you would see during the
reaction?
A
A pale green gas was bubbled through an orange solution, and the colour
became darker orange.
B
An reddish-brown gas was bubbled through a colourless solution, and the
solution became dark orange.
C
A pale green gas was bubbled through a colourless solution, and the solution
became orange.
D
A pale green gas was bubbled through an orange solution, and the solution
became colourless.
Answer: C
Comment
Chlorine is a pale green gas, and so B can’t be right.
Potassium bromide solution will be colourless. That is typical of most Group 1
compounds, unless the negative ion in them is coloured. Bromide ions are not
coloured. A solution of potassium bromide would look just the same as a solution of
sodium chloride. That is because sodium and potassium are in the same Group, and
chlorine and bromine are also in the same Group – the compounds will look similar.
That means that the correct answer must be C. The solution becomes orange
because of the bromine being formed.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
IGCSE Chemistry Multiple Choice Questions & Answers: Chapter 12
12.7
Under the right circumstances, bromide ions and iodide ions can both lose electrons
to form bromine or iodine molecules.
2X– - 2e–  X2 (where X is Br or I)
Which one of the following statements about this process is correct?
A
When bromide or iodide ions lose electrons they are reduced.
B
Both bromine and iodine are in Group 7 of the Periodic Table. Therefore it is
equally easy to remove an electron from both of them.
C
It is easier to remove an electron from iodide ions than from bromide ions,
because the electron is further from the attraction of the nucleus.
D
It is easier to remove an electron from bromide ions than from iodide ions,
because bromine is more reactive than iodine.
Answer: C
Comment
In A, remember OIL RIG. Loss of electrons is oxidation, and so A is wrong.
In B, it gets easier to remove an electron from one of the ions in this Group as you go
down the Group. B is false.
C is true.
D is confusing (deliberately – you have to learn to think)! The second half of the
sentence is true – bromine is more reactive than iodine. However, that is not because
it is easier to remove an electron from bromide ions than from iodide ions. That isn’t
the case – it is actually harder to remove an electron from a bromide ion than an
iodide ion. The truth is correctly stated in C. The reason for bromine’s greater
reactivity is discussed in the chapter.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
IGCSE Chemistry Multiple Choice Questions & Answers: Chapter 12
12.7*
When an excess of chlorine is bubbled through potassium iodide solution, the ionic
equation for the reaction is
Cl2(g) + 2I–(aq) 
–
(aq) + I2(s)
Which one of the following statements is wrong?
A
Chlorine molecules remove electrons from iodide ions.
B
Chlorine molecules are oxidised to chloride ions.
C
Chlorine is an oxidising agent.
D
Iodide ions are oxidised to iodine molecules.
Answer: B
Comment
The neatest way of doing this question is to work out what is happening before you
look at the answers.
The chlorine is ending up as chloride ions. It is gaining electrons, and so is being
reduced. Remember OIL RIG – Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons); Reduction Is Gain
(of electrons).
The iodide ions are losing electrons, and so are being oxidised.
Now compare this with the answers.
A is right – the electrons are being transferred from the iodide ions to the chlorine.
B is false (the answer you want). The chlorine molecules are being reduced, not
oxidised.
In C, the iodide ions are being oxidised, and so the chlorine must be the oxidising
agent.
And we have already decided that D is true.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version
IGCSE Chemistry Multiple Choice Questions & Answers: Chapter 12
12.8
Which one of the following statements is least likely to be describing a transition
metal?
A
A metal which is used as a catalyst in the manufacture of ammonia.
B
A very reactive metal forming mainly white or colourless compounds.
C
An element which forms a wide range of compounds including blue, green,
purple, yellow and orange ones.
D
A metal with a melting point of 2440°C, and a boiling point of 5300°C.
Answer: B
Comment
One of the main features of transition metals is that they form coloured compounds.
They also can’t usually be described as ‘very reactive’. Statement B is more likely to
be describing an element from Groups 1 or 2, not a typical transition metal.
All of the other statements reflect common properties of transition metals – their
catalytic activity, their formation of coloured compounds, and their high melting and
boiling points.
The answer is B.
Interactive multiple choice questions are available on the Edexcel International GCSE and Certificate
Chemistry ActiveBook CD
 Starred questions are additional to those in the interactive version