JAMB UTME - Chemistry - 2023

At room temperature and standard pressure, chlorine gas is in the state of matter called gas.

In chemistry, there are three main states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. The state of matter depends on the arrangement and movement of the particles that make up a substance.

Let's consider each state of matter one by one:

Solid: In a solid state, the particles are tightly packed together and have fixed positions. They vibrate in place but do not move around freely. Solids have a definite shape and volume. Examples of solids are a desk, a brick, or a piece of ice.

Liquid: In a liquid state, the particles are more spread out compared to solids. They have some freedom to move, but they still remain close to each other. Liquids can flow and take the shape of the container they are in. However, they still have a definite volume. Examples of liquids are water, milk, or oil.

Gas: In a gas state, the particles are far apart and move freely in all directions. They have much more energy compared to particles in solids or liquids. Gases do not have a definite shape or volume and can expand to fill the entire space they are contained in. Examples of gases are air, oxygen, or carbon dioxide.

Chlorine gas, at room temperature and standard pressure, exists as individual chlorine molecules that are far apart and move freely. Therefore, it is classified as a gas.

The valency of an element is a measure of its ability to combine with other elements to form compounds. It is determined by the number of electrons an atom can gain, lose, or share in order to achieve a stable electronic configuration.

In the given electronic configuration 2, 8, 7, the element has a total of 17 electrons. In order to achieve a stable electronic configuration, the element needs to either gain one electron to complete its outermost shell or lose seven electrons to empty its outermost shell.

The valency of an element is typically determined by the number of electrons in its outermost shell, also known as the valence shell. In this case, the element has 7 electrons in its valence shell, which means it needs to gain one electron to achieve a stable configuration.

Therefore, the valency of the element with the electronic configuration 2, 8, 7 is 1, as it needs to gain one electron to achieve stability.

Out of the given statements, the true statement for strong electrolytes is:

They completely dissociate into ions in solution.

Now, let's understand what a strong electrolyte is and why this statement is true.

An electrolyte is a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water or melted. Strong electrolytes are substances that completely dissociate or break apart into ions when dissolved in water.

When strong electrolytes dissolve in water, the bonds holding the molecules together are broken and they separate into their individual ions. These ions are then free to move and carry electrical charge, allowing the solution to conduct electricity.

On the other hand, weak electrolytes partially dissociate or break apart into ions when dissolved in water. Not all of the molecules separate into ions, resulting in a lower concentration of ions in the solution and less conductivity of electricity compared to strong electrolytes.

In summary, strong electrolytes completely dissociate into ions in solution, allowing for effective electrical conductivity. This is why the statement "They completely dissociate into ions in solution" is true for strong electrolytes.

Out of the given options, aluminum is the substance that is NOT hygroscopic.

Hygroscopicity refers to the ability of a substance to absorb or attract moisture from the surrounding environment.

Salt, sugar, and silica gel are all examples of substances that are hygroscopic.

When exposed to air, hygroscopic substances tend to absorb moisture and become damp or sticky. This is because they have polar molecules or ionic compounds that easily attract water molecules.

However, aluminum is a non-polar metal and does not have the same ability to attract or absorb moisture. Therefore, it is the substance that is not hygroscopic out of the given options.

The state of matter in which particles are widely spaced and move freely with high kinetic energy is gas.

Gas is one of the four fundamental states of matter, along with solid, liquid, and plasma. In the gas state, the particles are not tightly packed together like in solids and liquids. Instead, they are widely spread apart and move around in random directions at high speeds.

The high kinetic energy of gas particles allows them to move freely and independently from one another. They are not constrained by any definite shape or volume, which means gases can expand to fill the entire container they are placed in.

Particles in a gas state have weak attractive forces between them, resulting in the lack of a fixed arrangement or structure. This makes gases highly compressible, meaning their volume can be reduced by applying pressure.

Examples of gases include oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and helium. They exist in various forms in our everyday lives, from the air we breathe to the gases used in cooking, heating, and industrial processes.

The main environmental concern associated with sulfur dioxide emissions is the formation of acid rain.

When sulfur dioxide (SO2) is released into the atmosphere, it reacts with oxygen and water vapor to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4). This acid then falls back to the Earth's surface as acid rain.

Acid rain can have damaging effects on the environment, including lakes, forests, and buildings. It can make water bodies more acidic, which harms aquatic plants and animals. It can also damage trees and vegetation, making it difficult for them to grow and survive. In addition, acid rain can corrode buildings, statues, and other structures made of stone or metal.

So, the main environmental concern associated with sulfur dioxide emissions is the formation of acid rain, which can have destructive impacts on ecosystems and man-made structures.

The main source of carbon monoxide (CO) in urban areas is vehicle emissions.

When vehicles burn fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, they produce a variety of air pollutants, including carbon monoxide. This occurs because the fuel combustion process is not completely efficient, resulting in the release of carbon monoxide gas into the air.

Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution in urban areas, especially in densely populated cities where there is a high concentration of vehicles. The exhaust from cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles contributes to the elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the surrounding air.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is harmful to human health. It can be particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces, as it can build up to toxic levels and interfere with the body's ability to carry oxygen to vital organs.

To reduce the levels of carbon monoxide in urban areas, it is important to implement measures such as adopting cleaner transportation technologies, promoting public transportation, and improving vehicle emission standards. These efforts can help mitigate the negative impacts of carbon monoxide on air quality and public health.

The device used to determine the heat of reaction experimentally is called a calorimeter.

A calorimeter is a tool designed to measure the amount of heat absorbed or released during a chemical reaction or a physical process. It is commonly used in chemistry laboratories to determine the heat changes associated with chemical reactions, such as the heat of reaction.

The principle behind a calorimeter is that the heat released or absorbed by a reaction is transferred to the surrounding environment, which includes the substances inside the calorimeter. By measuring the temperature change of the substances inside the calorimeter, the heat of reaction can be determined.

A simple calorimeter consists of a container, often made of a good insulator, such as Styrofoam, to minimize heat exchange with the surroundings. Inside the container, the reactants are mixed, and the temperature change is monitored with a thermometer.

During a chemical reaction, if heat is absorbed from the surroundings, the temperature inside the calorimeter will decrease. Conversely, if heat is released to the surroundings, the temperature inside the calorimeter will increase. By measuring the temperature change and knowing the specific heat capacity of the substances involved, the heat of reaction can be calculated.

Therefore, a calorimeter is essential for determining the heat of reaction experimentally, allowing scientists to understand the energy changes associated with chemical reactions.

The atomic number of aluminium is 13.

Each atom of an element is uniquely identified by its atomic number. The atomic number represents the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom. In the case of aluminium, it has 13 protons in its nucleus.

The atomic number is a fundamental property of an element and helps in organizing the elements in the periodic table. It provides information about the position of the element in the periodic table and its chemical characteristics.

In summary, aluminium has an atomic number of 13, which signifies that it has 13 protons in its nucleus.

The Filtration method is commonly used to remove suspended impurities from water.

When water is obtained from natural sources such as rivers, lakes, or groundwater, it often contains various suspended impurities. These impurities can include particles like sand, clay, silt, and organic matter. These impurities make the water cloudy or turbid and can also affect its taste and smell.

Filtration is the process of passing water through a porous material or medium to separate and remove the suspended impurities. The porous material used in filtration is typically sand, activated carbon, or a combination of different layers of materials.

As the water flows through the filtration medium, the suspended impurities get trapped and retained in the tiny pores or gaps within the material. This effectively removes the impurities from the water, resulting in clearer and cleaner water.

Filtration is a widely used method in water treatment plants, households, and industries to improve the quality of water. It is an essential step in the treatment of drinking water to ensure that it is safe for consumption.

Other methods mentioned, such as Fluoridation, Chlorination, and Distillation, serve different purposes in water treatment:

In conclusion, Filtration is the most commonly used method to remove suspended impurities from water, ensuring that it is clear, clean, and suitable for various applications.

Eutrophication is the excessive growth of algae in water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, due to an increase in nutrients in the water. These nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, come from various sources including agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and soil erosion.

When there is an excess of nutrients in the water, it acts as a fertilizer for algae and other aquatic plants. These plants grow rapidly and form dense colonies on the water surface, resulting in what we commonly call an "algal bloom".

During the algal bloom, the water becomes green or murky and can sometimes emit an unpleasant odor. This excessive growth of algae can have several negative impacts on the aquatic ecosystem.

As the algae die and decompose, they consume a large amount of oxygen from the water, leading to oxygen depletion. This reduction in oxygen levels can be harmful to fish and other organisms that depend on oxygen to survive. It can lead to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms, creating what is known as a "dead zone".

Furthermore, the dense layer of algae on the water surface can block sunlight from penetrating into the water, limiting photosynthesis for other aquatic plants and organisms. This can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, affecting the biodiversity of the water body.

In summary, eutrophication is caused by an excess of nutrients in the water, leading to the rapid growth of algae and the subsequent negative impacts on oxygen levels and biodiversity in the aquatic ecosystem.

The trace gas in the atmosphere that plays a significant role in the greenhouse effect is carbon dioxide.

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that helps to regulate the Earth's temperature. When sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, some of it is absorbed and warms the planet. However, some of this heat is also radiated back into space.

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, trap some of this heat and prevent it from escaping into space. They act like a blanket around the Earth, keeping it warm. Without these greenhouse gases, the Earth would be much colder and life as we know it would not be possible.

However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, have been increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This excessive amount of carbon dioxide has enhanced the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.

Global warming is the long-term increase in Earth's average temperature due to the increased levels of greenhouse gases. It is causing changes in climate patterns, melting of polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events.

So, in summary, carbon dioxide is the trace gas in the atmosphere that plays a significant role in the greenhouse effect and contributes to global warming.

The sum of the oxidation numbers in a neutral compound is always equal to zero.

Oxidation numbers are assigned to each element in a compound to indicate the redistribution of electrons during a chemical reaction.

The oxidation number represents the charge an atom would have if electrons were transferred completely.

In a neutral compound, the total positive charges must balance the total negative charges. Since electrons are neither gained nor lost in a neutral compound, the sum of the oxidation numbers must equal zero.

Therefore, the answer is 0.

An element with an atomic number of 8 and a mass number of 16 has 8 neutrons.

Let's break down the information to understand why.

The atomic number of an element tells you the number of protons in its nucleus. In this case, the element has an atomic number of 8, which means it has 8 protons.

The mass number of an element is the sum of its protons and neutrons. In this case, the mass number is 16.

To calculate the number of neutrons, we subtract the atomic number from the mass number: Number of Neutrons = Mass Number - Atomic Number

So, in this case, the number of neutrons would be: 16 (mass number) - 8 (atomic number) = 8 neutrons.

Therefore, the element in question has 8 neutrons.

Water is often referred to as the "universal solvent" because it has the ability to dissolve many different substances. This is primarily due to its polar nature.

When we say water is polar, it means that the water molecule has a slight positive charge at one end (hydrogen) and a slight negative charge at the other end (oxygen). This charge difference creates an attraction between the water molecule and other charged molecules or ions.

Because of its polar nature, water can effectively separate and surround particles or molecules of other substances, causing them to separate and disperse. This is known as dissolving. Water can dissolve many substances, including salts, sugars, acids, and many other organic and inorganic compounds.

The ability of water to dissolve so many different substances is important for several reasons. First, it allows nutrients and minerals to be transported within living organisms, facilitating biochemical reactions necessary for life.

Furthermore, water's ability to dissolve substances enables it to act as a solvent in many chemical reactions, making it essential for many industrial and biological processes. Water acts as a medium in which substances can react, allowing chemical reactions to occur efficiently.

Overall, the combination of water's abundance, essentiality for life, involvement in chemical reactions, and its ability to dissolve a wide variety of substances due to its polar nature is why water is often referred to as the "universal solvent."

The position of equilibrium shifts to the left.

The type of chemical combination that involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of oppositely charged ions, is ionic bonding.

In an ionic bond, one atom donates electrons to another atom. This happens when one atom has a stronger attraction for electrons than the other. The atom that donates electrons becomes positively charged (known as a cation), while the atom that receives the electrons becomes negatively charged (known as an anion).

The transfer of electrons occurs because atoms want to achieve a stable electron configuration, usually by having a complete outermost electron shell. By transferring electrons, atoms can achieve this stability. The resulting oppositely charged ions are attracted to each other due to the electrostatic force, forming an ionic bond.

For example, in the formation of table salt (sodium chloride), sodium (Na) donates an electron to chlorine (Cl). Sodium becomes a positively charged ion (Na+), and chlorine becomes a negatively charged ion (Cl-). The positive and negative charges attract each other, creating the ionic bond in sodium chloride.

Overall, ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons, resulting in the formation of oppositely charged ions. This type of chemical combination is an essential concept in understanding various compounds and their properties.

Stainless steel is an alloy that is made up of iron and chromium.

An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and another element. In the case of stainless steel, it is primarily composed of iron, which is a strong and durable metal. Chromium is added to the iron to give stainless steel its unique properties.

The addition of chromium to iron results in the formation of a thin, invisible layer on the surface of the steel called chromium oxide. This layer is what gives stainless steel its corrosion-resistant properties. It creates a protective barrier that prevents the iron from reacting with oxygen and moisture in the air, which would otherwise lead to rusting.

In addition to its corrosion resistance, stainless steel is also known for its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. It is used in various industries, such as construction, automotive, and kitchenware, due to its ability to withstand harsh environments and maintain its appearance even with regular use.

Therefore, the correct answer is iron and chromium for the composition of stainless steel.

An example of a primary cell is an alkaline battery.

Primary cells are non-rechargeable batteries, meaning once they have been depleted of their energy, they cannot be recharged and must be replaced. These types of batteries are commonly found in everyday household items like remote controls, toys, and flashlights.

The alkaline battery works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Inside the battery, there are two electrodes - a negative electrode (anode) and a positive electrode (cathode). These electrodes are separated by an electrolyte, which allows the flow of ions between them.

During use, a chemical reaction occurs at the anode, causing zinc ions to be released into the electrolyte. At the cathode, manganese dioxide reacts with the zinc ions and water, producing hydroxide ions. The movement of ions creates an electron flow from the anode to the cathode, generating an electric current.

As the reactions continue, the zinc anode gradually gets consumed, and the battery loses its ability to produce electricity. Once the chemical reactions are complete, the alkaline battery is considered "dead" and needs to be replaced.

In contrast, the other options given are not primary cells:

• A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that continuously converts fuel and an oxidizing agent into electricity. It differs from a primary cell because the reactants can be replenished, allowing it to produce electricity continuously.
• A lead-acid battery is a rechargeable battery, often used in automotive applications. It can be recharged by reversing the chemical reactions that occur during discharge.
• A lithium-ion battery is also a rechargeable battery commonly used in portable electronic devices. Similar to the lead-acid battery, its chemical reactions can be reversed through charging.

When a substance is oxidized, it loses electrons.

Oxidation is a chemical process in which a substance reacts with another substance or element, resulting in the loss of electrons from the oxidized substance. In other words, the oxidized substance gives away electrons to another substance or element.

This loss of electrons during oxidation is significant because electrons are negatively charged particles that play a crucial role in chemical reactions. By losing electrons, the oxidized substance becomes positively charged or oxidized.

It's important to note that oxidation doesn't necessarily involve the gain of oxygen atoms. While some reactions involving oxidation do include the addition of oxygen, it is not a defining characteristic of oxidation. The key factor is the loss of electrons, regardless of whether oxygen atoms are involved or not.

A laboratory indicator is a substance that changes color in the presence of an acid or a base. It helps us determine the nature of a solution, whether it is acidic or basic.

Out of the given options, Phenolphthalein is a common laboratory indicator for bases.

Phenolphthalein is a colorless compound that turns pink or purple in the presence of a base. It is widely used because it has a clear and distinct color change, making it easy to identify the presence of a base. When a base is added to a solution containing phenolphthalein, the compound undergoes a chemical reaction and changes its structure, resulting in a change in color.

Methyl orange, on the other hand, is a laboratory indicator for acids. It changes color in the presence of an acid but remains unchanged in the presence of a base.

Bromothymol blue is another laboratory indicator commonly used to test for acids and bases. It turns yellow in the presence of an acid and blue in the presence of a base.

Litmus is a natural dye extracted from lichens. It is a general indicator that turns red in the presence of an acid and blue in the presence of a base.

However, out of the options provided, Phenolphthalein is the specific laboratory indicator commonly used to test for bases.

An electrovalent bond, also known as an ionic bond, is a type of chemical bond that forms between two atoms when one atom transfers electrons to another. This creates a bond between the positively charged ion and the negatively charged ion.

Out of the given compounds, NaCl (sodium chloride) is an example of an electrovalent bond.

In NaCl, a sodium atom transfers one electron to a chlorine atom. This results in the formation of a sodium ion (Na+) and a chlorine ion (Cl-). The sodium ion has a positive charge because it lost an electron and the chlorine ion has a negative charge because it gained an electron.

The opposite charges of the sodium and chlorine ions attract each other, resulting in the formation of a strong electrovalent/ionic bond between them. This bond holds the sodium and chloride ions together to form a crystal lattice structure of sodium chloride.

On the other hand, CO2 (carbon dioxide), H2O (water), and CH4 (methane) do not involve the transfer of electrons between atoms. These compounds have covalent bonds, where electrons are shared between atoms.

Understanding the concept of electrovalent bonds is important because it helps explain the properties and behavior of ionic compounds, such as their high melting and boiling points, solubility in water, and ability to conduct electricity when dissolved or molten.

The process of rusting is an example of the formation of an acidic oxide.

Rusting occurs when iron or steel react with oxygen and moisture in the presence of an electrolyte (such as water or salt). This reaction forms a reddish-brown substance called rust.

Rust is considered an acidic oxide because it reacts with water to form an acid. When moisture is present, iron reacts with oxygen to create iron(III) oxide, which is the main component of rust. This iron oxide reacts further with water to produce hydrated iron(III) oxide and releases H+ ions, making the resulting solution acidic.

For example, the reaction between iron, oxygen, and water can be represented by the following equations:

Iron + Oxygen → Iron(III) Oxide

Fe + O2 → Fe2O3

Iron(III) Oxide + Water → Hydrated Iron(III) Oxide + Acid

Fe2O3 + xH2O → Fe2O3·xH2O + H+

Therefore, it is clear that the formation of rust is an example of the formation of an acidic oxide.

The type of salt found in antacid medications to relieve heartburn and indigestion is magnesium chloride.

Magnesium chloride is used as an active ingredient in antacids because it has the ability to neutralize excess stomach acid. When you have heartburn or indigestion, it means that there is too much acid in your stomach, causing discomfort and a burning sensation.

Magnesium chloride works by reacting with the excess stomach acid to form magnesium hydroxide. This compound, magnesium hydroxide, is a strong base that can effectively neutralize the acid, reducing the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.

By taking antacid medications that contain magnesium chloride, you can help to balance the acidity in your stomach and provide relief from the discomfort caused by excess acid.

The common name for ethanoic acid is acetic acid.

Acetic acid is a clear, colorless liquid with a strong, pungent odor. It is a weak acid commonly found in vinegar, giving it its sour taste and distinct smell. Acetic acid is also used in many industries, such as food production, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning products.

The name "acetic acid" is derived from the Latin word "acetum," which means vinegar. This is because acetic acid is the main component of vinegar.

In summary, the common name for ethanoic acid is acetic acid, which is a weak acid found in vinegar and used in various industries.

The factor that does NOT affect the rate of a chemical reaction is the molecular weight of products.

The rate of a chemical reaction is influenced by various factors, such as:

• Concentration of reactants: Increasing the concentration of reactants leads to more frequent collisions between particles, resulting in a higher reaction rate. The greater the concentration, the faster the reaction.
• Presence of a catalyst: A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed itself. It provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, allowing the reaction to occur more easily and quickly.
• Temperature: Increasing the temperature increases the kinetic energy of the reactant particles. This leads to more frequent and energetic collisions, increasing the likelihood of successful collisions and accelerating the reaction rate.

However, the molecular weight of products does not directly affect the rate of a chemical reaction. The rate of a reaction is determined by the characteristics of the reactants and the conditions in which the reaction takes place, not the molecular weight of the resulting products.

A straight-chain structure in organic chemistry refers to a carbon chain where the carbon atoms are connected in a linear or straight fashion, without any branches or loops.

Among the given options, the alkane that has a straight-chain structure is butane (C4H10).

Butane is composed of four carbon atoms (C4) and ten hydrogen atoms (H10). Its carbon atoms are arranged in a straight or linear chain without any branches.

In contrast, the other options have structures that deviate from a straight-chain. Cyclopentane (C5H10) forms a ring or cyclical structure, Isobutane (C4H10) has a branch coming off the main chain, and Benzene (C6H6) has a cyclic structure.

In summary, only butane (C4H10) has a straight-chain structure among the given options.