CAIE A-Level Chemistry 4.2.3 Deducing Structure and Bonding

Practise using physical and chemical evidence to infer bonding and structure without relying on formula alone.

Exam points

use melting or boiling point to distinguish simple molecular substances from giant structures
use solid, molten and aqueous conductivity to identify available mobile ions or electrons
combine solubility, hydrolysis and mechanical evidence with physical data before choosing a structure

[Maximum number: 2]

Bismuth is an element in Group 15 of the Periodic Table.

Bismuth reduces water to form bismuth oxide, $\mathrm{Bi}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}$ . A colourless gas that ignites with a squeaky pop also forms.

$\mathrm{Bi}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}$ is a yellow insoluble solid that melts at 1090 K . The molten compound conducts electricity.

Deduce the structure and bonding of $\mathrm{Bi}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}$ . Explain your answer.

All question bank results loaded

4.2.3—The type of structure and bonding present question 1