MANGU HIGH SCHOOL

NATIONAL SCIENCE CONTEST

Name: ………………………………………….…………………………..……….

School Code: ……………………………………………………………..………..

Subject: Chemistry
Form 2
Time: 1 Hour

Instructions

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

Question
1 - 11
Marks

Student Score =

This paper consists of 9 printed pages candidates should check the question paper to ascertain that all pages are
printed as indicated and that no pages are missing.

Turn Over

National Science Contest ……………………Edition 2025 - Chemistry Form 2 Page 1

1. (a) Distinguish between mass number and atomic number. (2mks)

(b) An element P exists as an isotope, its relative atomic mass is 39.3. It

has three isotopes whose masses are 40, 39 and 38. With a ratio of
5:X:Y respectively. Given that the total ratio is 10. Calculate

i) the value of x and y (2mks)

ii) the (%) percentage abundance of each isotope. (2mks)

2. (a) Complete the table by filling in the missing information for

phosphorus and iron. (2mks)

Ions Number of Number of Number of

protons electrons neutrons
31 3−
15𝑃 15 18

56Fe2+ 30

𝑋 𝑛
𝑌𝑂 8 10 9

(b) Determine the value of x, y and n in (3mks)

𝑋 𝑛
𝑌𝑂

i. X:
ii. Y:
iii. n:

National Science Contest ……………………Edition 2025 - Chemistry Form 2 Page 2

3. (a) What is meant by the term first ionization energy. (1mk)

(b) Compare the first ionization energy of lithium and sodium. Explain
(2mks)

(c) Study the table below showing ionization energy in kJ/mol of some
elements and answer the questions that follow. The letters are not
actual symbols of elements.

Element 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

B 1010 1900 4900 5000 5800
C 940 4800 6300 9100 10000
D 1680 2010 3400 10900 11200

Identify the group to which each element belongs to. Explain (3mks)

i) B

ii) C

iii) D

4. Draw a simple diagram to illustrate simple molecular structure in oxygen

outlining the covalent bond and Van Der Waals forces. (2mks)

National Science Contest ……………………Edition 2025 - Chemistry Form 2 Page 3

5. (a) Paper chromatography of extract gave the following results in table
below.

Solvent Number of Spots

X 4
Y 1
W 2

i) Which solvent is the most suitable for purifying the extract? Explain
(2mks)

ii) The diagram below represents a paper chromatogram of two sugars A

and B. State one property of A that makes it more faster than B
towards the solvent front. (1mk)

 A
 B

b) The information below is about four elements represented by letter A,

B, C and D. Study it and answer the questions that follow.

B reacts with dilute acids but not cold water. C does not react with dilute
acids. D displaces A from it oxides and A reacts with cold water. Arrange
the elements in order of reactivity starting with most reactive.
(2mks)

6. Fractional distillation of liquefied air is usually used to separate various

gases mixtures in air. Explain how to

a) Remove carbon (IV) oxide

b) Remove water

c) Obtain nitrogen

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7. Study the periodic table below and answer the questions

a) i) Give the total number of elements that can be placed in (1mk)

I. Period1 -

II. Period 3 –

b) Place each of the following elements in the grid. (8mks)

i) Element X, whose atomic number is 14.

ii) Element Y, with highest first ionization energy.

iii) Element Z, with the lowest first ionization energy

iv) Element L whose ion L2- has electron arrangement of 2.8

v) Element D whose ion D2+ has electron arrangement 2.8.8.

vi) Element R, a period 3 element that exists as monoatomic gas.

vii) Element Q, the strongest reducing agent

viii) Element A, the strongest oxidizing agent

8. Fill the table below which show how elements are burnt in oxygen.

Element How it burns in Product Name Colour in litmus paper

oxygen in product solution
Sodium
Sulphur
Phosphorus
Carbon
Magnesium
Copper

National Science Contest ……………………Edition 2025 - Chemistry Form 2 Page 5

9. The diagram below shows an experiment carried to study a property of
chlorine water.

a) Name gas X (1mk)

b) Write the equation to show the information of gas X. (1mk)

c) Describe how the identity of gas X can be confirmed in a laboratory.

(1mk)

10. a) The table below shows some properties of two substances. Complete
the table by filling in the type of bond and structures in each
substance. (2mks)

Substance Melting Boiling Electrical conductivity Type of Structure

point oC point oC Solid Molten bond
X -101 -35 Poor Poor
Y 714 1142 Poor Good

b) Explain why water is a liquid at room temperature while hydrogen

sulphide is a gas at room temperature. (2mks)

National Science Contest ……………………Edition 2025 - Chemistry Form 2 Page 6

 c) Carbon and silicon are element in group IV of periodic table, the oxide
of carbon is a gas while oxide of silicon is a solid at room temperature.
(2mks)

d) Name the particles responsible for electrical conductivity in:- (2mks)

i) Magnesium metal

ii) Molten magnesium chloride

11. When a magnesium ribbon is heated in air, the product formed is heavier
than the original ribbon. On the other hand, when potassium manganite
(VII) is heated in air, the product formed is light. Explain the different
observations. (2mks)

12. a) It Is not appropriate to refer to group VIII elements as ‘inert gases’.

Explain giving an example. (2mks)

b) Give one uses of helium. (1mk)

National Science Contest ……………………Edition 2025 - Chemistry Form 2 Page 7