VCAA Chemistry How can the rate and yield of chemical reactions be optimised?
5 sample questions with marking guides and sample answers
Identify the product produced at the cathode when a concentrated aqueous solution of NaCl undergoes electrolysis.
Cl(g)
Na(l)
O(g)
H(g)
In a chemical equation at equilibrium, a reversible arrow () symbolises that
the forward reaction has stopped but can be reversed.
the moles of reactants and products present are equal.
half of the reactants have been converted into products.
the concentration of reactants and products remains constant.
Reactants A and B are placed in a 1.00 L container and react to form product C. The reaction then reaches equilibrium.
Explain why a reversible arrow () is used to symbolise this reaction.
Deduce whether the equilibrium for the reaction lies towards the reactants or products. Explain your reasoning.
During the contact process for manufacturing sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide () and oxygen () are passed over a vanadium oxide catalyst to produce sulfur trioxide (). In the process, the vanadium oxide undergoes the following reactions.
Reaction 1:
Reaction 2:
Overall reaction:
Determine the oxidation state of vanadium in .
Determine if vanadium in in reaction 1 is acting as an oxidising or reducing agent. Explain your reasoning.
Use the reactions provided to explain why is a catalyst for the overall reaction.
When heated in a sealed container, solid mercury(II) oxide (HgO) decomposed to form metallic mercury (Hg) and oxygen gas (O).
Orange Silver Colourless
Identify whether the reaction occurs in an open or closed system.
Explain why the colour of the system does not change once equilibrium is established.