DP Chemistry (first assessment 2025)

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Question EXM.1B.HL.TZ0.1

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Date May Example question Marks available [Maximum mark: 12] Reference code EXM.1B.HL.TZ0.1
Level HL Paper 1B Time zone TZ0
Command term Calculate, Comment, Predict, State, Suggest Question number 1 Adapted from N/A
1.
[Maximum mark: 12]
EXM.1B.HL.TZ0.1

A student investigated the effect of storage time on the iron (II) content of raw spinach using a titration with 0.01M KMnO4 in acid medium.

The equation is:

5Fe+2 (aq) + MnO4 (aq) + 8H+ (aq) →  5Fe+3 (aq) + Mn2+ (aq) + 4H2O (l)

The student acquired the spinach and stored it in the dark in a sealed bag at room temperature. She tested the initial Fe(II) content (Day 1) on 3 samples of 2.0 g each and then each day until day 5. The spinach leaves were roughly torn in pieces and placed in a flask with water for 5 minutes and titrated.

(a)

The student reported the volumes of titrant used per trial for samples collected each day in the following table:

(a.i)

The candidate used a 25 cm3 burette with an uncertainty of ±0.05 cm3. Comment on the uncertainty recorded for the titrant volumes.

[1]

Markscheme

Incorrect AND two readings, uncertainty is ±0.1 ✔

(a.ii)

Calculate the initial % content of Fe2+ in the raw spinach, showing your working.

[3]

Markscheme

«mol» MnO4− «=0.00339 × 0.01» = 3.38 × 10−5 «mol» ✓

«mol MnO4−: mol Fe+2 = 1:5»

«mol» Fe2+ = 1.95 × 10−4

% Fe2+ «= 1.95 × 10−4 × 55.8 × 100/2.0»= 0.47«%» ✓

 

Must show working for the marks.

(a.iii)

The results calculated for the subsequent days are shown.

Comment on the significance of the difference in Fe2+ content measured for day 4 and 5.

[1]

Markscheme

no difference AND uncertainty larger than difference ✔

 

Accept other explanations referred to overlapping.

(b.i)

Suggest two flaws in the design that could have contributed to the random error in the investigation.

[2]

Markscheme

dilute the titrant to use larger volumes «of titrant» ✔

ensure spinach leaf fragments are the same size ✔

(b.ii)

The student did not standardise the KMnO4 solution used for titration. Suggest what type of error this may have caused, giving your reasons.

[1]

Markscheme

systematic error AND all values «equally» inaccurate ✔

(c.i)

The titration of Fe(II) with MnO4 in acid medium is a redox reaction. State the oxidised and reduced species, including their change in oxidation states.


Oxidised: ........................................................................................................................................


Reduced: ........................................................................................................................................

[2]

Markscheme

Oxidised: Fe+2 → Fe+3

Reduced:  Mn7+ → Mn2+

(c.ii)

Spinach contains a large amount of antioxidant compounds, including ascorbic acid and oxalic acid. Predict how this will affect the accuracy of the results, mentioning the type and direction of the error.

[2]

Markscheme

systematic error AND lower accuracy ✔

overestimation of [Fe(II)] ✔