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SL Paper 3

There has been significant growth in the use of carbon nanotubes, CNT.

Explain these properties of carbon nanotubes.

[2]
a.

Alloying metals changes their properties. Suggest one property of magnesium that could be improved by making a magnesium–CNT alloy.

[1]
b(i).

Pure magnesium needed for making alloys can be obtained by electrolysis of molten magnesium chloride.

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2020.

Write the half-equations for the reactions occurring in this electrolysis.

[2]
b(ii).

Calculate the theoretical mass of magnesium obtained if a current of 3.00A is used for 10.0 hours. Use charge (Q)=current(I)×time(t) and section 2 of the data booklet

[3]
b(iii).

Suggest a gas which should be continuously passed over the molten magnesium in the electrolytic cell.

[1]
b(iv).

Zeolites can be used as catalysts in the manufacture of CNT. Explain, with reference to their structure, the high selectivity of zeolites.

[1]
c.

Experiments have been done to explore the nematic liquid crystal behaviour of CNT. Justify how CNT molecules could be classified as nematic.

[1]
d.



Physical properties of elements vary according to atomic number. Sections 6 to 9 of the data booklet list some of these properties.

Deduce, giving a reason, the group of elements in the periodic table most likely to undergo sublimation.

[2]
a.

Describe the density trend across periods 4 and 5 of the periodic table.

[1]
b(i).

Suggest, with a reason, whether the lanthanoids or actinoids of the f-block would have the higher density.

[1]
b(ii).

Compare the ease of oxidation of s-block and d-block metals to their melting points and densities. Use section 25 of the data booklet.

[2]
b(iii).

Sketch how the first ionization energies of elements vary with their atomic radius.

 

[1]
b(iv).