VCAA Chemistry What are the current and future options for supplying energy?

15 sample questions with marking guides and sample answers

Q6
2025
VCAA
1 mark
Q6
1 mark

The molar enthalpy for combustion of glucose, C6H12O6C_6H_{12}O_6, is 2840 kJ mol1-2840\ \mathrm{kJ\ mol^{-1}}.

Which one of the following describes what occurs to one mole of carbon dioxide, CO2CO_2, during photosynthesis?

A

473.3 kJ of energy is absorbed.

B

2840 kJ of energy is absorbed.

C

473.3 kJ of energy is released.

D

2840 kJ of energy is released.

Reveal Answer
A

473.3 kJ of energy is absorbed.

Correct Answer

Photosynthesis is the reverse of combustion, so it absorbs 2840 kJ2840\ \mathrm{kJ} per mole of glucose produced. Since 6 moles of CO2CO_2 are required to produce one mole of glucose, 2840/6=473.3 kJ2840 / 6 = 473.3\ \mathrm{kJ} of energy is absorbed per mole of CO2CO_2.

B

2840 kJ of energy is absorbed.

This is the total energy absorbed to produce one full mole of glucose. Producing one mole of glucose requires 6 moles of CO2CO_2, not just one.

C

473.3 kJ of energy is released.

Photosynthesis is an endothermic process that absorbs energy from sunlight. This option incorrectly states that energy is released.

D

2840 kJ of energy is released.

This describes the energy released during the combustion of one mole of glucose, rather than the energy absorbed per mole of CO2CO_2 during photosynthesis.

Q17
2023
VCAA
1 mark
Q17
1 mark

Lignite is a type of brown coal. When lignite is completely combusted in a power station, 19.0 MJ/tonne of energy is released. The efficiency of the power station is 39%.

What mass of lignite is required to produce 42.0 MJ of usable energy in the power station?

A

0.862 tonnes

B

1.16 tonnes

C

2.21 tonnes

D

5.67 tonnes

Reveal Answer
A

0.862 tonnes

This incorrect answer is obtained by calculating 42.0/(19.0/0.39)42.0 / (19.0 / 0.39), which incorrectly divides the energy density by the efficiency instead of multiplying them to find the usable energy per tonne.

B

1.16 tonnes

This incorrect answer is obtained by calculating 19.0/(42.0×0.39)19.0 / (42.0 \times 0.39), which incorrectly divides the energy density by the required energy instead of dividing the required energy by the usable energy per tonne.

C

2.21 tonnes

This incorrect answer is obtained by calculating 42.0/19.042.0 / 19.0, which represents the mass needed if the power station were 100% efficient, completely ignoring the 39% efficiency factor.

D

5.67 tonnes

Correct Answer

The usable energy per tonne is 19.0×0.39=7.41 MJ/tonne19.0 \times 0.39 = 7.41 \text{ MJ/tonne}. To produce 42.0 MJ of usable energy, the mass required is 42.0/7.41=5.67 tonnes42.0 / 7.41 = 5.67 \text{ tonnes}.

Q19
2022
QCAA
Paper 1
1 mark
Q19
1 mark

Three voltaic cells are constructed with metal Q as one electrode and metals R, S or T as the other electrode. The potential differences for the cells are shown in the table.

Voltaic cellHalf-cellHalf-cellPotential difference (V)
1Q(s)/Q2+(aq)\text{Q(s)} / \text{Q}^{2+}\text{(aq)}R+(aq)/R(s)\text{R}^+\text{(aq)} / \text{R(s)}1.18
2Q(s)/Q2+(aq)\text{Q(s)} / \text{Q}^{2+}\text{(aq)}S2+(aq)/S(s)\text{S}^{2+}\text{(aq)} / \text{S(s)}0.72
3T(s)/T3+(aq)\text{T(s)} / \text{T}^{3+}\text{(aq)}Q2+(aq)/Q(s)\text{Q}^{2+}\text{(aq)} / \text{Q(s)}0.95

The relative strength of the reducing agents from strongest to weakest is

A

T > Q > S > R

B

S > Q > T > R

C

R > Q > S > T

D

Q > R > T > S

Reveal Answer
A

T > Q > S > R

Correct Answer

In Cell 3, T is oxidized while Q is reduced, so T is a stronger reducing agent than Q (T>QT > Q). In Cells 1 and 2, Q is oxidized while R and S are reduced, so Q is stronger than both (Q>S,RQ > S, R). Since the potential with R (1.18 V1.18\text{ V}) is higher than with S (0.72 V0.72\text{ V}), R has a higher reduction potential, making S the stronger reducing agent (S>RS > R).

B

S > Q > T > R

This option incorrectly ranks S as stronger than Q. In Cell 2, Q acts as the anode (oxidized) and S as the cathode (reduced), which demonstrates that Q is a stronger reducing agent than S.

C

R > Q > S > T

This option incorrectly identifies R as the strongest reducing agent. R produces the largest voltage when reduced by Q, indicating it has the highest reduction potential and is therefore the weakest reducing agent.

D

Q > R > T > S

This option incorrectly ranks Q as stronger than T. In Cell 3, T acts as the anode (oxidized) and Q as the cathode (reduced), which demonstrates that T is a stronger reducing agent than Q.

Q2
2021
VCAA
1 mark
Q2
1 mark

Biodiesel and petrodiesel

A

have different viscosities.

B

have the same environmental impact.

C

contain molecules with no polar groups.

D

will flow easily through fuel lines in very cold climate conditions.

Reveal Answer
A

have different viscosities.

Correct Answer

This is correct because biodiesel contains polar ester groups that create stronger intermolecular forces, resulting in a higher viscosity compared to non-polar petrodiesel.

B

have the same environmental impact.

This is incorrect because biodiesel is derived from renewable biomass and generally produces fewer net carbon emissions and particulates compared to fossil-fuel-derived petrodiesel.

C

contain molecules with no polar groups.

This is incorrect because while petrodiesel consists of non-polar hydrocarbons, biodiesel consists of fatty acid methyl esters which contain polar ester groups.

D

will flow easily through fuel lines in very cold climate conditions.

This is incorrect because biodiesel has a higher cloud point than petrodiesel, meaning it is more prone to gelling and restricting flow in very cold climates.

Q6
2020
VCAA
8 marks
Q6

Methane gas, CH4\text{CH}_4, can be captured from the breakdown of waste in landfills. CH4\text{CH}_4 is also a primary component of natural gas. CH4\text{CH}_4 can be used to produce energy through combustion.

Q6a
1 mark

Write the equation for the incomplete combustion of CH4\text{CH}_4 to produce carbon monoxide, CO.

Reveal Answer

2CH4(g) + 3O2(g) → 2CO(g) + 4H2O(l) or
CH4(g) + 1.5O2(g) → CO(g) + 2H2O(l)

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

Correct response.

1
Q6b
2 marks

If 20.0 g of CH4\text{CH}_4 is kept in a 5.0 L sealed container at 25C25 ^\circ\text{C}, what would be the pressure in the container?

Reveal Answer

n(CH4)=20.0/16.0=1.25 moln(\text{CH}_4) = 20.0 / 16.0 = 1.25 \text{ mol} *
Pressure(CH4)=nRT/V=1.25×8.31×298/5.0=6.2×102 kPa\text{Pressure}(\text{CH}_4) = nRT / V = 1.25 \times 8.31 \times 298 / 5.0 = 6.2 \times 10^2 \text{ kPa} *

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

Calculates correct amount of CH4 (1.25 mol).

1

Calculates correct pressure of CH4 (6.2 x 10^2 kPa).

1
Q6c
3 marks

A Bunsen burner is used to heat a beaker containing 350.0 g of water. Complete combustion of 0.485 g of CH4\text{CH}_4 raises the temperature of the water from 20C20 ^\circ\text{C} to 32.3C32.3 ^\circ\text{C}.

Calculate the percentage of the Bunsen burner's energy that is lost to the environment.

Reveal Answer

Energy from CH4=0.485 g×55.6 kJ g1=27.0 kJ\text{Energy from CH}_4 = 0.485 \text{ g} \times 55.6 \text{ kJ g}^{-1} = 27.0 \text{ kJ}

Energy absorbed by water=4.18 J g1 K1×350.0×(32.320.0)\text{Energy absorbed by water} = 4.18 \text{ J g}^{-1} \text{ K}^{-1} \times 350.0 \times (32.3 - 20.0)
=1.80×104 J= 1.80 \times 10^4 \text{ J}
=18.0 kJ= 18.0 \text{ kJ}

Energy lost to environment=27.018.0=9.0 kJ\text{Energy lost to environment} = 27.0 - 18.0 = 9.0 \text{ kJ}

% energy lost=(9.0/27.0)×100=33.3%\% \text{ energy lost} = (9.0 / 27.0) \times 100 = 33.3 \%

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

Calculating the energy from CH4.

1

Calculating the energy absorbed by water.

1

Working out the percentage of energy loss.

1
Q6d
2 marks

Compare the environmental impact of CH4\text{CH}_4 obtained from landfill to the environmental impact of CH4\text{CH}_4 obtained from natural gas.

Reveal Answer

Similarity – methane from both sources

  • Both produce atmospheric carbon dioxide through combustion.
  • Methane from both sources contains small amounts of nitrogen and sulfur; combustion of natural gas leads to the formation of acidic oxides such as SOx and NOx.

Difference – landfill versus natural gas

  • Methane from landfill can be produced renewably, whereas methane from natural gas releases stored carbon.
  • Methane from landfill is more carbon neutral, methane from natural gas increases atmospheric CO2 levels.
  • Obtaining methane from natural gas via fracking causes additional significant environmental damage, whereas when obtaining methane from a landfill the damage has already been done in the formation of the landfill.
  • Landfill gases contain less methane and release more CO2 (for the same amount of energy generated), natural gas contains more methane and releases comparatively less CO2.
  • Methane captured from landfill and used as a source on energy may have a positive impact as it is a more potent greenhouse gas than CO2.
  • CH4 from landfill is more easily collected compared to fracking/sourcing methane from fossil fuels.
Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

1 mark for each valid comparison point (any 2 of): Both produce atmospheric carbon dioxide through combustion; Methane from both sources contains small amounts of nitrogen and sulfur; Methane from landfill can be produced renewably, whereas methane from natural gas releases stored carbon; Methane from landfill is more carbon neutral; Obtaining methane from natural gas via fracking causes additional significant environmental damage; Landfill gases contain less methane and release more CO2; Methane captured from landfill may have a positive impact as it is a more potent greenhouse gas than CO2; CH4 from landfill is more easily collected.

2
Q17
2022
QCAA
Paper 1
1 mark
Q17
1 mark

Identify the redox reaction.

A

CaCO3(s)CaO(s)+CO2(g)\text{CaCO}_3\text{(s)} \rightarrow \text{CaO(s)} + \text{CO}_2\text{(g)}

B

CaO(s)+H2O(l)Ca(OH)2(s)\text{CaO(s)} + \text{H}_2\text{O(l)} \rightarrow \text{Ca(OH)}_2\text{(s)}

C

Cl2(g)+H2O(l)HCl(aq)+HClO(aq)\text{Cl}_2\text{(g)} + \text{H}_2\text{O(l)} \rightarrow \text{HCl(aq)} + \text{HClO(aq)}

D

NaOH(aq)+HCl(aq)NaCl(aq)+H2O(l)\text{NaOH(aq)} + \text{HCl(aq)} \rightarrow \text{NaCl(aq)} + \text{H}_2\text{O(l)}

Reveal Answer
A

CaCO3(s)CaO(s)+CO2(g)\text{CaCO}_3\text{(s)} \rightarrow \text{CaO(s)} + \text{CO}_2\text{(g)}

This is a thermal decomposition reaction where the oxidation states of Calcium (+2), Carbon (+4), and Oxygen (-2) remain unchanged.

B

CaO(s)+H2O(l)Ca(OH)2(s)\text{CaO(s)} + \text{H}_2\text{O(l)} \rightarrow \text{Ca(OH)}_2\text{(s)}

This is a combination reaction where no elements change their oxidation states (Ca remains +2, O remains -2, H remains +1).

C

Cl2(g)+H2O(l)HCl(aq)+HClO(aq)\text{Cl}_2\text{(g)} + \text{H}_2\text{O(l)} \rightarrow \text{HCl(aq)} + \text{HClO(aq)}

Correct Answer

This is a disproportionation redox reaction where chlorine is simultaneously reduced from 0 to -1 in HCl\text{HCl} and oxidized from 0 to +1 in HClO\text{HClO}.

D

NaOH(aq)+HCl(aq)NaCl(aq)+H2O(l)\text{NaOH(aq)} + \text{HCl(aq)} \rightarrow \text{NaCl(aq)} + \text{H}_2\text{O(l)}

This is an acid-base neutralization reaction where ions exchange partners without any change in oxidation numbers.

Q22
2020
VCAA
1 mark
Q22
1 mark

The combustion of which fuel provides the most energy per 100 g?

A

pentane (M=72 g mol1\text{M} = 72 \text{ g mol}^{-1}), which releases 49097 MJ tonne149\,097 \text{ MJ tonne}^{-1}

B

nitromethane (M=61 g mol1\text{M} = 61 \text{ g mol}^{-1}), which releases 11.63 kJ g111.63 \text{ kJ g}^{-1}

C

butanol (M=74 g mol1\text{M} = 74 \text{ g mol}^{-1}), which releases 2670 kJ mol12670 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}

D

ethyne (M=26 g mol1\text{M} = 26 \text{ g mol}^{-1}), which releases 1300 kJ mol11300 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}

Reveal Answer
A

pentane (M=72 g mol1\text{M} = 72 \text{ g mol}^{-1}), which releases 49097 MJ tonne149\,097 \text{ MJ tonne}^{-1}

Converting 49097 MJ tonne149\,097 \text{ MJ tonne}^{-1} to kJ g1\text{kJ g}^{-1} gives 49.1 kJ g149.1 \text{ kJ g}^{-1}, which yields 4910 kJ4910 \text{ kJ} per 100 g100 \text{ g}. This is slightly less than the energy provided by ethyne.

B

nitromethane (M=61 g mol1\text{M} = 61 \text{ g mol}^{-1}), which releases 11.63 kJ g111.63 \text{ kJ g}^{-1}

An energy release of 11.63 kJ g111.63 \text{ kJ g}^{-1} yields 1163 kJ1163 \text{ kJ} per 100 g100 \text{ g}, which is the lowest energy output among the given choices.

C

butanol (M=74 g mol1\text{M} = 74 \text{ g mol}^{-1}), which releases 2670 kJ mol12670 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}

Dividing 2670 kJ mol12670 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1} by the molar mass of 74 g mol174 \text{ g mol}^{-1} gives 36.1 kJ g136.1 \text{ kJ g}^{-1}, resulting in 3610 kJ3610 \text{ kJ} per 100 g100 \text{ g}.

D

ethyne (M=26 g mol1\text{M} = 26 \text{ g mol}^{-1}), which releases 1300 kJ mol11300 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}

Correct Answer

Dividing 1300 kJ mol11300 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1} by the molar mass of 26 g mol126 \text{ g mol}^{-1} gives 50 kJ g150 \text{ kJ g}^{-1}. This yields 5000 kJ5000 \text{ kJ} per 100 g100 \text{ g}, which is the highest energy output of all the options.

Q22
2025
SCSA
1 mark
Q22
1 mark

The main reason a vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell has lower polluting emissions than a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine is because

A

hydrogen fuel cells release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere; however, it is not produced by the burning of fossil fuels.

B

the only by-products of the hydrogen fuel cell are water and heat.

C

fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy.

D

fuel cells will not work unless the reactants are constantly supplied.

Reveal Answer
A

hydrogen fuel cells release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere; however, it is not produced by the burning of fossil fuels.

Hydrogen fuel cells do not produce carbon dioxide (CO2CO_2) during operation; they generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction rather than combustion.

B

the only by-products of the hydrogen fuel cell are water and heat.

Correct Answer

The chemical reaction in a hydrogen fuel cell combines hydrogen (H2H_2) and oxygen (O2O_2) to produce only water (H2OH_2O) and heat, eliminating the harmful tailpipe emissions associated with burning fossil fuels.

C

fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy.

While this describes the efficient energy conversion mechanism of a fuel cell, it does not explain the composition of the emissions or why they are less polluting.

D

fuel cells will not work unless the reactants are constantly supplied.

This statement describes the operational requirement of a fuel cell (continuous fuel supply) but is unrelated to the environmental impact or chemical composition of its emissions.

Q12
2025
VCAA
1 mark
Q12
1 mark

A fuel cell utilises the reaction between hydrogen, H2H_2, and oxygen, O2O_2, to produce water, as shown in the reaction below.

2H2(g)+O2(g)2H2O(l)2H_2(g) + O_2(g) \rightarrow 2H_2O(l)

When a fuel cell produces 36000 C of charge, the mass of O2O_2 consumed is closest to

A

11.9 g

B

2.98 g

C

1.49 g

D

0.373 g

Reveal Answer
A

11.9 g

This incorrect answer assumes that only 1 mole of electrons is transferred per mole of O2O_2, rather than the actual 4 moles required by the half-equation.

B

2.98 g

Correct Answer

First, calculate the moles of electrons: n(e)=3600096500=0.373n(e^-) = \frac{36000}{96500} = 0.373 mol. Since the reduction of O2O_2 requires 4 electrons (O2+4H++4e2H2OO_2 + 4H^+ + 4e^- \rightarrow 2H_2O), n(O2)=0.3734=0.0933n(O_2) = \frac{0.373}{4} = 0.0933 mol. The mass is 0.0933×32.0=2.980.0933 \times 32.0 = 2.98 g.

C

1.49 g

This incorrect answer uses the molar mass of atomic oxygen (16.016.0 g/mol) instead of molecular oxygen (O2O_2, 32.032.0 g/mol) to calculate the final mass.

D

0.373 g

This value represents the number of moles of electrons produced (n=3600096500=0.373n = \frac{36000}{96500} = 0.373 mol), not the mass of O2O_2 consumed in grams.

Q19
2021
QCAA
Paper 1
1 mark
Q19
1 mark

To form ethanol biofuel in the fermentation of glucose, a catalyst is used because

A

less energy is required and the rate of reaction is increased.

B

less energy is required and the rate of reaction is decreased.

C

more energy is required and the rate of reaction is increased.

D

more energy is required and the rate of reaction is decreased.

Reveal Answer
A

less energy is required and the rate of reaction is increased.

Correct Answer

Catalysts (such as the enzymes in yeast) provide an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, which allows the reaction to proceed faster.

B

less energy is required and the rate of reaction is decreased.

While catalysts do lower the activation energy required, they function to speed up the reaction, not slow it down.

C

more energy is required and the rate of reaction is increased.

Catalysts lower the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, rather than requiring more energy.

D

more energy is required and the rate of reaction is decreased.

This is incorrect because catalysts lower the activation energy and increase the rate of reaction.

Q22
2021
VCAA
1 mark
Q22
1 mark

1 L of octane has a mass of 703 g at SLC. The efficiency of the reaction when octane undergoes combustion in the petrol engine of a car is 25.0%.

What volume of octane stored in a petrol tank at SLC is required to produce 528 MJ of usable energy in a combustion engine?

A

3.92 L

B

11.8 L

C

15.7 L

D

62.7 L

Reveal Answer
A

3.92 L

This result comes from incorrectly multiplying the theoretical volume by the efficiency (15.7 L×0.2515.7 \text{ L} \times 0.25), rather than dividing by it to account for the extra fuel needed due to energy loss.

B

11.8 L

This value is obtained by incorrectly multiplying the theoretical volume by 0.750.75 (or 100%25%100\% - 25\%), which is an incorrect application of the efficiency percentage.

C

15.7 L

This is the volume of octane required if the engine were 100%100\% efficient (528 MJ/33.67 MJ/L528 \text{ MJ} / 33.67 \text{ MJ/L}). It fails to account for the 25.0%25.0\% efficiency of the engine, which requires more fuel to be burned.

D

62.7 L

Correct Answer

The total energy needed is 528 MJ/0.25=2112 MJ528 \text{ MJ} / 0.25 = 2112 \text{ MJ}. With an energy density of 33.67 MJ/L33.67 \text{ MJ/L} (calculated from octane's heat of combustion of 5460 kJ/mol5460 \text{ kJ/mol}, molar mass of 114.0 g/mol114.0 \text{ g/mol}, and density of 703 g/L703 \text{ g/L}), the required volume is 2112 MJ/33.67 MJ/L=62.7 L2112 \text{ MJ} / 33.67 \text{ MJ/L} = 62.7 \text{ L}.

Q16
2022
QCAA
Paper 1
1 mark
Q16
1 mark

Determine the oxidation state of manganese in MnO4\text{MnO}_4^-.

A

+1

B

+2

C

+7

D

+8

Reveal Answer
A

+1

This is incorrect. If manganese had an oxidation state of +1, the total charge of the ion would be +1+4(2)=7+1 + 4(-2) = -7, which does not match the actual charge of -1.

B

+2

This is incorrect. While +2 is a very common oxidation state for manganese (e.g., in Mn2+\text{Mn}^{2+} salts), it is not the oxidation state found in the permanganate ion.

C

+7

Correct Answer

This is correct. Oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2. Using the formula x+4(2)=1x + 4(-2) = -1 (where -1 is the overall charge), we solve for xx to find that manganese is +7.

D

+8

This is incorrect. Manganese is in Group 7 and has only 7 valence electrons, so its maximum possible oxidation state is +7. It cannot reach +8.

Q1
2021
VCAA
9 marks
Q1

Digesters use bacteria to convert organic waste into biogas, which contains mainly methane, CH4\text{CH}_4. Biogas can be used as a source of energy.

Q1b

A digester processed 1 kg of organic waste to produce 496.0 L of biogas at standard laboratory conditions (SLC). The biogas contained 60.0% CH4\text{CH}_4.

Q1c

Biogas was combusted to release 1.63×103 kJ1.63 \times 10^3 \text{ kJ} of energy. This energy was used to heat 100 kg of water in a tank. The initial temperature of the water was 25.0 °C.

Q1a
1 mark

Both biogas and coal seam gas contain CH4\text{CH}_4 as their main component.

Why is biogas considered a renewable energy source but coal seam gas is not?

Reveal Answer

Biogas is considered renewable because its production-and-use cycle is continuous so that it is constantly replenished whereas coal seam gas is used at a faster rate than it can be replenished.*

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

Provides a direct comparison of both biogas and coal seam gas indicating the period of time used to produce these materials

1
Q1b (i)
2 marks

Write the thermochemical equation for the complete combustion of CH4\text{CH}_4 at SLC.

Reveal Answer

CH4(g)+2O2(g)CO2(g)+2H2O(l)CH_4(g) + 2O_2(g) \rightarrow CO_2(g) + 2H_2O(l)* ΔH=890 kJ mol1\Delta H = -890\ \mathrm{kJ\ mol^{-1}}

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

Writes a correctly balanced chemical equation with associated states

1

Provides a molar enthalpy of combustion with a negative sign that matches the equation written

1
Q1b (ii)
3 marks

Calculate the amount of energy that could be produced by CH4\text{CH}_4 from 1 kg of organic waste.

Reveal Answer

n(biogas)=496.0/24.8n(\text{biogas}) = 496.0 / 24.8

=20.0 mol= 20.0\ \mathrm{mol}*

n(CH4)=0.60×20.0n(CH_4) = 0.60 \times 20.0

=12.0 mol= 12.0\ \mathrm{mol}*

Energy =12.0 mol×890 kJ mol1= 12.0\ \mathrm{mol} \times 890\ \mathrm{kJ\ mol^{-1}}

=1.07×104 kJ (10680 kJ) or (10.7 MJ)= 1.07 \times 10^4\ \mathrm{kJ}\ (10680\ \mathrm{kJ})\ \text{or}\ (10.7\ \mathrm{MJ})*

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

Calculates n(biogas)n(\text{biogas}) correctly

1

Calculates n(CH4)n(\text{CH}_4) correctly

1

Calculates the energy produced correctly

1
Q1c (i)
2 marks

What is the maximum temperature that the water in the tank could reach?

Reveal Answer

Energy =4.18×m(H2O)×ΔT= 4.18 \times m(H_2O) \times \Delta T

1.63×103 (×103)=4.18×100 (×103)×ΔT1.63 \times 10^3\ (\times 10^3) = 4.18 \times 100\ (\times 10^3) \times \Delta T

ΔT=1.63×103/(4.18×100)\Delta T = 1.63 \times 10^3 / (4.18 \times 100)

=3.90 C= 3.90\ ^\circ C*

Tmax=25.0+3.90T_{\max} = 25.0 + 3.90

=28.9 C (or 302 K)= 28.9\ ^\circ C\ (\text{or }302\ \mathrm{K})*

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

Calculates ΔT\Delta T correctly

1

Calculates TmaxT_{\max} correctly to three significant figures

1
Q1c (ii)
1 mark

State why this temperature may not be reached.

Reveal Answer

For example:

  • loss of heat/energy to the atmosphere
  • heat/energy loss in the combustion chamber
  • heat/energy loss since the tank material also is heated
  • heat/energy loss from the piping
  • faulty insulation
Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

Provides any logical reason involving incomplete transfer of heat/energy to the water (e.g., loss of heat to the atmosphere, heat loss in the combustion chamber, heat loss to the tank material, heat loss from piping, or faulty insulation)

1
Q12
2021
VCAA
1 mark
Q12
1 mark

Butane, C4H10\text{C}_4\text{H}_{10}, undergoes complete combustion according to the following equation.

2C4H10(g)+13O2(g)8CO2(g)+10H2O(g)2\text{C}_4\text{H}_{10}\text{(g)} + 13\text{O}_2\text{(g)} \rightarrow 8\text{CO}_2\text{(g)} + 10\text{H}_2\text{O(g)}

67.0 g of C4H10\text{C}_4\text{H}_{10} released 3330 kJ of energy during complete combustion at standard laboratory conditions (SLC).

The mass of carbon dioxide, CO2\text{CO}_2, produced was

A

0.105 g

B

3.18 g

C

50.9 g

D

204 g

Reveal Answer
A

0.105 g

This value is obtained by incorrectly dividing the moles of CO2\text{CO}_2 (4.62 mol) by its molar mass (44.0 g/mol) instead of multiplying.

B

3.18 g

This incorrect answer results from a series of calculation errors, likely involving dividing the mass of butane by the product of the molar masses of butane and carbon dioxide.

C

50.9 g

This mass is calculated by incorrectly assuming a 1:1 molar ratio between butane and carbon dioxide, rather than the correct 2:8 ratio given in the balanced equation.

D

204 g

Correct Answer

First, calculate the moles of butane: 67.0 g/58.0 g/mol=1.155 mol67.0 \text{ g} / 58.0 \text{ g/mol} = 1.155 \text{ mol}. Using the 2:8 molar ratio from the equation, the moles of CO2\text{CO}_2 produced is 1.155×4=4.62 mol1.155 \times 4 = 4.62 \text{ mol}. Finally, multiply by the molar mass of CO2\text{CO}_2 (44.0 g/mol) to get 4.62×44.0=203.3 g4.62 \times 44.0 = 203.3 \text{ g}, which rounds to 204 g.

Q3
2022
QCAA
Paper 1
1 mark
Q3
1 mark

Which option is true for the redox equation?

Fe(s)+CuCl2(aq)FeCl2(aq)+Cu(s)\text{Fe(s)} + \text{CuCl}_2\text{(aq)} \rightarrow \text{FeCl}_2\text{(aq)} + \text{Cu(s)}

A

Fe is oxidised and Cu is the oxidising agent

B

Fe is oxidised and Cu2+\text{Cu}^{2+} is the oxidising agent

C

Fe2+\text{Fe}^{2+} is oxidised and Cu is the oxidising agent

D

Fe2+\text{Fe}^{2+} is oxidised and Cu2+\text{Cu}^{2+} is the oxidising agent

Reveal Answer
A

Fe is oxidised and Cu is the oxidising agent

While Fe is oxidised, the oxidising agent is the specific species that accepts electrons. In this reaction, the copper(II) ion (Cu2+\text{Cu}^{2+}) accepts electrons, not neutral copper (Cu).

B

Fe is oxidised and Cu2+\text{Cu}^{2+} is the oxidising agent

Correct Answer

Fe loses electrons (oxidation state changes from 0 to +2), so it is oxidised. Cu2+\text{Cu}^{2+} gains electrons (oxidation state changes from +2 to 0), so it acts as the oxidising agent.

C

Fe2+\text{Fe}^{2+} is oxidised and Cu is the oxidising agent

Oxidation involves the reactant losing electrons. Here, solid Fe is oxidised, not the product Fe2+\text{Fe}^{2+}. Additionally, the oxidising agent is the ion Cu2+\text{Cu}^{2+}, not neutral Cu.

D

Fe2+\text{Fe}^{2+} is oxidised and Cu2+\text{Cu}^{2+} is the oxidising agent

The species being oxidised is the reactant Fe, which loses electrons to become Fe2+\text{Fe}^{2+}. The ion Fe2+\text{Fe}^{2+} is the product of oxidation, not the substance being oxidised.

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