6. (a) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 6
6. (a) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer.
Sodium is an alkali metal.
In the periodic table, sodium is in group
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Worked Solution & Example Answer:6. (a) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer.
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Answer
Sodium is in group B 1 in the periodic table because it has one electron in its outer shell.
Step 2
Explain how metals conduct electricity.
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Answer
Metals conduct electricity due to the presence of delocalised electrons. These electrons are free to move throughout the metal structure, allowing them to carry charge. When an electric potential is applied, the delocalised electrons flow towards the positive electrode, creating an electric current.
Step 3
State the colour produced by sodium compounds in a flame test.
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Answer
Sodium compounds produce a yellow colour in a flame test.
Step 4
Describe how silver nitrate solution can be used to show that solid sodium chloride contains chloride ions.
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Answer
To test for chloride ions, a solution of sodium chloride is prepared. Then, dilute nitric acid is added to the solution to remove any impurities. Following this, silver nitrate solution is added. If chloride ions are present, a white precipitate of silver chloride will form.
Step 5
Describe how the reaction can be carried out, explaining what happens when a sodium atom reacts with a chlorine atom.
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Answer
The reaction between sodium and chlorine can be carried out by adding sodium metal to chlorine gas in a controlled environment. When a sodium atom reacts with a chlorine atom, the sodium atom loses one electron to form a sodium ion (Na⁺), while the chlorine atom gains that electron to form a chloride ion (Cl⁻). This transfer of electrons results in the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl), which is an ionic compound.